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Mercy and Control
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy
It is always exciting to jump into a completely new world and discover a new author
This book is packed with so many intricate details, and the twists and turns are absolutely mind-blowing! I can’t wait to tell you how it will keep you on the edge of your seat, filled with suspense.
The story revolves around the Saintless sons, who were raised in a religious cult where, at around the age of 15, they faced a sort of sacrificial expulsion.
Even though the Saintless Sons weren’t the typical gun-toting outlaws that most people think of when they hear 'MCs', they still got involved in some shady stuff.
Kai was a hitman, Z was always up to something on the dark web, and they all had tempers that could rival the Incredible Hulk. That’s why they had Michael, their lawyer, on retainer. Interestingly, Michael was also one of the sacrificed, but he opted for college and law school instead.
These guys weren’t perfect, and they certainly weren’t saints, but in my eyes, they genuinely tried to support those who had been expelled. They didn’t want those boys to feel alone or scared during such a tough time.
Jade was escaping her violent past. She never thought she'd settle down for long, but something about Mercy Hollow drew her in.
Neo is the President of the Saintless Sons, and let me tell you, the guy has a heart of gold. There's something about Jade that brings out his possessive side...
I won't lie; I usually don't enjoy the whole wham bam thank you ma'am type of books. It might have seemed at first like this was going to be one of those, but trust me, it definitely wasn't.
The characters in this narrative have endured abuse each in Different ways, making them true survivors. Their journey explores the concepts of independence, recovery, and the journey of regaining their personal power.
I would totally recommend this book, no doubt about it!
And yes, I'm definitely going to grab the next installment! And thankfully book two will be released sometime in September of this year
March 9, 2026
I received this book as an arc through booksirens for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was my second arc from this author, and I enjoyed every bit of both of them.
I think this was my first book where the mmc was a part of a gang, and I was sort of expecting it to be similar to a mafia romance. I was wrong.
It was a lot different because the people in the gang would be all close to each other so it gave like a giant family/ huge friend group vibes, and I was here for all of it.
There were a couple scenes that I found to be cringe, but let’s be real here. That’s what we’re here for.
I absolutely devoured this book and will definitely read any more of this author’s books if given the chance.
Enjoy 😘
This was my second arc from this author, and I enjoyed every bit of both of them.
I think this was my first book where the mmc was a part of a gang, and I was sort of expecting it to be similar to a mafia romance. I was wrong.
It was a lot different because the people in the gang would be all close to each other so it gave like a giant family/ huge friend group vibes, and I was here for all of it.
There were a couple scenes that I found to be cringe, but let’s be real here. That’s what we’re here for.
I absolutely devoured this book and will definitely read any more of this author’s books if given the chance.
Enjoy 😘
Review of advance copy received from Author
What Worked Well
The "Protective Outlaw" Dynamic: The core of this book is the raw, gritty protection offered by the Saintless Sons. Unlike traditional heroes, Neo and his brothers don't offer "gentle" safety; they offer a brutal sort of sanctuary that feels earned and grounded.
Compelling Leads: Jade is a refreshing protagonist—she’s making choices with her eyes wide open. She isn't a passive damsel; she is actively choosing the "lesser of two evils" to survive. Neo is a classic dark romance lead: stoic, observant, and intensely focused.
Atmosphere and Pacing: The author does a fantastic job building the tension in Mercy Hollow. You can feel the weight of the "quiet" danger that builds as Jade and Neo’s connection deepens.
Satisfying Conclusion: As a standalone within a series, it’s incredibly satisfying to have a complete arc. The lack of a cliffhanger allows the romance to feel settled even as the world of the Saintless Sons continues to expand.
Final Verdict
Mercy and Control is a gripping start to a new series. It’s perfect for readers who love gritty romantic suspense, "forced proximity" tropes, and heroes who are willing to burn the world down to keep their partner safe. If you enjoy stories where the "bad guys" are the only ones you can trust, this is a must-read.
The "Protective Outlaw" Dynamic: The core of this book is the raw, gritty protection offered by the Saintless Sons. Unlike traditional heroes, Neo and his brothers don't offer "gentle" safety; they offer a brutal sort of sanctuary that feels earned and grounded.
Compelling Leads: Jade is a refreshing protagonist—she’s making choices with her eyes wide open. She isn't a passive damsel; she is actively choosing the "lesser of two evils" to survive. Neo is a classic dark romance lead: stoic, observant, and intensely focused.
Atmosphere and Pacing: The author does a fantastic job building the tension in Mercy Hollow. You can feel the weight of the "quiet" danger that builds as Jade and Neo’s connection deepens.
Satisfying Conclusion: As a standalone within a series, it’s incredibly satisfying to have a complete arc. The lack of a cliffhanger allows the romance to feel settled even as the world of the Saintless Sons continues to expand.
Final Verdict
Mercy and Control is a gripping start to a new series. It’s perfect for readers who love gritty romantic suspense, "forced proximity" tropes, and heroes who are willing to burn the world down to keep their partner safe. If you enjoy stories where the "bad guys" are the only ones you can trust, this is a must-read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jade is running, at last she found the strength to escape a cruel reality that made her feel miserable. The pain she carried was so deep that it turned her into a guarded and closed off person, she does not trust easily anymore, and honestly she has every reason to feel that way.
Now she has arrived somewhere new, a place where things seem different, a place that feels safe, she has found people willing to protect her and, most importantly, a man she slowly dares to trust, even though doing so means placing her heart on a fragile line.
Neo also carries a past he chose to leave behind, he walked away from it and built his own destiny, together with the men who stand beside him, he created a safe place, a space where everyone could find protection, freedom, and the chance to be themselves. Yet Jade’s arrival awakens something inside him, she stirs emotions he was never prepared for and makes him want something deeper, something worth fighting even harder for.
Both of them carry painful scars from the lives they escaped, those wounds did not disappear, and to protect themselves they built walls around their hearts, still, they managed to find safety in each other, at first there was fear, fear of opening up, fear of losing everything they had worked so hard to build. Little by little Jade begins to trust Neo, she starts seeing the man behind the leader who carries the weight of keeping everyone safe, she sees the man capable of giving her love and security, the man who reminds her that she is strong and worthy, through him she understands that love can bring both protection and freedom.
Jade changes Neo as well, with her he finds a place where he can feel loved, where he can finally allow someone into his life and into his heart, she shows him that he can open himself to someone, that he can be both the fierce protector and the man who loves with everything he has, at times his protective side becomes intense, yet Jade understands that protecting the people he loves is simply part of who he is.
Just when happiness finally seems within reach, Jade’s past and the threats surrounding the club return and put everything at risk, as president, Neo must make difficult choices to keep everyone safe, that responsibility has always been his, yet now the fight feels even more personal because he must also protect the woman who has become his entire world. Jade understands the weight of those decisions, even when she sometimes feels confined by the need for safety, she knows his actions come from a place of protection, both of them realize that the only way to survive what lies ahead is to trust each other completely.
The final chapters were incredibly intense, there was tension, emotional moments, and a time when Neo truly believed he might lose everything, yet Jade proves she is a warrior in her own right and faces every challenge until the very end. Neo, in turn, would burn the world down just to see her safe, their journey is not easy, they open their hearts slowly, carefully, step by step.
In the end they discover in each other love, safety, protection, and something even more meaningful, a family, Jade finds a family that will stand beside her and protect her no matter what, she also gains amazing friends, and every moment with that group brings warmth and humor, watching her grow stronger, seeing her confidence return, and witnessing her trust Neo more and more was one of the best parts of the story.
Neo already had a family through the club, yet Jade completes something that was missing, for the first time he allows himself to fully feel and follow his emotions, he opens his heart and lets her help heal some of the wounds he carried for so long. His devotion to Jade is powerful and deeply moving, his protective nature may sometimes go a little too far, yet it is also his way of showing how deeply he loves her, his own character growth throughout the story was just as compelling to watch.
In the end everything comes together for them, I truly loved this story and also grew attached to every member of the club. And the journey is not over yet, the club now faces a new challenge ahead. I have to admit I am very excited to see where the story will go next things will not be easy but this group has already proven that they will stand and fight against anyone who threatens their family. So I am more than ready to see what comes next. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Now she has arrived somewhere new, a place where things seem different, a place that feels safe, she has found people willing to protect her and, most importantly, a man she slowly dares to trust, even though doing so means placing her heart on a fragile line.
Neo also carries a past he chose to leave behind, he walked away from it and built his own destiny, together with the men who stand beside him, he created a safe place, a space where everyone could find protection, freedom, and the chance to be themselves. Yet Jade’s arrival awakens something inside him, she stirs emotions he was never prepared for and makes him want something deeper, something worth fighting even harder for.
Both of them carry painful scars from the lives they escaped, those wounds did not disappear, and to protect themselves they built walls around their hearts, still, they managed to find safety in each other, at first there was fear, fear of opening up, fear of losing everything they had worked so hard to build. Little by little Jade begins to trust Neo, she starts seeing the man behind the leader who carries the weight of keeping everyone safe, she sees the man capable of giving her love and security, the man who reminds her that she is strong and worthy, through him she understands that love can bring both protection and freedom.
Jade changes Neo as well, with her he finds a place where he can feel loved, where he can finally allow someone into his life and into his heart, she shows him that he can open himself to someone, that he can be both the fierce protector and the man who loves with everything he has, at times his protective side becomes intense, yet Jade understands that protecting the people he loves is simply part of who he is.
Just when happiness finally seems within reach, Jade’s past and the threats surrounding the club return and put everything at risk, as president, Neo must make difficult choices to keep everyone safe, that responsibility has always been his, yet now the fight feels even more personal because he must also protect the woman who has become his entire world. Jade understands the weight of those decisions, even when she sometimes feels confined by the need for safety, she knows his actions come from a place of protection, both of them realize that the only way to survive what lies ahead is to trust each other completely.
The final chapters were incredibly intense, there was tension, emotional moments, and a time when Neo truly believed he might lose everything, yet Jade proves she is a warrior in her own right and faces every challenge until the very end. Neo, in turn, would burn the world down just to see her safe, their journey is not easy, they open their hearts slowly, carefully, step by step.
In the end they discover in each other love, safety, protection, and something even more meaningful, a family, Jade finds a family that will stand beside her and protect her no matter what, she also gains amazing friends, and every moment with that group brings warmth and humor, watching her grow stronger, seeing her confidence return, and witnessing her trust Neo more and more was one of the best parts of the story.
Neo already had a family through the club, yet Jade completes something that was missing, for the first time he allows himself to fully feel and follow his emotions, he opens his heart and lets her help heal some of the wounds he carried for so long. His devotion to Jade is powerful and deeply moving, his protective nature may sometimes go a little too far, yet it is also his way of showing how deeply he loves her, his own character growth throughout the story was just as compelling to watch.
In the end everything comes together for them, I truly loved this story and also grew attached to every member of the club. And the journey is not over yet, the club now faces a new challenge ahead. I have to admit I am very excited to see where the story will go next things will not be easy but this group has already proven that they will stand and fight against anyone who threatens their family. So I am more than ready to see what comes next. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Read
March 12, 2026In "Mercy and Control," Jenilee Wallace masterfully navigates the treacherous waters of power, morality, and romantic tension, delivering a dark romance that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally charged.
The Plot: A High-Stakes Game of Cat and Mouse
The story centers on a gripping dynamic between two formidable leads whose lives collide in a world where "mercy" is a luxury few can afford and "control" is the ultimate currency. Wallace wastes no time plunging the reader into a high-stakes environment where every decision carries the weight of life or death. The pacing is relentless, expertly balancing moments of quiet, simmering tension with explosive action.
Characters: Complexity in the Shadows
The true brilliance of the novel lies in its character development:
The Protagonists: Wallace crafts characters who are neither wholly heroes nor villains. Their internal struggles with their own darker impulses make them deeply relatable despite their extreme circumstances.
The Chemistry: The "enemies-to-lovers" (or perhaps "adversaries-to-allies") arc is handled with remarkable nuance. The power struggle between the leads is palpable, making their eventual moments of vulnerability feel earned and profound.
Themes: The Duality of Power
As the title suggests, the book explores the delicate balance between showing compassion and maintaining dominance. Wallace poses difficult questions:
Can one lead effectively without sacrificing their humanity?
Is control an illusion in the face of unpredictable emotion?
These philosophical undercurrents elevate the book from a standard romance to a compelling character study.
Writing Style: Atmospheric and Evocative
Wallace’s prose is sharp and evocative. She has a gift for "showing, not telling," using atmospheric descriptions to build a world that feels both gritty and glamorous. The dialogue is particularly noteworthy—witty, biting, and layered with subtext.
Final Verdict
"Mercy and Control" is a standout in the dark romance genre. It is a story about the masks we wear and the people who force us to take them off. Whether you are drawn in by the intricate plot or the magnetic chemistry between the leads, you will find yourself captivated until the very last page.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A must-read for fans of psychological tension and complex, adult romance.
The Plot: A High-Stakes Game of Cat and Mouse
The story centers on a gripping dynamic between two formidable leads whose lives collide in a world where "mercy" is a luxury few can afford and "control" is the ultimate currency. Wallace wastes no time plunging the reader into a high-stakes environment where every decision carries the weight of life or death. The pacing is relentless, expertly balancing moments of quiet, simmering tension with explosive action.
Characters: Complexity in the Shadows
The true brilliance of the novel lies in its character development:
The Protagonists: Wallace crafts characters who are neither wholly heroes nor villains. Their internal struggles with their own darker impulses make them deeply relatable despite their extreme circumstances.
The Chemistry: The "enemies-to-lovers" (or perhaps "adversaries-to-allies") arc is handled with remarkable nuance. The power struggle between the leads is palpable, making their eventual moments of vulnerability feel earned and profound.
Themes: The Duality of Power
As the title suggests, the book explores the delicate balance between showing compassion and maintaining dominance. Wallace poses difficult questions:
Can one lead effectively without sacrificing their humanity?
Is control an illusion in the face of unpredictable emotion?
These philosophical undercurrents elevate the book from a standard romance to a compelling character study.
Writing Style: Atmospheric and Evocative
Wallace’s prose is sharp and evocative. She has a gift for "showing, not telling," using atmospheric descriptions to build a world that feels both gritty and glamorous. The dialogue is particularly noteworthy—witty, biting, and layered with subtext.
Final Verdict
"Mercy and Control" is a standout in the dark romance genre. It is a story about the masks we wear and the people who force us to take them off. Whether you are drawn in by the intricate plot or the magnetic chemistry between the leads, you will find yourself captivated until the very last page.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A must-read for fans of psychological tension and complex, adult romance.
March 13, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
I like to meet new authors and some new world and I always hope to find something that will knock me off my feet and whose books I will continue to read in the future.
This book basically met all my expectations because it had a good story, I liked where the story was going, but…
I don't know if it's up to me, but I simply couldn't connect with the characters, somehow everything was too much for me and basically nothing concrete.
For example I expected that more of the story would be based on the victims of the cult (because that is the beginning of the book) or that some secondary characters would have a clearer role (eg why they are there, who sent them, what is their goal, etc.). Basically, everything was kind of rushed and boring in some parts and I couldn't wait for it to end.
This does not mean that the book is bad, but I simply did not like it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I like to meet new authors and some new world and I always hope to find something that will knock me off my feet and whose books I will continue to read in the future.
This book basically met all my expectations because it had a good story, I liked where the story was going, but…
I don't know if it's up to me, but I simply couldn't connect with the characters, somehow everything was too much for me and basically nothing concrete.
For example I expected that more of the story would be based on the victims of the cult (because that is the beginning of the book) or that some secondary characters would have a clearer role (eg why they are there, who sent them, what is their goal, etc.). Basically, everything was kind of rushed and boring in some parts and I couldn't wait for it to end.
This does not mean that the book is bad, but I simply did not like it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
So close to a 4.5-star read. This MC romance contains far more than just spicy romance—there are strong side plots that carried real heart and genuinely intrigued me. There’s found family galore, and not the fake kind, but the gritty, real kind, full of love. The writing felt authentic, and the character moments were hilarious—because honestly, who doesn’t dance while cleaning? I loved this book and found myself invested in their world, not just their story. However, where it lost me a little was the initial romance. It moved very fast for the MMC, and I would have loved more moments of ice-breaking, flirting, and openness between the two. Later on, it feels much more natural. That said, this is purely personal preference, and it’s still absolutely worth the read
Review of advance copy
I loved this book! I have the biggest spot in my heart for an MC romance. I appreciated being able to follow the FMC's growth as she opens herself up to trust again after everything that she has been through. I also thought that the Cult plot was really interesting. I feel like I was able to fall in love with the side characters because of the backstory and the context provided. The only thing that I had any notes on was that because the road names and real names were used so often, it got a little confusing. By the end of the book, i was able to have all the names down and would read the next one. I am so happy that I was able to read this book for free as an ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
I just want to state that I received this book in the format of an Advanced Reader Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I absolutely adored this book. I love how much of a family the MC club is and how that is shown continuously through the book. All the characters have a personality which intrigues you which I was so happy about. I read this in 1 day, 2 sessions total, because I was so hooked on it. I did struggle in the beginning to remember which club name fit which person, but I did end up managing. I cannot wait to read the next book. There were so many small, profound bits in this book, things people said, that really got you thinking. I really liked that about this book. I did think the main characters' relationship could have developed more slowly though.
I absolutely adored this book. I love how much of a family the MC club is and how that is shown continuously through the book. All the characters have a personality which intrigues you which I was so happy about. I read this in 1 day, 2 sessions total, because I was so hooked on it. I did struggle in the beginning to remember which club name fit which person, but I did end up managing. I cannot wait to read the next book. There were so many small, profound bits in this book, things people said, that really got you thinking. I really liked that about this book. I did think the main characters' relationship could have developed more slowly though.
Review of advance copy
I could not finish this book. I had to stop less than a fourth of the way through. The plot was promising; kids escaping from a religious cult and a FMC running from an abusive husband. It is a dark romance with explicit scenes and a biker gang involved in illegal activities…all things I enjoy. But I have a real problem with redundant wording, and grammatical errors. While I didn’t find any grammar mistakes (thank goodness!), certain words were repeated so much it was mind numbing. I couldn’t even enjoy the story. But that’s just me. If you don’t mind the same word being used in almost every other sentence and big bad macho motorcycle guys acting silly and cutesy, then you may really enjoy this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mercy And Control is book 1 in the Saintless Sons series. This is an intense, intriguing story about a group of boys that were sacrificed as children and turned out of the community/cult they were born into. They sought the ones cast out and in Mercy Hollow they formed the Saintless Sons. Then Jade comes to town running from her past. This shakes things up a bit, but the club is there to help as always. This club is growing quickly with intakes.This story is absolutely consuming in every aspect. It's dramatic and pulls you in quickly. It's going to be an interesting journey with the Saintless Sons.
Read
March 9, 2026This book was unexpected. After reading all the warnings/cautions, I was wondering if it would be too much - not one for a lot of violence,etc. I found myself lost in the story after the initial chapters (the hard part). I wanted to keep reading (and I did) until I reached the end. I found myself really engaged with the characters and their story, I will definitely read it again because I wasn't able to totally keep everyone's name straight, lol.
I received an advance review copy for free, thank you Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, thank you Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received book from the author as an ARC.
This book was amazingly written! I love a good book that has a motorcycle club in it ( Sons Of Anarchy vibes 😋)
The connection Jade has with Neo is amazing. Love at first sight is my weakness!
The nickname he gives her, baby girl? One of my favourites!
& a cliffhanger? i need the next book pronto!
Thank you for letting me read it early and i cannot wait to see what happens next with the Saintless Sons 🥰
This book was amazingly written! I love a good book that has a motorcycle club in it ( Sons Of Anarchy vibes 😋)
The connection Jade has with Neo is amazing. Love at first sight is my weakness!
The nickname he gives her, baby girl? One of my favourites!
& a cliffhanger? i need the next book pronto!
Thank you for letting me read it early and i cannot wait to see what happens next with the Saintless Sons 🥰
Review of advance copy received from Author
Amazing! Neo and Jade were everything. What a start to a series. Such a great plot. Such an amazing storyline with several angles to take. Loved Neo as the leader, both strong and protective of those he loves. Loved Jade, choosing to find her way after deep trauma. Well written passion. Complex characters bright laughter, tears, real connection. So good!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mercy and Control is a gripping start to a new series. It is a dark romance with explicit scenes and a biker gang involved in illegal activities. It is gritty with suspense, forced proximity, trust issues, Alpha-holes, touch her & die vibes. The ending leaves you wanting more and impatiently waiting for the next book.. the only issue I had was some words were repetitive over and over
March 24, 2026
This was a new series by the author. It was a good read, definitely not what I expected but still really good. The book was full of twists and turns that keeps you reading. Would definitely recommend giving this book a try.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An excellent read, i absolutely loved Neo and Jade’s story ❤️❤️❤️ full of loveable characters, a family atmosphere that protects when dealing with dangerous situations. A definite page turner and very entertaining. 100% recommend this book to everyone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ you will not be disappointed 😎🖤
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