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Mercy Bay
From award-winning author Billie Dale comes the story of a mothers fight to keep herself and her daughter out of the clutches of the Cosa Nostra and away from an obsessed stepbrother whose feelings are anything but brotherly.
I needed a place no one would know me.
A fresh start. Sanctuary.
And as far from everyone in my past as possible without leaving the country.
The island of Mercy Bay is my new beginning.
I’m a new mother with a colicky baby and no support system. Nights of screaming bring the surly neighbor to my door. Big, brooding, ex-hocky playing, infuriating and hot, Walker Wheler is the baby whisperer. He adores my daughter. Me? Not so much.
I don’t need another man to complicate my life, but I can’t resist Walker. One night of explosive passion, I discover I’m not the only one with secrets.
When the twisted truth comes calling, I learn that no matter how far you run, the past will always find you in the end.
I needed a place no one would know me.
A fresh start. Sanctuary.
And as far from everyone in my past as possible without leaving the country.
The island of Mercy Bay is my new beginning.
I’m a new mother with a colicky baby and no support system. Nights of screaming bring the surly neighbor to my door. Big, brooding, ex-hocky playing, infuriating and hot, Walker Wheler is the baby whisperer. He adores my daughter. Me? Not so much.
I don’t need another man to complicate my life, but I can’t resist Walker. One night of explosive passion, I discover I’m not the only one with secrets.
When the twisted truth comes calling, I learn that no matter how far you run, the past will always find you in the end.
Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2023
7 people want to read
About the author
Billie Dale
20 books107 followersBillie grew up, lives and is lost in Indiana. In the smallest of small towns that is not even worth mentioning. She has 4 children, two dogs, a cat and a husband that deals with a house full of females. He is the perfect book boyfriend and her inspiration.
She spends her time reading, constantly reading, swimming, procrastinating, playing in photoshop and writing. Any other free time is spent with her amazingly sexy, tattooed, serious arm porn having husband, who is the best husband on the planet and her best friend. She loves to live inside the fantasy world that only books can provide and the voices in her head are her chosen confidants.
She spends her time reading, constantly reading, swimming, procrastinating, playing in photoshop and writing. Any other free time is spent with her amazingly sexy, tattooed, serious arm porn having husband, who is the best husband on the planet and her best friend. She loves to live inside the fantasy world that only books can provide and the voices in her head are her chosen confidants.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 12, 2023
This book has it all. Stepbrother, mafia, yummy neighbour. Symon needs to escape and Walker just might provide that escape route. A very good read.
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.
May 9, 2023
After reading the last words I had to let the story sink in for a while.
I thought it was a strong story with a good structure. Where you get sucked into the life of Sarai that is anything but boring! Where everything is not as it seems.
Losing a wonderful father at age 12, facing a new man in her mother's life when she is 18. A stepbrother who wants more than her and who threatens her at the wedding. The introduction to her future husband, a lawyer who has shady business. And finally, after 10 years pregnant while her mother just passed away from cancer.
On her deathbed, her mother tells her a bizarre story; conspiracy stories surrounding the mafia and how deep they both, unknowingly, have sunk into it. Her mother who fears for her life and tries to convince her to disappear under the radar. A story so unbelievable that she doesn't know what to believe until her husband tells her the same thing! And he was killed an hour later!
5 months pregnant and on the run from the mafia and her psychopathic stepbrother, Sarai tries to start a new life with her daughter on a small island. Always on guard and looking over her shoulder she survives the 1st year. But her past catches up with her.....
With the help of the people she met, she tries to stay alive.
I loved Sarai's character. Friendly, strong-willed, unsalted in her opinions and straightforward. Resourceful and protective where I didn't feel her step out of her role for a moment.
A detailed story (in my opinion a bit too detailed and too many sex scenes) in which the other characters are clearly described.
The timeline begins in the past until she becomes aware of Walker's role. Then it flows effortlessly into the here and now. Not a moment of confusion because of that.
All in all, a strong story that keeps you glued to the book until the last sentence. Sometimes too much information that you don't need for the story and too many lovemaking scenes so I skipped these passages.
4*.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I thought it was a strong story with a good structure. Where you get sucked into the life of Sarai that is anything but boring! Where everything is not as it seems.
Losing a wonderful father at age 12, facing a new man in her mother's life when she is 18. A stepbrother who wants more than her and who threatens her at the wedding. The introduction to her future husband, a lawyer who has shady business. And finally, after 10 years pregnant while her mother just passed away from cancer.
On her deathbed, her mother tells her a bizarre story; conspiracy stories surrounding the mafia and how deep they both, unknowingly, have sunk into it. Her mother who fears for her life and tries to convince her to disappear under the radar. A story so unbelievable that she doesn't know what to believe until her husband tells her the same thing! And he was killed an hour later!
5 months pregnant and on the run from the mafia and her psychopathic stepbrother, Sarai tries to start a new life with her daughter on a small island. Always on guard and looking over her shoulder she survives the 1st year. But her past catches up with her.....
With the help of the people she met, she tries to stay alive.
I loved Sarai's character. Friendly, strong-willed, unsalted in her opinions and straightforward. Resourceful and protective where I didn't feel her step out of her role for a moment.
A detailed story (in my opinion a bit too detailed and too many sex scenes) in which the other characters are clearly described.
The timeline begins in the past until she becomes aware of Walker's role. Then it flows effortlessly into the here and now. Not a moment of confusion because of that.
All in all, a strong story that keeps you glued to the book until the last sentence. Sometimes too much information that you don't need for the story and too many lovemaking scenes so I skipped these passages.
4*.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 11, 2023
Whenever this writer comes out with a new book, I’m always eager to read it. Her female characters are usually pretty snarky and strong and the male characters are not total neandertals and have soft underbellies with toughish exteriors.
Unfortunately for me this book did not deliver like I was hoping. While Sarai/Symon is snarky and can hold her own. Walker is broody and does have a soft center for me it was the story that didn’t do these two any justice.
Honestly there was just a little too much description about things that didn’t add any value to the story. The pacing in the beginning was very slow, things did pick up towards the end but at that point the story had settled into a rut and for me there was no way to lift it out.
I do prefer dual POV’s in my story I always feel when the other character is silent that they are just being moved around by the other main character. Towards the end we finally get to hear a bit from Walker which was nice, but again too late for it to really have an impact for me. Due to later revealed facts you can sort of understand why the writer choose to do it that way, I do think there was a way to work around that and it might have made the story play out a little better.
There were a host of characters to keep track of. The plot for me was a bit flimsy and not fully explained. There is a possible trigger warning, the female main character has some physical abuse and an almost assault.
So, while I liked both characters the storyline just wasn’t as fully developed as I have come to expect from this writer.
I received an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
Unfortunately for me this book did not deliver like I was hoping. While Sarai/Symon is snarky and can hold her own. Walker is broody and does have a soft center for me it was the story that didn’t do these two any justice.
Honestly there was just a little too much description about things that didn’t add any value to the story. The pacing in the beginning was very slow, things did pick up towards the end but at that point the story had settled into a rut and for me there was no way to lift it out.
I do prefer dual POV’s in my story I always feel when the other character is silent that they are just being moved around by the other main character. Towards the end we finally get to hear a bit from Walker which was nice, but again too late for it to really have an impact for me. Due to later revealed facts you can sort of understand why the writer choose to do it that way, I do think there was a way to work around that and it might have made the story play out a little better.
There were a host of characters to keep track of. The plot for me was a bit flimsy and not fully explained. There is a possible trigger warning, the female main character has some physical abuse and an almost assault.
So, while I liked both characters the storyline just wasn’t as fully developed as I have come to expect from this writer.
I received an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
May 13, 2023
This is the first book I have read by the author Billie Dale, it was full of secrets, suspense, danger, intrigue, friendships, twists, trust, revelations, emotions, and snarky comments. But at the same time there was some romance in there.
A single mom, protecting her child and running from her past finds Symon finds herself in Mercy Bay. Meanwhile there was someone else who was looking for a safe place, and wouldn’t you know it, they are now neighbors.
As times goes on, the baby does what a baby does, it cries, and cries and cries leaving Symon feeling defeated, and enters her brooding, handsome, amazing neighbor who apparently is the baby whisperer because when he takes her daughter out of her arms, she stops crying.
And so, their relationship starts, but everyone has a past, and her past has shown up and becomes a problem. You cant out run your past, sometimes you have to face it.
Will she be able to put her past behind her and the relationship with Walker continue? Guess you will have to buy the book to find out.
You can read more about this book and more on our blog: https://cuzweread.wordpress.com/2023/...
A single mom, protecting her child and running from her past finds Symon finds herself in Mercy Bay. Meanwhile there was someone else who was looking for a safe place, and wouldn’t you know it, they are now neighbors.
As times goes on, the baby does what a baby does, it cries, and cries and cries leaving Symon feeling defeated, and enters her brooding, handsome, amazing neighbor who apparently is the baby whisperer because when he takes her daughter out of her arms, she stops crying.
And so, their relationship starts, but everyone has a past, and her past has shown up and becomes a problem. You cant out run your past, sometimes you have to face it.
Will she be able to put her past behind her and the relationship with Walker continue? Guess you will have to buy the book to find out.
You can read more about this book and more on our blog: https://cuzweread.wordpress.com/2023/...
May 14, 2023
Sarai is dragged into a Mafia family when her mother remarries. She ends up pregnant, widowed, and on the run to escape/hide from her deranged and obsessed stepbrother. She's strong, snarky, ready to do anything to save her daughter. I loved the appearance of the characters from Seven Mile Forge series, and their willingness to help her without question. Same with her new friends in Mercy Bay. The secrets that abound make her doubt her choices. The story was amazing, kept me on my toes until the very end. I've already recommended it to several bookish friends. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 14, 2023
Secrets, danger, and more made this story interesting. Sarai/Symon had run from danger and found friendship and support. She was trying to be a good mom to her baby, protecting her from the dark past. She was well prepared to protect herself, though things did not work out the way she wanted. Wheeler was attentive and caring with Symon and Brynlee. Then secrets dropped, and questions were raised. As the danger arrived, people showed who they truly were. I found it a bit distracting to have her past in such detail after I became invested in the present side of the story. Overall, this was a good read.
I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.
May 15, 2023
Damn, this book was insanely good, and I loved every minute of it. Sarai/Symon is a strong, independent woman. She's snarky and will do whatever it takes to keep her daughter safe. When her mom remarries, she's drug into this mafia family and ends up with a psycho stepbrother to boot. She ends up pregnant and widowed and finds herself on the run from her obsessed stepbrother. Sarai ends up in the small town of Mercy Bay and that's where she meets Walker. They end up having a super spicy night together, but come morning, things aren't quite like the seem. I'll just leave it at that, but this is one book you won't want to miss.
May 5, 2023
First book that I have read by this author and 5 ⭐️ is not enough!!!
This book had me hooked from page 1, couldn’t put it down until I’d finished it!!!
Sarai (symon) and her baby Brynlee are living in a little town called Mercy Bay, Symon has a hard time leaving Brynlee with anyone due to what she’s running from, but decides one night out won’t hurt so leaves her with Six.
Insert sexy ex hockey player Wheeler Walker and a hot 🥵 night of passion, but………..
Things aren’t quite as they seem come the morning
THIS IS A MUST READ NOW 👌👌👌
This book had me hooked from page 1, couldn’t put it down until I’d finished it!!!
Sarai (symon) and her baby Brynlee are living in a little town called Mercy Bay, Symon has a hard time leaving Brynlee with anyone due to what she’s running from, but decides one night out won’t hurt so leaves her with Six.
Insert sexy ex hockey player Wheeler Walker and a hot 🥵 night of passion, but………..
Things aren’t quite as they seem come the morning
THIS IS A MUST READ NOW 👌👌👌
May 6, 2023
Sarai / Symon is a single mom to an adorable little girl, and she is on the run and settles on the island of Mercy Bay. Walker is Symon’s broody neighbor, who turns into the baby whisperer. What will happen when the past comes back to haunt her? This is a well written story which has secrets, suspense, danger, intrigue, family, friendships, twists, trust, revelations, emotions, humor, witty and snarky banter, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining and steamy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
May 9, 2023
Not for me:
I unfortunately just couldn't get into this book and didn't end up finishing it, which is highly unusual for me. Romantic suspense is my favourite genre and I had high hopes for this. Unfortunately the clumsy, almost juvenile writing and the really slow start made me decide not to stick around until there was perhaps some suspense and action to liven things up. I think this book may perhaps suit a younger audience more but regardless, it wasn't for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I unfortunately just couldn't get into this book and didn't end up finishing it, which is highly unusual for me. Romantic suspense is my favourite genre and I had high hopes for this. Unfortunately the clumsy, almost juvenile writing and the really slow start made me decide not to stick around until there was perhaps some suspense and action to liven things up. I think this book may perhaps suit a younger audience more but regardless, it wasn't for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2023
there really is very little to compare with the laughter and hugs of a baby
when a strong young woman discovers here world was filled with deadly deceits and a power hungry psychopath or two, her efforts to protect herself and her baby grant her exceptional glimpses into lives and people.
people can surprise you. sometimes it is not awful. sometimes you pray for death . sometimes life finds you a different path along the way
steamy a drama packed action and suspense filled adventures with romance, faux and real friends, and rumors of a bear
when a strong young woman discovers here world was filled with deadly deceits and a power hungry psychopath or two, her efforts to protect herself and her baby grant her exceptional glimpses into lives and people.
people can surprise you. sometimes it is not awful. sometimes you pray for death . sometimes life finds you a different path along the way
steamy a drama packed action and suspense filled adventures with romance, faux and real friends, and rumors of a bear
May 11, 2023
Symon has taken her infant daughter and run as far away as she could from her abusive past ending up in Mercy Bay. She is struggling with caring for her daughter which disturbs her grumpy neighbor Walker but as it turns out her daughter takes to him but her troubles are not over. This book has danger, suspense and unexpected romance.
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.
May 12, 2023
Single mom Symon is on the run from a psycho. All she wants is to keep her and her daughter safe. She ends up in a small town, Mercy Bay. Her adorable little girl keeps her up at night crying, which is how she meets her neighbor, Walker.
But there is more to Walker than just being a helpful neighbor. Grab this book and take a ride packed with secrets, romance, and humor, and see if Symon can find peace and her HEA. First time author for me, and I will definitely be looking for the next book.
But there is more to Walker than just being a helpful neighbor. Grab this book and take a ride packed with secrets, romance, and humor, and see if Symon can find peace and her HEA. First time author for me, and I will definitely be looking for the next book.
May 13, 2023
I loved it! I have to admit. I was a little apprehensive at first. I haven't read any books by author Billie Dale be for but boy am I glad I did. And anyone who reads this book will be glad as well. Not only are the characters amazing, yes all of them, but the plot was incredible. I recommend this book to anyone who loves to read romantic suspense novels.
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.
May 17, 2023
This is the fourth book I've read written by Billie Dale; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
She has written another good book. The story is about Symon & Walker; she is a single mom that goes to Mercy Bay to get away from everything but the screaming colicky baby brings the neighbor around. He’s really good with her daughter and before long they get involved.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
She has written another good book. The story is about Symon & Walker; she is a single mom that goes to Mercy Bay to get away from everything but the screaming colicky baby brings the neighbor around. He’s really good with her daughter and before long they get involved.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2023
WOW, what a whirlwind of a story!! I loved every minute of this novel.
Sarai is part of a Mafia family but not by choice when her mother remarries she is instantly part of her new Mafia family. This comes with a whole new set of rules and being a mother to a daughter she is on the run- escaping her obsessed stepbrother.
You could feel the angst and emotion overload and it kept you turning those pages to see where it would lead.
GREAT read!!
Sarai is part of a Mafia family but not by choice when her mother remarries she is instantly part of her new Mafia family. This comes with a whole new set of rules and being a mother to a daughter she is on the run- escaping her obsessed stepbrother.
You could feel the angst and emotion overload and it kept you turning those pages to see where it would lead.
GREAT read!!
May 23, 2023
4 1/2 stars
A suspenseful story with plenty of drama and palpable danger. I liked how the characters were introduced to each other. The scenes between them were well written and enjoyable to read. I loved how he was with the baby. An enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A suspenseful story with plenty of drama and palpable danger. I liked how the characters were introduced to each other. The scenes between them were well written and enjoyable to read. I loved how he was with the baby. An enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 24, 2023
I really enjoyed this storyline. Symon is running from a dark disturbing past. She’s just trying to keep herself and baby safe. I loved the small town feel of this book. Walker was such a well written character. It was a page turner for me.
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.
April 21, 2023
Who doesn't love a woman on the run trying to save herself and her child from a life of suffering and heartache? Only to run far and find a broody alpha/alpha-hole who's main objective is to protect her and her daughter. Full review to come but love the quirky island town and it's citizens.
April 22, 2023
You never know what's going to happen in Sarai's story. Mercy Bay would be a totally awesome place to live, to get away from it all. I would have liked to know what Kylo held against Walker, however I did thoroughly enjoy this book.
May 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this story! It's well written and I love the back story of Sarai life. Walker and Sarai are a great read!!
May 3, 2023
One of the best books I’ve read yet! I loved it and didn’t want to put it down! Walker is the best with the best attitude!
May 14, 2023
A protective hero with secrets. A damsel in distress who's on the run. And a whole lot of action, intrigue, suspense, twists and steam kept the pages turning!
May 22, 2023
This book has everything!! It's a rom com, thriller and just a down right fantastic read. I wasn't sure about this book in the beginning but that quickly changed once I got to chapter 11. So hang in there, this book really gets crazy good. I love the references to music, shows and I especially love Sarai's thoughts. Her comebacks and back talk are hilarious!
I will definitely be reading more by this author.
I will definitely be reading more by this author.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews