Julian North
My whole world changed with one roadside bomb and an honorable discharge. Not even the city I used to love can ease the restlessness inside me. I don’t expect visiting my cousin Sienna’s farm to do the trick either, but the change of scenery can’t hurt. Wyoming isn’t what I expected—from the mischievous pig following me around, to the rescue horse I’ve become strangely fascinated with. And then there’s Kerry, the handsome, brooding cowboy, who somehow calms the storm inside me—and just happens to be Sienna’s ex-husband.
Kerry Carmichael
I’ve had a rough go of it since I came out—disappointing my family, the divorce, and the blow of my daughter’s illness. Things are settling down now, my kiddo is healthy, and Sienna and I are finally on solid ground. Not everyone accepts me, but I’ve owned my truth, even if I spend my life solo. Only, now that Julian’s here, I’m not so lonesome anymore. He’s a kindred spirit. First as someone to talk to, then as…more. The first time I hold him through one of his nightmares, I feel a rightness I never expected to find.
We know this’ll end with the summer, but with every stolen kiss against the stable walls, with every heated or tender moment, I fall deeper. The reality is, I can’t risk my family or the business by going public with him. I know this can never last and that Julian doesn’t belong here. So why does it feel like he already does?
My whole world changed with one roadside bomb and an honorable discharge. Not even the city I used to love can ease the restlessness inside me. I don’t expect visiting my cousin Sienna’s farm to do the trick either, but the change of scenery can’t hurt. Wyoming isn’t what I expected—from the mischievous pig following me around, to the rescue horse I’ve become strangely fascinated with. And then there’s Kerry, the handsome, brooding cowboy, who somehow calms the storm inside me—and just happens to be Sienna’s ex-husband.
Kerry Carmichael
I’ve had a rough go of it since I came out—disappointing my family, the divorce, and the blow of my daughter’s illness. Things are settling down now, my kiddo is healthy, and Sienna and I are finally on solid ground. Not everyone accepts me, but I’ve owned my truth, even if I spend my life solo. Only, now that Julian’s here, I’m not so lonesome anymore. He’s a kindred spirit. First as someone to talk to, then as…more. The first time I hold him through one of his nightmares, I feel a rightness I never expected to find.
We know this’ll end with the summer, but with every stolen kiss against the stable walls, with every heated or tender moment, I fall deeper. The reality is, I can’t risk my family or the business by going public with him. I know this can never last and that Julian doesn’t belong here. So why does it feel like he already does?
My Rating - 5 Stars!
Have Mercy is a spectacular standalone cowboy romance by Christina Lee. It has cowboys, horses, and romance galore.
I absolutely adore Julian and Kerry. Both are broken, at changing point in their lives, just being who they need to be while trying to survive. Don't worry though, it's not overly heavy. There is plenty of light hearted and sweet moments to lighten things up.
Julian's an ex marine who's suffering from some major PTSD. Meanwhile, Kerry is a cowboy who's trying to be the father he needs to be to his child, while dealing with the effects of having come out.
Kerry's backstory is heartbreaking, leaving him and his ex dealing with trying to heal their daughter, Ainsley, through equine therapy. It's well explored, with both the therapy and the therapist adding immensely to the tale.
There are many, many amazing moments that touch my heart during this book. First there's Julian and the horse Mercy, who he just connects with naturally. Seeing them heal one another is beautiful. Then there's the way Kerry helps with Julian's PTSD, just helping to ground him and bring him back to the present. I was truly touched by this aspect.
These are two men who have been living lives that left them feeling uncomfortable. Two men finding their new place in the world. Of course, they are also attracted to one another, but Kerry is only in town temporarily.
As for the woman who brought them together, Sienna, she is wonderful. Adding to the fun is the fact that she's Kerry's ex and Julian's cousin. How's that for a forbidden aspect?
Written in alternating 1st person pov, both men fully come alive, with their feelings jumping off the pages. The characters are caring and lovable, perfectly fitting together. Their story is beautiful as they move from strangers to friends to more. The setting is atmospheric, with everything easily imagined and the animals coming to life.
Have Mercy is a truly touching book. Christina Lee always keeps me intrigued throughout and this one is no different. I was sad to see it end.
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