Have Mercy by Christina Lee

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

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 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. 

Burning Up (Rainier Family #3) by Ashton Cade

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Sawyer:

The Rainiers are one big happy family. That is, except for me. I keep to myself mostly. When I learned that you can't always trust the people who are supposed to take care of you, I did my best never to rely on anyone.
Except for my stable full of horses. They always understand. That's why I started a therapy program for kids who have issues, like me -- I know the horses can help them too.
When Jason walks in to the paddock, all the parts of me I thought were dead suddenly come alive with a vengeance. I've never been with a man before -- never risked it -- but I want him more than I've ever wanted anyone. Whenever he's around I feel as wild and free as a young stallion, but just as easy to spook. Can I let someone in? Will he break me?

Jason:

I'm taking care of my sister's kid, so I'm pretty much a single dad. And that's wonderful, but it also means I have baggage. I'm just learning what it is to be the main support for someone as alone as Emily. So when moody, brooding Sawyer begins to teach us about horses, we're also learning to love. He's more man than I've ever laid eyes on, and I'm a firefighter. Over six feet of the kind of muscle you can only get by doing hard work, perfectly faded jeans and boots, and the kind of stormy eyes that make me want to never let him go. But I'm part of a package deal these days. My needs come second. Can I trust him to be the man we need?


Burning Up is the third book in the Rainier Family series and can be happily read on its own. 67k words of hot loving, leaving worries behind, Rainiers saving the day, and as always, a whole big, bustling, small-town family waiting for its HEA.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Burning Up, the third book in Ashton Cade's Rainier Family series, is wonderful and riveting.

First, I need to praise Sawyer for the beautiful way he wants to use his horses to help people. Since the horses have helped him, he wants to help others by offering equine therapy. I appreciate this aspect of the story for it's realistic importance of bringing so much tranquility to those to need it. 

When Jason brings his niece to Sawyer's place, the attraction and sizzle between the men is smoking. Both men have their share of baggage, however. 

Jason's an impressive, selfless and loving man, raising his autistic niece, and altering his life completely to meet her needs. 

I can't give enough praise for the way Emily is written. She's autistic and mostly non-verbal. This is written with knowledge, compassion and care. It's beautiful the way she is depicted. Her emotional connection with the horses is remarkable and inspirational.

As we learn more about Sawyer, my heart aches for him. He's had a tragic past and continues to struggle to move forward with his life. He's guarded and pretty reclusive for a good reason. The way that he allows Jason to bring him out of his shell is captivating and irresistible.

Essentially, Burning Up is a tender story of two men who help one another to move forward with their lives, to take chances, and to accept another into their world.