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Buchanan-Renard #2
Mercy
#1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Garwood takes readers from New Orleans' exclusive Garden District to the backwoods of Louisiana's mysterious bayou country in an unforgettable novel of passion and suspense that cuts straight to the heart.
When esteemed Justice Department attorney Theo Buchanan is struck ill at a New Orleans gala, Dr. Michelle Renard works fast to save his life. Soon, Theo finds himself in a race to save her when Michelle is targeted by a deadly crime ring. They call themselves the Sowing Club, a devious foursome driven by greed to accumulate millions in a secret bank account. Now they're dead set on silencing Michelle, who might know the secret behind the killing of one of their wives. Dodging a world-class hit man and a band of cunning criminals, Michelle and Theo walk a narrow path between passion and survival.
When esteemed Justice Department attorney Theo Buchanan is struck ill at a New Orleans gala, Dr. Michelle Renard works fast to save his life. Soon, Theo finds himself in a race to save her when Michelle is targeted by a deadly crime ring. They call themselves the Sowing Club, a devious foursome driven by greed to accumulate millions in a secret bank account. Now they're dead set on silencing Michelle, who might know the secret behind the killing of one of their wives. Dodging a world-class hit man and a band of cunning criminals, Michelle and Theo walk a narrow path between passion and survival.
454 pages, Paperback
First published September 11, 2001
1,215 people are currently reading
5,290 people want to read
About the author
Julie Garwood
177books12.4kfollowersWith more than 35 million books in print and 26 NEW YORK TIMES bestsellers, Julie Garwood has earned a position among America's favorite fiction writers.
Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Ms. Garwood attributes much of her success to growing up in a large family of Irish heritage. "The Irish are great storytellers who relish getting all of the details and nuances of every situation. Add in the fact that I was the sixth of seven children. Early in life, I learned that self expression had to be forceful, imaginative, and quick," says Ms. Garwood.
She began her writing career when the youngest of her three children entered school. After the publications of two young-adult books, she turned her talents to historical fiction. Her first novel, GENTLE WARRIOR, was published by Pocket Books in 1985. Since then, she has branched into other genres including contemporary romantic suspense. Today, her name appears regularly on the bestseller lists of every major publication in the country, and her books are translated into dozens of languages around the world. Her bestselling novel FOR THE ROSES was adapted for the HALLMARK HALL OF FAME television movie ROSE HILL.
Ms. Garwood lives in Leawood, KS and is currently working on her next novel.
Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Ms. Garwood attributes much of her success to growing up in a large family of Irish heritage. "The Irish are great storytellers who relish getting all of the details and nuances of every situation. Add in the fact that I was the sixth of seven children. Early in life, I learned that self expression had to be forceful, imaginative, and quick," says Ms. Garwood.
She began her writing career when the youngest of her three children entered school. After the publications of two young-adult books, she turned her talents to historical fiction. Her first novel, GENTLE WARRIOR, was published by Pocket Books in 1985. Since then, she has branched into other genres including contemporary romantic suspense. Today, her name appears regularly on the bestseller lists of every major publication in the country, and her books are translated into dozens of languages around the world. Her bestselling novel FOR THE ROSES was adapted for the HALLMARK HALL OF FAME television movie ROSE HILL.
Ms. Garwood lives in Leawood, KS and is currently working on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 734 reviews
June 16, 2016
Mercy by Julie Garwood is such an elaborate story of lies and deceit, murder and trickery. I loved every minute of it. The story starts with meeting the sewing club. A group that is working to skim funds any way they can to reach their financial goal. Once they reach the goal, then they will divide the money and disappear. They had no doubt they could pull it off.
When John's wife becomes to annoying for him, he arranges with the others to hit someone for a mercy killing. They find out it is a con and then everything starts to fall apart.
The revenge of the dead wife is delicious. He certainly deserved that fate.
When Theo Buchanan comes to Bowen Louisiana he is met with a hilarious welcome. The townspeople have plans for him and they make not bones about it. He is there to fish and visit with Mike Renard. He liked her ever since she saved his life at that party they both attended.
The romance of Theo and Mike, now known as Michelle, is adorable. They are both drawn to each other, but they know it can't work. They live in two different states. But boy do they want it to. It is fun to read their interaction and conversations.
The dead wife has sent a package to her relatives and expects them to be able to stop her husband from getting off scott free. She wants him to suffer.
The writing is divine. I laughed at the way the family acted about Theo being in town. I laughed at the misunderstanding of the young people of the town. It has some great comical moments.
However, when the story got intense the writing was just as good in the serious and dangerous telling. I was glad to give this book a full 5 stars.
When John's wife becomes to annoying for him, he arranges with the others to hit someone for a mercy killing. They find out it is a con and then everything starts to fall apart.
The revenge of the dead wife is delicious. He certainly deserved that fate.
When Theo Buchanan comes to Bowen Louisiana he is met with a hilarious welcome. The townspeople have plans for him and they make not bones about it. He is there to fish and visit with Mike Renard. He liked her ever since she saved his life at that party they both attended.
The romance of Theo and Mike, now known as Michelle, is adorable. They are both drawn to each other, but they know it can't work. They live in two different states. But boy do they want it to. It is fun to read their interaction and conversations.
The dead wife has sent a package to her relatives and expects them to be able to stop her husband from getting off scott free. She wants him to suffer.
The writing is divine. I laughed at the way the family acted about Theo being in town. I laughed at the misunderstanding of the young people of the town. It has some great comical moments.
However, when the story got intense the writing was just as good in the serious and dangerous telling. I was glad to give this book a full 5 stars.
January 1, 2015
★★★★� (This is a review of the audiobook.) I’ve never heard a performance by � and it is truly a performance she gives � but this won’t be my last time. She was fantastic! Ms. Traister does a wonderful job on the southern Louisiana Cajun accents. I am sure they would be much thicker in Real Life, but they do need to be understandable on audio.
I really felt Michelle’s father came alive in the audio, much more than on the printed page. Before, when I just read them, I didn’t appreciate all the subtle humor inherent in his voice for some of his scenes. I think Michelle’s voice as a little girl didn’t sound childish enough, but why quibble? Still, I liked her softening accent as she moved away from home, becoming Dr. Michelle Renard; nevertheless, it reappears when she’s interacting with her family. Especially when they push her buttons! LOL! I think most people do this in Real Life.
I also didn’t even think to put Theo Buchanan, attorney for the Justice Department, with a Boston accent, but **smacks forehead** surely he’d have one. She manages to make him sound cynical, worldly, and sexy.
Overall, Ms. Traister’s pacing, inflections, as well as her differentiation were spot-on, kicking it up a notch, from four stars to five.
I love that is releasing some of her books out on audio and they are finding such wonderful narrators. Her books deserve them!
Really, these characters came so alive, I just didn’t want this book to end.
September 7, 2022
Dr. Michelle Renard returns home to her hometown of Bowen, Louisiana to open a clinic for the small town. Weeks earlier, she had met Theo Buchanan, a US Attorney, in New Orleans when she performed an emergency appendectomy on him that saved his life. He decided to take some time off after his recuperation and took her father, Big Daddy Jake, up on his offer for some great fishing. Though not willing to admit it, he had more than fishing on his mind. His timing couldn't have been better since some pretty nasty people had an aim on the doctor.
Garwood has crafted an excellent story of romance, suspense and out and out hilarity in this second installment of the Buchanan-Renard series. I was unprepared to laugh so much and that was a welcome surprise. Michelle and Theo make a great couple and the people of Bowen work hard to make their relationship a reality. While the antagonists of the story are revealed early on, this part of the storyline was still suspenseful and interesting, with some unexpected twists.
I really liked this book and hated to reach the end. It's well written with great dialogue and perfect timing.
Garwood has crafted an excellent story of romance, suspense and out and out hilarity in this second installment of the Buchanan-Renard series. I was unprepared to laugh so much and that was a welcome surprise. Michelle and Theo make a great couple and the people of Bowen work hard to make their relationship a reality. While the antagonists of the story are revealed early on, this part of the storyline was still suspenseful and interesting, with some unexpected twists.
I really liked this book and hated to reach the end. It's well written with great dialogue and perfect timing.
March 1, 2023
Justice Department Attorney Theo Buchanan met the girl of his dreams when his appendix nearly burst. If Dr. Michelle Renard hadn't noticed how sick he was at the party where he was guest speaker, Theo could have died. Now he has recovered and has decided to take some time off and visit the Louisiana bayou after Michelle's father, Big Daddy Jake, invited him to go fishing. When Theo arrives in the small town, he learns that someone has broken into Michelle's clinic and smashed everything. Michelle doesn't understand why someone would do this. She doesn't keep drugs on the premises. When someone comes gunning for Michelle and Theo, they are running for their lives with a band of gunmen hot on their heels.
I thought this book was a big improvement over the previous book in the series. A group of four friends calling themselves The Sowing Club have been committing white-collar crimes for several years; hiding their money in an offshore account. When their secrets are on the verge of being discovered, they will stop at nothing to keep their money and stay out of jail.
This story had a very likeable couple, along with some great supporting characters. There was just the right amount of humor to go along with the long sequences of suspense. I loved it and I'm ready to dive into the next book. My rating: 5 Stars.
I thought this book was a big improvement over the previous book in the series. A group of four friends calling themselves The Sowing Club have been committing white-collar crimes for several years; hiding their money in an offshore account. When their secrets are on the verge of being discovered, they will stop at nothing to keep their money and stay out of jail.
This story had a very likeable couple, along with some great supporting characters. There was just the right amount of humor to go along with the long sequences of suspense. I loved it and I'm ready to dive into the next book. My rating: 5 Stars.
March 24, 2025
3.8⭐️ Romantic Suspense. There’s little I can say without spoilers, so imagine a rickety “Lost Mine� roller coaster ride combined with the “Tunnel of Love.� Now, think genuinely rickety. A crooked whiteboard over the entrance says, “☠️Overdue for Inspection ☠️.� Whaaat? Is that someone’s idea of a prank, or�!!!
What Goes Up�
🎡 Theo and Michelle were cute together.
🎡 Occasional banter and humorous scenes.
🎡 Loved Noah, the football team, Big Daddy, John Patrick & Lois. 🐊
🎡 There were enough twists and surprises to make me happy!
Must Come Down
🎢 At times Garwood’s logic escaped me.
🎢 The romance came in hot. Insta-lust rubbed (massaged?) shoulders with insta-love.
🎟� Best of all, this was a BR with Lori—we survived to tell the tale! 🎟�
What Goes Up�
🎡 Theo and Michelle were cute together.
🎡 Occasional banter and humorous scenes.
🎡 Loved Noah, the football team, Big Daddy, John Patrick & Lois. 🐊
🎡 There were enough twists and surprises to make me happy!
Must Come Down
🎢 At times Garwood’s logic escaped me.
🎢 The romance came in hot. Insta-lust rubbed (massaged?) shoulders with insta-love.
🎟� Best of all, this was a BR with Lori—we survived to tell the tale! 🎟�
June 13, 2020
I'm revisiting one of my favorite series, I've forgotten how much I love Michelle "Mike" Renard and Theo Buchanan. Such a great read! The narrator for this book does a fantastic job!
I'm not going to write a detailed review since there are many great reviews posted here on ŷ already. But, I will say I loved this book!!!
*Originally read: June 2011
July 9, 2017
I love Julie Garwood! In this book we have a little girl in the Bayou who grows up to be a brilliant surgeon. And we have a lawyer who has lost his passion. In the middle of their love story is murder and mayhem.
A really good book, but skip the audio. The narrator tries to do a Cajun accent and fails. Bless her heart.😁
A really good book, but skip the audio. The narrator tries to do a Cajun accent and fails. Bless her heart.😁
May 28, 2020
4.5 stars. What a happy surprise! This one felt almost like the old , writing her Highland Lairds, even though it's set in the present time in Louisiana's legendary bayou -- gator and gumbo country. Most of the action occurs in Bowen, a tiny swamp town. Descriptive setting.
This book's got Garwood's signature sense of humor and some of her most heartwarming characters. The attraction simmers. There is only one main plot line, so the story felt tight, not meandering (as with some of her books). Good suspense, too.
(I began on audio and switched to print, because I was absorbed in the story but didn't like the narration by Christina Traister. Unbearable Cajun accent for the men. Big Daddy always sounded drunk or stoned, and stupid. Got a refund).
Garwood dreamt up a hero to warm the coldest night. Theo Buchanan is a hot-blooded, soft-hearted, dirty-fighting Federal attorney with connections and class. He's weary of chasing down thugs for the US Justice Department -- like roaches, they just keep coming. Unconsciously seeking something more, Buchanan's a goner when he looks past Michelle's beauty and brilliance to her "best feature" -- her loving heart, of course. Theo Buchanan slightly reminded me of his fabulous Highland ancestor, Brodick Buchanan in . As an attorney fighting pro bono for the underdog, he reminded me even more of Harrison in Garwood's historical, .
I loved Michelle, aka Mike. She's a Garwood girl through and through. A kind heart, a sharp mind, a scrapper. This is no Sara the Silly, of parasol infamy in .
Decent suspense! I was surprised by a few of the plot twists. One of the better suspense plots I have encountered in this RS genre. By better, I mean coherent, credible, and somewhat unpredictable. Some vivid scenes when the Sowing Club and their accomplice The Monk hunted down Michelle and Theo in the twisty-turny swamp. Vivid scene at the hospital.
Quibbles about the suspense? Nothing major, but I could do without the irrelevant scene where Monk recalls killing an adolescent girl. It pulled me from the story, and I didn't need to know more about him. Also, I think Catherine transformed too quickly and without enough justification, from ambitious society beauty to bed-bound hypochondriac.
Funny! I chuckled aloud at the football scenes. "Gimme a B!" The folks are absolutely determined to make Buchanan stay and become their coach. After all, he kept all his old playbooks from college. I chuckled at how the townsfolk tried to entice their "coach" to stick around -- and it got me hankering for Cajun food.
Heartwarming. Buchanan helps a poor frightened little boy (the fence) and -- with Noah Clayborne's help -- takes on the nasty Carson brothers, sugar mill owners. Memorable, poignant, and vivid scene when Michelle performs immediate surgery on a critically wounded little patient.
Textured secondary characters: I got a kick out of Big Daddy Jake Renard, Michelle's managing, shrewd, and softhearted father. Also loved John Paul Renard, her antisocial big brother, so reminiscent of grumpy old Brodick, in . What a character -- he needs his own book! (Turns out he got one, ). A former elite Marine, John Paul rules the bayou based on reputation alone (nobody messes with his sister or breaks into his Daddy's bar). He's a hunter assassin and a "damned fine" furniture maker. Chuckle. A man after my own heart. Can he cook, too?
Noah Clayborne, FBI, will get his own book some day, too, I expect. He plays a major secondary role in this book. (update: his book is .)
Contents: One explicit love scene, and several more are alluded to. Some swearing -- but not much, and no profanity. Some murder and violence -- but thankfully, there's nothing gruesome or grisly, no bloodcurdling psychotic scenes like in the prequel, . The Sowing Club murderers just kill for money, not for pleasure. No typos noted.
Since John Paul and Monk battle it out in the sequel, I will read it. , coming up next!
This book's got Garwood's signature sense of humor and some of her most heartwarming characters. The attraction simmers. There is only one main plot line, so the story felt tight, not meandering (as with some of her books). Good suspense, too.
(I began on audio and switched to print, because I was absorbed in the story but didn't like the narration by Christina Traister. Unbearable Cajun accent for the men. Big Daddy always sounded drunk or stoned, and stupid. Got a refund).
Garwood dreamt up a hero to warm the coldest night. Theo Buchanan is a hot-blooded, soft-hearted, dirty-fighting Federal attorney with connections and class. He's weary of chasing down thugs for the US Justice Department -- like roaches, they just keep coming. Unconsciously seeking something more, Buchanan's a goner when he looks past Michelle's beauty and brilliance to her "best feature" -- her loving heart, of course. Theo Buchanan slightly reminded me of his fabulous Highland ancestor, Brodick Buchanan in . As an attorney fighting pro bono for the underdog, he reminded me even more of Harrison in Garwood's historical, .
I loved Michelle, aka Mike. She's a Garwood girl through and through. A kind heart, a sharp mind, a scrapper. This is no Sara the Silly, of parasol infamy in .
Decent suspense! I was surprised by a few of the plot twists. One of the better suspense plots I have encountered in this RS genre. By better, I mean coherent, credible, and somewhat unpredictable. Some vivid scenes when the Sowing Club and their accomplice The Monk hunted down Michelle and Theo in the twisty-turny swamp. Vivid scene at the hospital.
Quibbles about the suspense? Nothing major, but I could do without the irrelevant scene where Monk recalls killing an adolescent girl. It pulled me from the story, and I didn't need to know more about him. Also, I think Catherine transformed too quickly and without enough justification, from ambitious society beauty to bed-bound hypochondriac.
Funny! I chuckled aloud at the football scenes. "Gimme a B!" The folks are absolutely determined to make Buchanan stay and become their coach. After all, he kept all his old playbooks from college. I chuckled at how the townsfolk tried to entice their "coach" to stick around -- and it got me hankering for Cajun food.
Heartwarming. Buchanan helps a poor frightened little boy (the fence) and -- with Noah Clayborne's help -- takes on the nasty Carson brothers, sugar mill owners. Memorable, poignant, and vivid scene when Michelle performs immediate surgery on a critically wounded little patient.
Textured secondary characters: I got a kick out of Big Daddy Jake Renard, Michelle's managing, shrewd, and softhearted father. Also loved John Paul Renard, her antisocial big brother, so reminiscent of grumpy old Brodick, in . What a character -- he needs his own book! (Turns out he got one, ). A former elite Marine, John Paul rules the bayou based on reputation alone (nobody messes with his sister or breaks into his Daddy's bar). He's a hunter assassin and a "damned fine" furniture maker. Chuckle. A man after my own heart. Can he cook, too?
Noah Clayborne, FBI, will get his own book some day, too, I expect. He plays a major secondary role in this book. (update: his book is .)
Contents: One explicit love scene, and several more are alluded to. Some swearing -- but not much, and no profanity. Some murder and violence -- but thankfully, there's nothing gruesome or grisly, no bloodcurdling psychotic scenes like in the prequel, . The Sowing Club murderers just kill for money, not for pleasure. No typos noted.
Since John Paul and Monk battle it out in the sequel, I will read it. , coming up next!
March 12, 2021
Reseña completa:
Una lectura simpática con un final trepidante
Una novela agradable de leer, dos protagonistas con grandes dosis de tensión sexual. Romance con trama policiaca equilibrada.
No es un novelón, ambos me han gustado, no se puede decir que sea de suspense porque a excepción de un detalle, todo va transcurriendo con conocimiento del lector y no suponen ningún misterio.
Un entorno agradable que se lee en un suspiro y con una acción trepidante durante las últimas 50 páginas,
Una lectura entretenida y no descarto leer alguno más de esta serie.
Eso sí, a mí el final con Theo me ha parecido demasiado fácil e irreal y el tema de que ella sea superdotada no lo termino de captar ¿para qué? ¿Porque es mujer y una cirujana afamada? No sé, no quiero verle un sentido machista, pero es que no termino de entender por qué la autora se toma la molestia de escribir un prólogo para explicarlo si luego no tiene mayor relevancia, a no ser que sea realmente muy jovencita, pero es que el tiene unos 32, así que no sé�
No está a la altura de otras de suspense o acción que he leído, pero se deja leer
Una lectura simpática con un final trepidante
Una novela agradable de leer, dos protagonistas con grandes dosis de tensión sexual. Romance con trama policiaca equilibrada.
No es un novelón, ambos me han gustado, no se puede decir que sea de suspense porque a excepción de un detalle, todo va transcurriendo con conocimiento del lector y no suponen ningún misterio.
Un entorno agradable que se lee en un suspiro y con una acción trepidante durante las últimas 50 páginas,
Una lectura entretenida y no descarto leer alguno más de esta serie.
Eso sí, a mí el final con Theo me ha parecido demasiado fácil e irreal y el tema de que ella sea superdotada no lo termino de captar ¿para qué? ¿Porque es mujer y una cirujana afamada? No sé, no quiero verle un sentido machista, pero es que no termino de entender por qué la autora se toma la molestia de escribir un prólogo para explicarlo si luego no tiene mayor relevancia, a no ser que sea realmente muy jovencita, pero es que el tiene unos 32, así que no sé�
No está a la altura de otras de suspense o acción que he leído, pero se deja leer
March 1, 2023
This is a reread of a book I read before I joined ŷ and even after more than ten years, I still remember parts of it and how much I loved it. Theo and Michelle are a wonderful couple and I love how they meet and fall in love. But, with two high power, high stress careers, I can see some compromises will need to be made. The setting, in the Louisiana Bayou, is very much part of the book and I love that.
Theo Buchanan is a highly regarded Justice Department attorney who has just wrapped a major mob case. He is in New Orleans for a conference when he collides with Dr. Michelle Renard. This is a meet cute, except for the lifesaving part. Theo can't stop thinking about Michelle and when given the opportunity to return to New Orleans, he's packing his bag. He has some thinking to do on where his career is going and Bowen, Lousanna and some fishing, and other activities, is just what he needs.
Theo arrives in Bowen and finds Michelle in the middle of some terrifying circumstances. Her clinic has been vandalized and someone is following her. That brings out all the alpha male protective instincts that are deeply bred in a Buchanan male. Without knowing who or why, Theo is on high alert for any danger, including an unknown ring of men calling themselves The Sowing Club.
Dr. Michelle Renard is a smart, beautiful and gifted surgeon, but her heart lies with the small, improvised community she grew up in. Her dream of opening a clinic there is just about to come true. Saving a life is a daily occurrence for Michelle, but few patients have affected her like Theo Buchanan. When he shows up in Bowen for a little fishing, sparks fly and the whole community takes an interest.
With her life in danger and the reason for the threat unknown, Theo and Michelle depend on each other and grow closer, even though Michelle knows Theo's life is in Boston and her life is in Bowen. The attacks ramp up and it becomes clear as to the motive, but ending the reign of terror will require that Theo and Michelle put their absolute trust in each other.
The Sowing Club is comprised of four white-collar professionals who have a pact to use their skills to amass a fortune which they have all agreed to leave untouched until the oldest turns forty. When the leader's ill wife becomes a burden to him, emotionally and financially, he convinces the others that it would be a mercy for her to die and their associate in their crimes, Monk, is just the man to get this particular job done. But a nasty surprise awaits them all and the only way out is another murder and Michelle has no idea why she is the target.
Theo Buchanan is a highly regarded Justice Department attorney who has just wrapped a major mob case. He is in New Orleans for a conference when he collides with Dr. Michelle Renard. This is a meet cute, except for the lifesaving part. Theo can't stop thinking about Michelle and when given the opportunity to return to New Orleans, he's packing his bag. He has some thinking to do on where his career is going and Bowen, Lousanna and some fishing, and other activities, is just what he needs.
Theo arrives in Bowen and finds Michelle in the middle of some terrifying circumstances. Her clinic has been vandalized and someone is following her. That brings out all the alpha male protective instincts that are deeply bred in a Buchanan male. Without knowing who or why, Theo is on high alert for any danger, including an unknown ring of men calling themselves The Sowing Club.
Dr. Michelle Renard is a smart, beautiful and gifted surgeon, but her heart lies with the small, improvised community she grew up in. Her dream of opening a clinic there is just about to come true. Saving a life is a daily occurrence for Michelle, but few patients have affected her like Theo Buchanan. When he shows up in Bowen for a little fishing, sparks fly and the whole community takes an interest.
With her life in danger and the reason for the threat unknown, Theo and Michelle depend on each other and grow closer, even though Michelle knows Theo's life is in Boston and her life is in Bowen. The attacks ramp up and it becomes clear as to the motive, but ending the reign of terror will require that Theo and Michelle put their absolute trust in each other.
The Sowing Club is comprised of four white-collar professionals who have a pact to use their skills to amass a fortune which they have all agreed to leave untouched until the oldest turns forty. When the leader's ill wife becomes a burden to him, emotionally and financially, he convinces the others that it would be a mercy for her to die and their associate in their crimes, Monk, is just the man to get this particular job done. But a nasty surprise awaits them all and the only way out is another murder and Michelle has no idea why she is the target.
April 16, 2017
Well done romantic suspense. Engaging characters. Neat things happened.
I read the physical book a few years ago and just now listened to the audiobook. It was great. I didn’t want to stop listening. I had forgotten some of the events, and I’m glad because it made the current read better - not knowing.
I loved what Catherine did for revenge. I loved the first scene that John Paul was in -- what an intriguing character. Suspense was good. And no stupidity.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
Christina Traister did a great job. She used a weird accent for the cajun characters. I don’t know if it was accurate but it was fine for me. And I’m happy that her breath noises were removed.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 343 pages hardback. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words, but rarely used. Sexual language: mild with the f-word once. Number of sex scenes: 2. Setting: current day Bowen and New Orleans, Louisiana. Copyright: 2001. Genre: romantic suspense.
I read the physical book a few years ago and just now listened to the audiobook. It was great. I didn’t want to stop listening. I had forgotten some of the events, and I’m glad because it made the current read better - not knowing.
I loved what Catherine did for revenge. I loved the first scene that John Paul was in -- what an intriguing character. Suspense was good. And no stupidity.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
Christina Traister did a great job. She used a weird accent for the cajun characters. I don’t know if it was accurate but it was fine for me. And I’m happy that her breath noises were removed.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 343 pages hardback. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words, but rarely used. Sexual language: mild with the f-word once. Number of sex scenes: 2. Setting: current day Bowen and New Orleans, Louisiana. Copyright: 2001. Genre: romantic suspense.
August 11, 2014
The second book in Julie Garwood's Buchanan/Renard series. Theo Buchanan, an attorney for the Justice Department, is in New Orleans, attending a charity black-tie affair, when Dr Michelle "Mike" Renard sees him and notices he is not feeling good. So she goes up to him to see if she can help him and he promptly throws up on her and tears her $400 dress. What a way to make a good impression! LOL. Well, while in the hospital, Theo meets Michelle's dad and gets invited to the small town of Bowen, LA to go fishing. Theo takes him up on it. Meanwhile, a group called the Sowing Club has discovered that a package with incriminating evidence against them was sent to Michelle and they will do anything it takes to get it back!
Theo and Michelle were perfect for each other. I loved the characters, especially the residents of Bowen, Louisiana. They really had me in stitches. The story itself was engrossing and intense at times. Great balance of suspense and romance.
Theo and Michelle were perfect for each other. I loved the characters, especially the residents of Bowen, Louisiana. They really had me in stitches. The story itself was engrossing and intense at times. Great balance of suspense and romance.
December 10, 2017
"Mercy" is the second book in the Buchanan-Renard Saga and the story of Theo and Michelle/Mike.
When Justice Department attorney Theo suffers an appendicitis attack during a party, his life is saved by the redhead surgeon Michelle. However,dazed in excruciating pain, he "thanks" her by clocking her face and vomiting all over her new Armani dress.
She operates on him, & during his recovery, he realizes is attracted to Mike. Soon he meets her father and is invite to visit their small town of Bowen for a fishing trip, where Mike is permanently moving to. Three weeks later, when Theo cant get her out of his head- he decides to take up Jake's offer in form of a mini vacation.
However on reaching Bowen, he realizes this isnt going to be an ordinary trip! Someone has vandalized Michelle's clinic and she thinks she might have had a break in. Moreover, as he decides to investigate and help her,the town people start thinking of him as a coach and everyone wants his legal advice (all thanks to big daddy Jake's boasting) ,ferocious alligators swamp the fertile land (and snakes too!), and he soon realizes Jake might be matchmaking him with his daughter..
The secondary plot is of a well executed murder by four individuals known as "The Sowing Club" with the help of "The Ghost", aka the silent killer Monk- and a letter mailed by the victim to Mike connects the two stories.
Entertaining read filled with suspense, humor and love, this completely captivated me since early on and the mystery was worth the wait, even though the bad guy technically got away (but we have so many more books to go!). The next one involves both John Paul and Monk- so cant wait to read that.
Liked this one so much more than the first book. Both H and h were likable and extremely suited for one another.
Safe
4/5
When Justice Department attorney Theo suffers an appendicitis attack during a party, his life is saved by the redhead surgeon Michelle. However,dazed in excruciating pain, he "thanks" her by clocking her face and vomiting all over her new Armani dress.
She operates on him, & during his recovery, he realizes is attracted to Mike. Soon he meets her father and is invite to visit their small town of Bowen for a fishing trip, where Mike is permanently moving to. Three weeks later, when Theo cant get her out of his head- he decides to take up Jake's offer in form of a mini vacation.
However on reaching Bowen, he realizes this isnt going to be an ordinary trip! Someone has vandalized Michelle's clinic and she thinks she might have had a break in. Moreover, as he decides to investigate and help her,the town people start thinking of him as a coach and everyone wants his legal advice (all thanks to big daddy Jake's boasting) ,ferocious alligators swamp the fertile land (and snakes too!), and he soon realizes Jake might be matchmaking him with his daughter..
The secondary plot is of a well executed murder by four individuals known as "The Sowing Club" with the help of "The Ghost", aka the silent killer Monk- and a letter mailed by the victim to Mike connects the two stories.
Entertaining read filled with suspense, humor and love, this completely captivated me since early on and the mystery was worth the wait, even though the bad guy technically got away (but we have so many more books to go!). The next one involves both John Paul and Monk- so cant wait to read that.
Liked this one so much more than the first book. Both H and h were likable and extremely suited for one another.
Safe
4/5
June 28, 2024
The action-adventure was better than the romance, and how often can that be said for a book in the romance genre? (Not often, even for Julie Garwood.) And the romance wasn’t missing a thing here, in spite of the fact it had to take a back seat to the rest of this excellently spun tale.
Fun and excitement with a bayou flavor. (No Thank You on the cottonmouths dropping from trees, however.)
This book well deserves its high rating.
Fun and excitement with a bayou flavor. (No Thank You on the cottonmouths dropping from trees, however.)
This book well deserves its high rating.
July 23, 2022
Re-reading.
August 29, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, it's about Theo Buchanan the brother of FBI Agent Nick Buchanan from book one , and god was it ever funny. The banter between him and Michelle (Dr. Mike) Renard were priceless. Oh and good lord could you get a better character than Big Daddy, well there was Noah and Noah to me is a priceless character, and I greatly enjoyed seeing him again. I found this book and to be intriguing and thrilling, but what really made was the humor and the love story. I liked that Theo wasn't broken, he had scars but he wasn't broken and neither was Michelle, it was a given to both of them that they would end up in bed and they fought as two normal people with scars would but it wasn't over done or silly. It was perfect and a nice break from the norm for me anyway. I highly recommend this book to everyone, and can't wait to read John Paul's book .
March 25, 2009
This is my favorite of the Garwood Suspense books. Theo is definately my hero. I love the way he reacts to the situation in the Louisiana backwoods. Michelle and her family are great. Their crazy personality's and the local element have you laughing, but the hot tension between Michelle and Theo is terrific. A Great book!
March 16, 2013
I listened to this as an audiobook and it was a great listen. It had very endearing characters with sweet chemistry. Also the plot was strong and it kept my interest as well as gave me a few laughs. I am not a huge romantic suspense fan, but this Garwood story I would definitely recommend.
The narrator did wonderful job with both Boston and Cajun accents. She was very easy to listen too.
The narrator did wonderful job with both Boston and Cajun accents. She was very easy to listen too.
March 12, 2011
4.5 Star Romantic Suspense
My first taste of Julie Garwood came in the form of her historical romance The Gift, which I received as a birthday present from my sister. Instantly hooked onto her style of writing, I remember trying to frantically get my hands on each and every published book by Ms. Garwood. My first encounter with her contemporary romances came from this very book which in the end turned out to be my favorite contemporary romance from her till now. For me, Mercy has got it all, an unforgettably sexy as sin hero in Theo Buchanan, an endearingly lovable heroine in Michelle Renard and edge-of-the-seat adventure in the form of a crime ring who are ruthless and greedy enough to kill anyone who stands in their way.
32 year old Theo Buchanan comes from a family of 5 brothers and 2 sisters from Boston. A federal attorney who has just wrapped up a case involving organized crime for the Justice Department, Theo is on the verge of collapsing from an appendicitis that would rupture any minute when he comes into contact with Dr. Michelle Renard who herself is attending the gala in New Orleans.
Born in Bowen, Louisiana, Michelle is the only girl in her family of 2 elder brothers and is the apple of her father's eye. Michelle had grown up, never having an active mother figure in her life and had been discovered for her high IQ when she had entered 3rd grade in school. Her father Big Daddy Jake Renard had done everything he could to make Michelle's dreams of being a doctor come true and it is Michelle's work at the Brethen Hospital in New Orleans that brings her to the very irresistible Theo Buchanan whom she operates on.
From the first moment Theo lays eyes on the beautiful Michelle, whose passion for her work and to make a difference with her talent as a surgeon shines through, Theo aches to go back to the period of time in his life when he had been an idealistic graduate in law who had wanted to make all the difference in the world in his profession. Guilt from the death of his wife 4 years back which haunts him has Theo turning to work for solace until he just cannot take it any longer.
Convincing himself that he is making a trip to Bowen, Louisiana to take up on Big Daddy's offer to fish and do some relaxing, Theo makes his way to Michelle just 3 weeks after surgery to come into the midst of a random act of vandalism of Michelle's clinic which sets all of Theo's senses on red alert. Unbeknown to the Renard family, it is the inheritance left by a distant family relative together with a material which contains evidence that could put her husband and his friends who call themselves members of the Sowing Club behind bars for life that puts Michelle and whoever tries to help her in danger.
Theo's journey into small town life turns out to be exactly what the doctor ordered for someone on the verge of burning out as he discovers that in Michelle and the combination of the charming Southern life he finds in Louisiana, he has at last found where he belongs.
There are so many things I love about this story even reading it the second time round. Theo Buchanan *insert major sighing session here* is such a dreamy and larger-than-life hero who is so comfortable in his own skin, confident to the point of being sexily arrogant (if there ever is such a thing) which just makes him such an easy hero to fall in love with. The way he seduced Michelle who is a little bit naive when it comes to men and the games men and women play in a relationship was just so sweet and endearing and hot at the same time. The man oozes sensuality into the story just by stepping into the pages and he just dazzled me right from the very beginning.
Michelle is a lovable heroine who is an amazing surgeon who at heart is a small town girl who refuses to leave her hometown to embrace the big city life. The prologue which shows so much of her childhood is a sweet and poignant one that nearly brought tears to my eyes and makes it one of the most beautifully done prologues in any of the stories I have come across.
Michelle's father, Big Daddy and the people of Bowen, Louisiana charmed me through every aspect of the story as they worked as a team to bring Theo and Michelle together, to show Theo that he belongs right at home with the rest of them. The strong and silent John Paul, older brother of Michelle makes for an intriguing character, whose story I would love to read someday.
Though I have stopped following the Buchanan's series after the very disappointing edition which features the very sexy and tough FBI agent Noah Clayborne, after revisiting Mercy, I would dearly love to know if Ms. Garwood has any intention of following through on a story for John Paul. He would certainly make for a very yummy, broody hero which we girls in the world of romance tend to swoon over.
Mercy is a novel that is very highly recommended for fans of Julie Garwood and fans of romantic suspense.
I will finish off my review with one of the sweetest moments in the story which takes place right after Theo and Michelle first make love, moments that just took my breathe away.
My first taste of Julie Garwood came in the form of her historical romance The Gift, which I received as a birthday present from my sister. Instantly hooked onto her style of writing, I remember trying to frantically get my hands on each and every published book by Ms. Garwood. My first encounter with her contemporary romances came from this very book which in the end turned out to be my favorite contemporary romance from her till now. For me, Mercy has got it all, an unforgettably sexy as sin hero in Theo Buchanan, an endearingly lovable heroine in Michelle Renard and edge-of-the-seat adventure in the form of a crime ring who are ruthless and greedy enough to kill anyone who stands in their way.
32 year old Theo Buchanan comes from a family of 5 brothers and 2 sisters from Boston. A federal attorney who has just wrapped up a case involving organized crime for the Justice Department, Theo is on the verge of collapsing from an appendicitis that would rupture any minute when he comes into contact with Dr. Michelle Renard who herself is attending the gala in New Orleans.
Born in Bowen, Louisiana, Michelle is the only girl in her family of 2 elder brothers and is the apple of her father's eye. Michelle had grown up, never having an active mother figure in her life and had been discovered for her high IQ when she had entered 3rd grade in school. Her father Big Daddy Jake Renard had done everything he could to make Michelle's dreams of being a doctor come true and it is Michelle's work at the Brethen Hospital in New Orleans that brings her to the very irresistible Theo Buchanan whom she operates on.
From the first moment Theo lays eyes on the beautiful Michelle, whose passion for her work and to make a difference with her talent as a surgeon shines through, Theo aches to go back to the period of time in his life when he had been an idealistic graduate in law who had wanted to make all the difference in the world in his profession. Guilt from the death of his wife 4 years back which haunts him has Theo turning to work for solace until he just cannot take it any longer.
Convincing himself that he is making a trip to Bowen, Louisiana to take up on Big Daddy's offer to fish and do some relaxing, Theo makes his way to Michelle just 3 weeks after surgery to come into the midst of a random act of vandalism of Michelle's clinic which sets all of Theo's senses on red alert. Unbeknown to the Renard family, it is the inheritance left by a distant family relative together with a material which contains evidence that could put her husband and his friends who call themselves members of the Sowing Club behind bars for life that puts Michelle and whoever tries to help her in danger.
Theo's journey into small town life turns out to be exactly what the doctor ordered for someone on the verge of burning out as he discovers that in Michelle and the combination of the charming Southern life he finds in Louisiana, he has at last found where he belongs.
There are so many things I love about this story even reading it the second time round. Theo Buchanan *insert major sighing session here* is such a dreamy and larger-than-life hero who is so comfortable in his own skin, confident to the point of being sexily arrogant (if there ever is such a thing) which just makes him such an easy hero to fall in love with. The way he seduced Michelle who is a little bit naive when it comes to men and the games men and women play in a relationship was just so sweet and endearing and hot at the same time. The man oozes sensuality into the story just by stepping into the pages and he just dazzled me right from the very beginning.
Michelle is a lovable heroine who is an amazing surgeon who at heart is a small town girl who refuses to leave her hometown to embrace the big city life. The prologue which shows so much of her childhood is a sweet and poignant one that nearly brought tears to my eyes and makes it one of the most beautifully done prologues in any of the stories I have come across.
Michelle's father, Big Daddy and the people of Bowen, Louisiana charmed me through every aspect of the story as they worked as a team to bring Theo and Michelle together, to show Theo that he belongs right at home with the rest of them. The strong and silent John Paul, older brother of Michelle makes for an intriguing character, whose story I would love to read someday.
Though I have stopped following the Buchanan's series after the very disappointing edition which features the very sexy and tough FBI agent Noah Clayborne, after revisiting Mercy, I would dearly love to know if Ms. Garwood has any intention of following through on a story for John Paul. He would certainly make for a very yummy, broody hero which we girls in the world of romance tend to swoon over.
Mercy is a novel that is very highly recommended for fans of Julie Garwood and fans of romantic suspense.
I will finish off my review with one of the sweetest moments in the story which takes place right after Theo and Michelle first make love, moments that just took my breathe away.
September 22, 2011
I didn't much care for this. I was not familiar with the author and thought it was
a mystery. Instead, it was a romance and a disappointing one at that. The heroine, Mike, was
very smart (she's a doctor) very beautiful (of course) very kind and altruistic (she's
going back to practice in her little dinky old town). The hero, Theo, is handsome,
smart (he can take down the unscrupulous owners of the local mill between breakfast and lunch) , kind and altruistic (he will use his own money to buy a fence so a little boy can play in his back
yard and the alligator won't eat him). Not only does the author stretch the limits of reality,
but her characters are perfect to the point of nausea.
The mystery part of the book started out to be quite interesting. Then it got sidetracked
and became just a sidelight to the romance.
My stepdaughter saw me reading this book and said she loved the historical books the author
had written. Maybe I'll give one of those a try.
a mystery. Instead, it was a romance and a disappointing one at that. The heroine, Mike, was
very smart (she's a doctor) very beautiful (of course) very kind and altruistic (she's
going back to practice in her little dinky old town). The hero, Theo, is handsome,
smart (he can take down the unscrupulous owners of the local mill between breakfast and lunch) , kind and altruistic (he will use his own money to buy a fence so a little boy can play in his back
yard and the alligator won't eat him). Not only does the author stretch the limits of reality,
but her characters are perfect to the point of nausea.
The mystery part of the book started out to be quite interesting. Then it got sidetracked
and became just a sidelight to the romance.
My stepdaughter saw me reading this book and said she loved the historical books the author
had written. Maybe I'll give one of those a try.
March 8, 2022
4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this couple...they are a great match and I really felt their connection. The side characters in this one also really shined. Such a fun story overall. Once again, I would have loved an epilogue, but there was definitely more of a HEA feeling for this book in comparison to book 1 in this series (which was very much HFN).
Safe; heroine was less experienced than the hero, hero was married and widowed but this wasn't too large a part of the story and his first wife's death seemed to leave the hero feeling more guilty than anything else. I never felt like the heroine was a second choice and there was never a thought or comment about how much the hero loved his first wife. No scenes with om/ow, no cheating, no virgins, no om/ow drama.
Safe; heroine was less experienced than the hero, hero was married and widowed but this wasn't too large a part of the story and his first wife's death seemed to leave the hero feeling more guilty than anything else. I never felt like the heroine was a second choice and there was never a thought or comment about how much the hero loved his first wife. No scenes with om/ow, no cheating, no virgins, no om/ow drama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2018
I think I get how this series work.
Gun wearing hero.
Insta love.
Long legged heroine. Who is so beautiful but doesn't know it of course.
One main criminal/mystery story and one minor.
I already picked up next one because I was intrigued with the hero who is side character in this book.
Will I continue with the series after.... I really don't see the point...
Copy / paste ....same pattern.
Gun wearing hero.
Insta love.
Long legged heroine. Who is so beautiful but doesn't know it of course.
One main criminal/mystery story and one minor.
I already picked up next one because I was intrigued with the hero who is side character in this book.
Will I continue with the series after.... I really don't see the point...
Copy / paste ....same pattern.
March 17, 2025
Back in my romantic suspense era! Well, barely that is (thank you, you stupid slump). Plus, I'm trying to read all of Julie Garwood's books and this is the last series from her that I'm still struggling to get into.
What can I say about this one?
First of all, I love the small-town setting. It is atmospheric enough for me with its descriptions and the tight-knit hospitality that small-towners always have in books like this. Though, too bad we didn't get into the fishing part.
I love the side characters, especially the Renard bunch. A family of all men with a girl, that's a one-of-a-kind family. Wish to have more interactions with all of them in one room but I'll take with what I can get.
As for the main characters, well, I think they could've been written better. It's pretty sad to say that I didn't really get that chemistry between them. It was more like wah-you're-pretty, wah-I-wanna-go-fishing, wah-you're-in-danger, wah-I'll-stay-and-solve-this-problem, blah bla... then, wah-I'm-in-love. Gimme more! More heart-to-heart conversations, more banter for the sake of establishing chemistry. It just needed a little tweak here and there to make it perfect for me.
As for the mystery/suspense aspect itself... well, it was fine. It was more of action kind of suspense than holding onto your seat kind of suspense. I like the latter more in my books. However, there was this small nice twist in the end there about one of the four people in the Sowing Club. Now, that was nice.
Anyway, I wouldn't say to get into this book if you're looking for something spectacular. It is pretty decent in its genre. But if you're a lover of Julie Garwood like me, COME ON IN GIRLS! The waters fine!
What can I say about this one?
First of all, I love the small-town setting. It is atmospheric enough for me with its descriptions and the tight-knit hospitality that small-towners always have in books like this. Though, too bad we didn't get into the fishing part.
I love the side characters, especially the Renard bunch. A family of all men with a girl, that's a one-of-a-kind family. Wish to have more interactions with all of them in one room but I'll take with what I can get.
As for the main characters, well, I think they could've been written better. It's pretty sad to say that I didn't really get that chemistry between them. It was more like wah-you're-pretty, wah-I-wanna-go-fishing, wah-you're-in-danger, wah-I'll-stay-and-solve-this-problem, blah bla... then, wah-I'm-in-love. Gimme more! More heart-to-heart conversations, more banter for the sake of establishing chemistry. It just needed a little tweak here and there to make it perfect for me.
As for the mystery/suspense aspect itself... well, it was fine. It was more of action kind of suspense than holding onto your seat kind of suspense. I like the latter more in my books. However, there was this small nice twist in the end there about one of the four people in the Sowing Club. Now, that was nice.
Anyway, I wouldn't say to get into this book if you're looking for something spectacular. It is pretty decent in its genre. But if you're a lover of Julie Garwood like me, COME ON IN GIRLS! The waters fine!
February 26, 2023
Excellent story! Book one enticed me to continue the series...Mercy sealed the deal for me! I'm hooked and continuing the series!
August 28, 2011
Mercy by Julie Garwood is an amazing and thrilling read with a heartfelt romance at it’s core. Exciting and passionate, this a romantic suspense novel you’ll kill to get your hands on!
Justice Department attorney and Boston native Theo Buchanan is at the highlight of his career. While waiting to give a speech celebrating his recent success, he passes out only to be saved by the gorgeous doctor Michelle Renard who ends up performing his emergency appendectomy. When Michelle’s father invites Theo down to Bowen, Louisiana for fishing, he finds he can’t refuse. Especially if it means spending more time with the good doctor. When Theo arrives, he discovers the new clinic Michelle was planning to open has been burglarized.
Little do Theo or Michelle know, but they have been dragged into the workings of an illegal group known as The Sowing Club. Documentation describing their illegal activities has been sent to Michelle who is unaware of it’s importance. Which means the Sowing Club will stop at nothing to reclaim those documents, even if they have to eliminate Theo and Michelle....permanently. As they work to discover who is after them Theo and Michelle begin to develop a very close relationship. Both worry if they can actually stand a future together when they live worlds apart.
Truly an awesome and stunning read, Mercy by Julie Garwood is not a book to be look at lightly. This book has strong, intense characters who are honest and incredibly down to earth. Theo, the ever brilliant and stubborn attorney is as saucy as he is sexy. He had this bold attitude that just had me smiling throughout. Michelle was confident within the hospital walls but was somewhat uncertain of herself with Theo. Which of course made them an awesome pair. Their banter back and forth had me laughing like crazy. They were absolutely adorable together and it was no surprise they fell hard for each other.
Suspense novels are sometimes a tough fit for me. In some cases there is too much romance and not enough drama, whereas in other cases I feel there is far too much drama and very little romance. Garwood’s novel was a perfect fit. She had the parallel story of the villainous group told with the fantastic romance of Theo and Michelle. Not only that, but she had plenty of twists and turns at the very end that completely shocked me. Which of course made it all the more entertaining. Being book two in the Buchanan series, I read this without having read book one and did not find that the experience suffered at all. The hero from book one was brought in briefly, but hardly made an impact in the book.
So an excellent choice for my first Garwood. I loved it! I am terribly excited to read the rest of this series. Fun action, dazzling drama and terrific characters make this book a definite keeper. Mercy is exactly what I look for in my romantic suspense novels and reminds me what I adore the genre so much!
Series Order:
1) Heartbreaker
2) Mercy
3) Killyjoy
4) Murder List
5) Slow Burn
6) Shadow Dance
7) Fire and Ice
8) Sizzle
Overall Rating: 5/5
Heat Level: 4/5
Lisa @
Justice Department attorney and Boston native Theo Buchanan is at the highlight of his career. While waiting to give a speech celebrating his recent success, he passes out only to be saved by the gorgeous doctor Michelle Renard who ends up performing his emergency appendectomy. When Michelle’s father invites Theo down to Bowen, Louisiana for fishing, he finds he can’t refuse. Especially if it means spending more time with the good doctor. When Theo arrives, he discovers the new clinic Michelle was planning to open has been burglarized.
Little do Theo or Michelle know, but they have been dragged into the workings of an illegal group known as The Sowing Club. Documentation describing their illegal activities has been sent to Michelle who is unaware of it’s importance. Which means the Sowing Club will stop at nothing to reclaim those documents, even if they have to eliminate Theo and Michelle....permanently. As they work to discover who is after them Theo and Michelle begin to develop a very close relationship. Both worry if they can actually stand a future together when they live worlds apart.
Truly an awesome and stunning read, Mercy by Julie Garwood is not a book to be look at lightly. This book has strong, intense characters who are honest and incredibly down to earth. Theo, the ever brilliant and stubborn attorney is as saucy as he is sexy. He had this bold attitude that just had me smiling throughout. Michelle was confident within the hospital walls but was somewhat uncertain of herself with Theo. Which of course made them an awesome pair. Their banter back and forth had me laughing like crazy. They were absolutely adorable together and it was no surprise they fell hard for each other.
Suspense novels are sometimes a tough fit for me. In some cases there is too much romance and not enough drama, whereas in other cases I feel there is far too much drama and very little romance. Garwood’s novel was a perfect fit. She had the parallel story of the villainous group told with the fantastic romance of Theo and Michelle. Not only that, but she had plenty of twists and turns at the very end that completely shocked me. Which of course made it all the more entertaining. Being book two in the Buchanan series, I read this without having read book one and did not find that the experience suffered at all. The hero from book one was brought in briefly, but hardly made an impact in the book.
So an excellent choice for my first Garwood. I loved it! I am terribly excited to read the rest of this series. Fun action, dazzling drama and terrific characters make this book a definite keeper. Mercy is exactly what I look for in my romantic suspense novels and reminds me what I adore the genre so much!
Series Order:
1) Heartbreaker
2) Mercy
3) Killyjoy
4) Murder List
5) Slow Burn
6) Shadow Dance
7) Fire and Ice
8) Sizzle
Overall Rating: 5/5
Heat Level: 4/5
Lisa @
June 24, 2013
2.5 stars
It started really well and interesting, I thought that I was going to enjoy it more, but it started getting real slow for me once Theo got in the picture.
There was so much of Theo and Michelle just hanging around Bowen. I was like come on, where is the action.
And then at the end it kinda speeded up a bit and then I couldn't stop reading it.
I was a bit disappointed with how Michelle's intelligence was handled, as you read you don't really see it, it was like she but it all into becoming a doctor!
And I didn't care much for Theo, he was just OK. And that's why I didn't care much for the romance.
Jake and John Paul were quite interesting. And Monk, one of the bad guys was interesting as well. Which makes me want to read the next book, since its John Paul's book, with Monk still the bad guy.
Noah also makes an appearance which only made me like him more, I want to reach his book quickly.
Overall not a bad read, but not enough suspense.
It started really well and interesting, I thought that I was going to enjoy it more, but it started getting real slow for me once Theo got in the picture.
There was so much of Theo and Michelle just hanging around Bowen. I was like come on, where is the action.
And then at the end it kinda speeded up a bit and then I couldn't stop reading it.
I was a bit disappointed with how Michelle's intelligence was handled, as you read you don't really see it, it was like she but it all into becoming a doctor!
And I didn't care much for Theo, he was just OK. And that's why I didn't care much for the romance.
Jake and John Paul were quite interesting. And Monk, one of the bad guys was interesting as well. Which makes me want to read the next book, since its John Paul's book, with Monk still the bad guy.
Noah also makes an appearance which only made me like him more, I want to reach his book quickly.
Overall not a bad read, but not enough suspense.
February 7, 2017
Loved this book! Lots of action, mystery, and a little romance. Great storyline!
April 28, 2018
Ok, now I DO wanna be a bitch. Waste of time and money. The author definitely should stick to historical romance.
February 21, 2025
Re-read June 2017
Re-read this because... I'm just really craving some good romantic suspense lately, and this is yet another really fantastic one.
I don't know why I didn't write a review the first time around... just slacking, I suppose. I love the characters in this one. Dr. Mike (Michelle) is just fantastic, she's really everything I want in a heroine - incredibly capable, compassionate, loyal, determined, and not even the tiniest whiff of TSTL. And Theo Buchanan was great - delicious, whip-smart, and not at all about to allow Michelle to put him off.
The plot is straightforward, but in a good way - we know 90% of what's going on (with just enough detail left out to get some good moments of tension at the end), and so the story is about watching the good guys race to get it all sorted out before the bad guys get it buried.
Plus, we get the delicious Noah Clayborne as a secondary character again, so yum for that. But I have to give a call-out to the entire secondary cast of Bowen people - from the Renard family down to the high school boys, they were just wonderful. I had several laugh-out-loud moments with them, but they were all so charming. And watching Big Daddy Jake deploy people in his plan, like a master of strategy, was great. He's so much more clever than he lets on.
Re-read Feb 2025
This one really is great - nearly a decade later and I still loved it. It's a combination of a really strong FMC/MMC pair, and a fabulous cast of secondary characters. The story is honestly less about the murder/peril elements, and more about these people coming together, which was totally fine by me. It was captivating, I could barely put it down, even on re-read.
Re-read this because... I'm just really craving some good romantic suspense lately, and this is yet another really fantastic one.
I don't know why I didn't write a review the first time around... just slacking, I suppose. I love the characters in this one. Dr. Mike (Michelle) is just fantastic, she's really everything I want in a heroine - incredibly capable, compassionate, loyal, determined, and not even the tiniest whiff of TSTL. And Theo Buchanan was great - delicious, whip-smart, and not at all about to allow Michelle to put him off.
The plot is straightforward, but in a good way - we know 90% of what's going on (with just enough detail left out to get some good moments of tension at the end), and so the story is about watching the good guys race to get it all sorted out before the bad guys get it buried.
Plus, we get the delicious Noah Clayborne as a secondary character again, so yum for that. But I have to give a call-out to the entire secondary cast of Bowen people - from the Renard family down to the high school boys, they were just wonderful. I had several laugh-out-loud moments with them, but they were all so charming. And watching Big Daddy Jake deploy people in his plan, like a master of strategy, was great. He's so much more clever than he lets on.
Re-read Feb 2025
This one really is great - nearly a decade later and I still loved it. It's a combination of a really strong FMC/MMC pair, and a fabulous cast of secondary characters. The story is honestly less about the murder/peril elements, and more about these people coming together, which was totally fine by me. It was captivating, I could barely put it down, even on re-read.
March 13, 2011
There wasn't much about this book I didn't enjoy. The characters were truly likable, with both of them coming from decent hard-working families instead of some tortured past. The suspense plot was well-done and kept me guessing on a few things. I thought Michelle was a little stubborn, but there were no "big misunderstandings" in the plot. I look forward to the next in the series about Michelle's reclusive brother, John Paul.
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