SYNOPSIS: Mercy Hollings is learning that her ability to "press" others into doing what she wants them to do can have serious side effects. Still reeling from Dominic's death and revelations (see BEG FOR MERCY for more details), Mercy is reluctantly looking into her own past with the help of her best friend, Sukey. Meanwhile, an offer to work with abused women in her role as a hypnotherapist is irresistable to Mercy. What will happen when Mercy's emotions cause her to lose control again?
MY THOUGHTS: I was a bit ambivalent on the first book, BEG FOR MERCY, as the names distracted me and the storyline just didn't grab hold of me. I had decided to read at least one more book, though, since Mercy's ability, the "press", was so unique. Boy, am I ever glad!
Mercy is an impetuous, feisty character. Her qualms about her abilities have left her in doubt as to whether she is fully human. It's hard not to like Mercy as she is so, well, human, despite all her own misgivings! Mercy's willingness, no call it a passion even, to defend both her friends and anyone in need is admirable. Admittedly, her impulsivity doesn't often create the situations she is aiming for but she is still learning and growing and it's hard to not like a character like her.
ANGEL OF MERCY touches on some very sensitive issues. The whole issue of battered women is a delicate one and Mercy's anger is very understandable. Toni Andrews does a great job at showing the dark side of this issue and its impact on everyone involved.
re: Angel of Mercy
I'm really glad to read your review on this one. I liked the first book well enough, but didn't love it enough to buy the second one...and then it came in my Mira shipment, so I figured "Cool, it'll be worth a read." After your review though, I will definitely plan to read it sooner rather than later--sounds great! I like that it's a bit darker and deals with real issues...the first book was fun, but a little fluffy for me.
The first book...
had something that was missing for me. Even now, I can't really pinpoint it but I wasn't sure if it was just the name issue that got me. This one is much more interesting, I thought. Hope you enjoy it as well! If not, I'm sure I'll enjoy your rant!
The D2K Paranormal Junkies 2008 Challenge
Glad this one hits the
Glad this one hits the spot. I bought both but haven't started them yet.
AKA Merri
Family Challenge Team: The Spine Breakers with my dh Glenn AKA Phaedrus
Merri...
I don't think the name issue will bother you like it did me in the first since you don't read the series that made the names an issue. I'll be curious as to your opinion of the first one. This book was to me far better than the first one.
The D2K Paranormal Junkies 2008 Challenge
re: Angel of Mercy
Debi: Hehe, thanks, I'm glad you like the rants...sometimes I even get ranty about books I like, I dunno! I remember yours about the name issue in Beg For Mercy...too funny. If I'd been familliar with the other works I'm sure it would have made me crazy, too.