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Men of Mercy #4
Ravaged River
Special forces operative Hoyt Crowe wasn't just damaged… he was broken. After suffering brutal torture in captivity, his once lively spirit is shattered. Now his greatest adversary isn’t some unknown terrorist in a foreign country, it’s himself.
Hayden James watched Hoyt slide into a private purgatory of post-traumatic stress disorder, taking her heart with him. No longer warm and loving, he is cold. Hardened. A shell of his former self.
When an old enemy threatens Hayden’s life, Hoyt must find the strength to slay his inner demons or lose the woman he loves forever.
Author Interview:
Q: You write Military Romantic Suspense, and though it seems like the Navy SEAL romance books are the most popular, even Black Operations. So why did you choose Special Forces?
A: My husband is active Army and a veteran. The top tier of the Navy is the SEAL Teams. The top tier of the Army is the Special Forces.
I think the SF deserves just as much recognition as the SEALs…they are like the Ghostwalkers of the Army.
Plus- I don’t know jack about swimming.
Q: You based your military romance series on a Special Forces team – Task Force Scorpion. Why did you also decide to put them in a small town setting?
A: Just because you come from a small town, doesn’t mean you can’t be hard core. I grew up in a small town. The men there can be bad boy alpha males just as easily as the men from big cities ☺
Plus, I grew up reading small town romance. I think readers love the feeling of belonging to a community, getting to know all the quirky folks who live there and falling in love with not only the hero but also their friends and family.
Q: You're books are often about second chances – big secrets. Why?
A: Who doesn't root for a hero dying for a second chance? Yes, he probably screwed up big time in the past, but how much sweeter is the love between the hero and heroine when they show forgiveness?
As far as big secrets – they're just fun. Secret babies, corrupt politicians, love triangles…
Believe me – it ALL happens in a small town romance and real life.
Q: Why write Military Romance?
First off, I am kin to and am friends with a lot of military men, and they're all sweet and well mannered and love their country. But a lot of them are badass, too. Which is what we want when someone's fighting for our country – :-) – and in a hot romantic suspense : A fearless bad boy alpha male who fights for his country and his woman.
Hayden James watched Hoyt slide into a private purgatory of post-traumatic stress disorder, taking her heart with him. No longer warm and loving, he is cold. Hardened. A shell of his former self.
When an old enemy threatens Hayden’s life, Hoyt must find the strength to slay his inner demons or lose the woman he loves forever.
Author Interview:
Q: You write Military Romantic Suspense, and though it seems like the Navy SEAL romance books are the most popular, even Black Operations. So why did you choose Special Forces?
A: My husband is active Army and a veteran. The top tier of the Navy is the SEAL Teams. The top tier of the Army is the Special Forces.
I think the SF deserves just as much recognition as the SEALs…they are like the Ghostwalkers of the Army.
Plus- I don’t know jack about swimming.
Q: You based your military romance series on a Special Forces team – Task Force Scorpion. Why did you also decide to put them in a small town setting?
A: Just because you come from a small town, doesn’t mean you can’t be hard core. I grew up in a small town. The men there can be bad boy alpha males just as easily as the men from big cities ☺
Plus, I grew up reading small town romance. I think readers love the feeling of belonging to a community, getting to know all the quirky folks who live there and falling in love with not only the hero but also their friends and family.
Q: You're books are often about second chances – big secrets. Why?
A: Who doesn't root for a hero dying for a second chance? Yes, he probably screwed up big time in the past, but how much sweeter is the love between the hero and heroine when they show forgiveness?
As far as big secrets – they're just fun. Secret babies, corrupt politicians, love triangles…
Believe me – it ALL happens in a small town romance and real life.
Q: Why write Military Romance?
First off, I am kin to and am friends with a lot of military men, and they're all sweet and well mannered and love their country. But a lot of them are badass, too. Which is what we want when someone's fighting for our country – :-) – and in a hot romantic suspense : A fearless bad boy alpha male who fights for his country and his woman.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2016
About the author
Lindsay Cross
27 books1,672 followersLindsay Cross is the award-winning author of the Men of Mercy series. She is the fun loving mom of two beautiful daughters and one precocious Great Dane. Lindsay is happily married to the man of her dreams – a soldier and veteran. During one of her husband’s deployments from home, writing became her escape and motivation.
An avid reader since childhood, reading and writing is in her blood. After years of reading, she discovered her true passion – writing. Her alpha military men are damaged, drop-dead gorgeous and determined to win the heart of the woman of their dreams.
An avid reader since childhood, reading and writing is in her blood. After years of reading, she discovered her true passion – writing. Her alpha military men are damaged, drop-dead gorgeous and determined to win the heart of the woman of their dreams.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
February 5, 2016
3.5 stars
This book follows the story of Hoyt (a special forces operative who suffers from a severe case of PTSD) and Hayden (a former lover of Hoyt's whose brothers also serve with Hoyt). I did enjoy this book, but reading it as a standalone was not my best choice. There were SO MANY CHARACTERS that we are supposed to know about that I have to admit, I got lost at some points and had to refer back to see who was who.
Hoyt was adorable and I truly felt for him. I do wish the author delved a bit further into the full extent of his PTSD and had us follow him through his journey of recovery. That being said, the REASON he has PTSD is something that was apparently mentioned about in an earlier book, and is touched briefly upon in this book. The 'standalone' reader definitely needed more foresight as to what happened. That would have helped a lot in understanding what it was that Hoyt was going through.
I also wish that maybe as the prologue, the author could have included a bit more into the back story of Hayden and Hoyt's relationship prior to this book. I didn't really love Hayden's character...at all. She came off as a bitchy girl who would at one part in the book understands that Hoyt is going through a hard time and levels with him, and then turns around at the first sign of resistance and is like "blah, I am pissed you don't want me. I am just going to sit here in this room while people are after me and not leave with you to prove how angry I am." (not a direct quote) Yeah, she was just too childish for me. Maybe if we had a bit more of a backstory as to what it was that they shared, we could truly understand the hurt she feels towards Hoyt.
The action scenes were pretty awesome in this book. I love any and all military books and you can definitely tell the author knew what she was talking about when describing said scenes.
Would I read another Men of Mercy book? Probably. But first, I need to start from book one!
This book follows the story of Hoyt (a special forces operative who suffers from a severe case of PTSD) and Hayden (a former lover of Hoyt's whose brothers also serve with Hoyt). I did enjoy this book, but reading it as a standalone was not my best choice. There were SO MANY CHARACTERS that we are supposed to know about that I have to admit, I got lost at some points and had to refer back to see who was who.
Hoyt was adorable and I truly felt for him. I do wish the author delved a bit further into the full extent of his PTSD and had us follow him through his journey of recovery. That being said, the REASON he has PTSD is something that was apparently mentioned about in an earlier book, and is touched briefly upon in this book. The 'standalone' reader definitely needed more foresight as to what happened. That would have helped a lot in understanding what it was that Hoyt was going through.
I also wish that maybe as the prologue, the author could have included a bit more into the back story of Hayden and Hoyt's relationship prior to this book. I didn't really love Hayden's character...at all. She came off as a bitchy girl who would at one part in the book understands that Hoyt is going through a hard time and levels with him, and then turns around at the first sign of resistance and is like "blah, I am pissed you don't want me. I am just going to sit here in this room while people are after me and not leave with you to prove how angry I am." (not a direct quote) Yeah, she was just too childish for me. Maybe if we had a bit more of a backstory as to what it was that they shared, we could truly understand the hurt she feels towards Hoyt.
The action scenes were pretty awesome in this book. I love any and all military books and you can definitely tell the author knew what she was talking about when describing said scenes.
Would I read another Men of Mercy book? Probably. But first, I need to start from book one!
January 25, 2016
Amazing! This lady can write. I think I made record time reading this book it was so good. (I made my husband wait for me to finish before I would leave the room.) I love Hoyt's and have waited to read his story for a bit now and was so excited to get my hands on it. I was hoping so much that it lived up to my expectations... And it did with some to spare.
His story is so heartbreaking and then it isn't. He is an amazing man who needs the love of Hayden to find his way back after being tortured. And I mean tortured! I feel like I may be doing this book a disservice with this review because I cannot possibly tell you all that I feel about this man and what he has been through. But no one believes he can recover except his girlfriend, Hayden, which he doesn't want to see because of his scars. She doesn't give up, thank goodness. Now he has to protect her so he has to put everything aside to do that. After months of hiding from everyone, she brings him back to close to his former self. Their love will not be denied. But her brother, and his teammate, tries.
I don't want to tell you how this books ends or even the minor details because I don't want to ruin anything so please, if you love romance or military action you are going to soak this book up and not want it to end.
You really have to read Reckless River to get the full view of Hoyt and what happened if you're like me and go how was he tortured? But this certainly can be a stand alone book.
I received this ARC from the author in return for an honest review.
His story is so heartbreaking and then it isn't. He is an amazing man who needs the love of Hayden to find his way back after being tortured. And I mean tortured! I feel like I may be doing this book a disservice with this review because I cannot possibly tell you all that I feel about this man and what he has been through. But no one believes he can recover except his girlfriend, Hayden, which he doesn't want to see because of his scars. She doesn't give up, thank goodness. Now he has to protect her so he has to put everything aside to do that. After months of hiding from everyone, she brings him back to close to his former self. Their love will not be denied. But her brother, and his teammate, tries.
I don't want to tell you how this books ends or even the minor details because I don't want to ruin anything so please, if you love romance or military action you are going to soak this book up and not want it to end.
You really have to read Reckless River to get the full view of Hoyt and what happened if you're like me and go how was he tortured? But this certainly can be a stand alone book.
I received this ARC from the author in return for an honest review.
January 30, 2016
I love Hoyt! Hoyt has been tortured and near death. He has been left with scars both internally and externally. Hayden is the love of his life and sat by his bed nursing him back to health and seeing past his scars. He is determined to push her away. She deserves better than the shell of a man that he has become.
Hoyt’s group becomes a terrorist target which puts all of the people they care about in danger, including Hayden. He will protect her with his life.
Hayden’s heart has been beaten and battered as Hoyt continues to push her away. She doesn’t understand why he can’t come back to her. She sees who he really is and not the broken man before her. She is determined to not give up on Hoyt and show him that he is everything to her.
This is an action packed loved story. Soulmates finding their destiny. Loved it! Every book in this series has been a thrill ride. I hope Lindsay has many more Mercy stories!
Hoyt’s group becomes a terrorist target which puts all of the people they care about in danger, including Hayden. He will protect her with his life.
Hayden’s heart has been beaten and battered as Hoyt continues to push her away. She doesn’t understand why he can’t come back to her. She sees who he really is and not the broken man before her. She is determined to not give up on Hoyt and show him that he is everything to her.
This is an action packed loved story. Soulmates finding their destiny. Loved it! Every book in this series has been a thrill ride. I hope Lindsay has many more Mercy stories!
Want to read
January 28, 2019🎁 Books 1 - 8 in the Men of Mercy series are FREE on Amazon today (1/28/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
Special forces operative Hoyt Crowe wasn't just damaged… he was broken. After suffering brutal torture in captivity, his once lively spirit is shattered. Now his greatest adversary isn’t some unknown terrorist in a foreign country, it’s himself.
Hayden James watched Hoyt slide into a private purgatory of post-traumatic stress disorder, taking her heart with him. No longer warm and loving, he is cold. Hardened. A shell of his former self.
When an old enemy threatens Hayden’s life, Hoyt must find the strength to slay his inner demons or lose the woman he loves forever.
Blurb:
Special forces operative Hoyt Crowe wasn't just damaged… he was broken. After suffering brutal torture in captivity, his once lively spirit is shattered. Now his greatest adversary isn’t some unknown terrorist in a foreign country, it’s himself.
Hayden James watched Hoyt slide into a private purgatory of post-traumatic stress disorder, taking her heart with him. No longer warm and loving, he is cold. Hardened. A shell of his former self.
When an old enemy threatens Hayden’s life, Hoyt must find the strength to slay his inner demons or lose the woman he loves forever.
August 4, 2019
ARC received for review
Oh my, so much angst and back and forth, plus romance and catching a bad guy. Great addition to this series. I loved Hoyt and how he finally overcame so much stuff. I'm glad Hayden finally figured out the way to get him to open up, but why did we have to wait so long for them to hook-up (at 80%).
Oh my, so much angst and back and forth, plus romance and catching a bad guy. Great addition to this series. I loved Hoyt and how he finally overcame so much stuff. I'm glad Hayden finally figured out the way to get him to open up, but why did we have to wait so long for them to hook-up (at 80%).
May 3, 2016
I really really liked Ravaged River.
It is part of a series, but can definitely be enjoyed as a stand alone. I didn't know it was a series until after I started reading and although characters from previous books make appearances in Ravaged River it did not take away from the story. It only made me want to go back and read the rest of the books so I can catch up with everyone of Task Force Scorpion.
This reminded me of Lori Foster's Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor series. It's swarming with super alpha males, OTT danger but also showed the reader the softer side of these bad ass men. I really connected to the team as a whole but also the way the strong family bonds are displayed throughout the book. The relationship between Hayden and her father and brothers was great and Jared and Hoyt were the best! I loved them!
It had a very Beauty and the Beast thing going and Hayden and Hoyt really reeled me in with the depth of their emotion.
After suffering unimaginable torture, Hoyt comes back a different man. He can't cope with his nightmares, and the scarred mind and body that he is left with. He can't deal with the aftermath of his suffering and shuts down. He pushes away his brother, his team and the one person that means the most to him. Hayden.
Hoyt had me blinking back tears throughout the book. He was so self sacrificing and it broke my heart to see him put himself down again and again as a lost cause. He was so wrapped in pain, self doubt and rage that he blinded himself to the unconditional love and support of his family and friends. I loved seeing his softer side when it came to Hayden. Even after convincing himself that he'd done Hayden a favor by staying away, he couldn't completely let her go.
Hayden was a tough cookie. She'd grown up with alpha males all her life so she knew how to hold her ground. When the man she loves breaks her heart and refuses to let her in, she's devastated. She's about to throw in the towel when she finally sees Hoyt's deflection under a new light. I loved that Hayden went after Hoyt and was brave enough to challenge his decision about their future. She wasn't blind, she knew he was dealing with some pretty heavy baggage but she sets out to prove her love, their love is strong enough to overcome it.
When their lives are put in danger it doesn't take Hoyt long to realize that Hayden means everything to him. she is his pain, his joy, is everything and he fights with everything in him to keep her by his side.
This was a fast paced action packed romance. The heat factor is a slow build up. These two had a lot of hurt and pain to work through so the level of intimacy is there just not at the forefront. When they finally do come together is felt genuine. There was a strong emotional and physical connection between them. I loved the HEA, it left me happy and very interested in Merc, Ranger, Hunter and Jared's stories! Cant wait!!!
***Copy received for an honest review***
It is part of a series, but can definitely be enjoyed as a stand alone. I didn't know it was a series until after I started reading and although characters from previous books make appearances in Ravaged River it did not take away from the story. It only made me want to go back and read the rest of the books so I can catch up with everyone of Task Force Scorpion.
This reminded me of Lori Foster's Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor series. It's swarming with super alpha males, OTT danger but also showed the reader the softer side of these bad ass men. I really connected to the team as a whole but also the way the strong family bonds are displayed throughout the book. The relationship between Hayden and her father and brothers was great and Jared and Hoyt were the best! I loved them!
It had a very Beauty and the Beast thing going and Hayden and Hoyt really reeled me in with the depth of their emotion.
After suffering unimaginable torture, Hoyt comes back a different man. He can't cope with his nightmares, and the scarred mind and body that he is left with. He can't deal with the aftermath of his suffering and shuts down. He pushes away his brother, his team and the one person that means the most to him. Hayden.
No amount of counseling would fix him. He was as broken as the mirror and if he didn't do something, he'd destroy his loved ones right along with it.
Hoyt had me blinking back tears throughout the book. He was so self sacrificing and it broke my heart to see him put himself down again and again as a lost cause. He was so wrapped in pain, self doubt and rage that he blinded himself to the unconditional love and support of his family and friends. I loved seeing his softer side when it came to Hayden. Even after convincing himself that he'd done Hayden a favor by staying away, he couldn't completely let her go.
She'd turned into some sort of ghost part of his heart, like a limb lost in battle, it ached and ached like she was still there.
Hayden was a tough cookie. She'd grown up with alpha males all her life so she knew how to hold her ground. When the man she loves breaks her heart and refuses to let her in, she's devastated. She's about to throw in the towel when she finally sees Hoyt's deflection under a new light. I loved that Hayden went after Hoyt and was brave enough to challenge his decision about their future. She wasn't blind, she knew he was dealing with some pretty heavy baggage but she sets out to prove her love, their love is strong enough to overcome it.
He didn't seem to understand that she didn't see his scars when she looked at him. She saw him. The man. And he stole her ability to breathe.
She loved this man. She wanted to help restore that part inside him they had broken. She wanted to be with him always.
When their lives are put in danger it doesn't take Hoyt long to realize that Hayden means everything to him. she is his pain, his joy, is everything and he fights with everything in him to keep her by his side.
She could either destroy him or make him whole again. And he was helpless to do anything other than love her.
This was a fast paced action packed romance. The heat factor is a slow build up. These two had a lot of hurt and pain to work through so the level of intimacy is there just not at the forefront. When they finally do come together is felt genuine. There was a strong emotional and physical connection between them. I loved the HEA, it left me happy and very interested in Merc, Ranger, Hunter and Jared's stories! Cant wait!!!
***Copy received for an honest review***
January 26, 2016
Ravaged River (Men of Mercy 6)
Lindsay Cross
4 stars
Once again Im brought in on number six of a series. GAH! You all know I am not of fan of that but I also wont put the book down over it either. This was a really good read and I was sorry that I had not read the previous five releases. There were so many characters that I wanted to know more about.
Hoyt Crowe has been through the suck people and I mean since he was a child. Abused by his Uncle and Aunt, tortured by his cousins and dealing with the life of fighting terrorist you would think wow this story is over for this character. I have never seen the struggle and fight so real in a male lead. It was amazing. The torment this man has been through was tragic. My heart shattered reading about his past and what he had survived.
Hayden James was the love of Hoyt’s life. After his brutal torture he feels he is less of a man. His scars make him a monster on the outside and worse on the inside. Hayden only sees the man she loves .. not his scars. Her hope runs deep. Just as Hayden is ready to try and put herself out there after taking the advice of her beloved professor she finds herself thrown into a dangerous game. Hayden isn’t sure who to trust but people she loved and friends she trusted aren’t what they seem.
Hoyt needs to pull himself together to protect the woman he still loves but pushed away. Nothing will get past or through him – not when Hayden is concerned. Maybe he is still the man to protect her and maybe the man she deserves.
This was a really good read but again I like to know about the other characters in the book. Especially Merc – I would love to know whats in his head and going on with him. Lindsay does give us a run down prior to the first chapter of each character, his rank and what his job is. That was a blessing! I hope to get back and grab the previous books and look forward to reading those yet to hit the shelves.
Great read – great story line and great adventure. LOVE the characters and LOVE Hayden’s sassy attitude. Thank you for the ARC! Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.
Lindsay Cross
4 stars
Once again Im brought in on number six of a series. GAH! You all know I am not of fan of that but I also wont put the book down over it either. This was a really good read and I was sorry that I had not read the previous five releases. There were so many characters that I wanted to know more about.
Hoyt Crowe has been through the suck people and I mean since he was a child. Abused by his Uncle and Aunt, tortured by his cousins and dealing with the life of fighting terrorist you would think wow this story is over for this character. I have never seen the struggle and fight so real in a male lead. It was amazing. The torment this man has been through was tragic. My heart shattered reading about his past and what he had survived.
Hayden James was the love of Hoyt’s life. After his brutal torture he feels he is less of a man. His scars make him a monster on the outside and worse on the inside. Hayden only sees the man she loves .. not his scars. Her hope runs deep. Just as Hayden is ready to try and put herself out there after taking the advice of her beloved professor she finds herself thrown into a dangerous game. Hayden isn’t sure who to trust but people she loved and friends she trusted aren’t what they seem.
Hoyt needs to pull himself together to protect the woman he still loves but pushed away. Nothing will get past or through him – not when Hayden is concerned. Maybe he is still the man to protect her and maybe the man she deserves.
This was a really good read but again I like to know about the other characters in the book. Especially Merc – I would love to know whats in his head and going on with him. Lindsay does give us a run down prior to the first chapter of each character, his rank and what his job is. That was a blessing! I hope to get back and grab the previous books and look forward to reading those yet to hit the shelves.
Great read – great story line and great adventure. LOVE the characters and LOVE Hayden’s sassy attitude. Thank you for the ARC! Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.
March 9, 2018
“Ravaged River” was not my “First Rodeo” with Lindsay Cross’s “Men of Mercy”. Even if I have not been following up the line of Books, it is still an easy enough standalone.
At least once you read the first few pages. The story shows no mercy (pun intended) to reader. It paces at such a high speed that I felt almost out of control at times.
I had to stop and take a deep breath at times before continuing. The story itself is as complex and confusing when it comes to the military parts of it – as it is simple and easy when it comes to the relationship between Hoyt and Hayden.
There is no question really that they belong together – the only question is when Hoyt will realize that (if ever).
Hayden really does her best to continue her life but it is easy to see how much she struggles.
Hoyt is really deep inside the purgatory of his own mind and at times not even able to see what is right in front of him.
Their story is told believable insofar as that the reader can relate to their feelings. And even the complex plotline – years ago I might have said that such stuff can not happen – but I guess recent history teaches us otherwise.
So – yeah – the reader is invited to relate to those characters as hard as that might sound – it is unfortunately possible.
Great story – well written -
January 31, 2016
He thinks he doesn’t deserve the love of the woman he loves because he is broken. But the woman that he loves is going to have to be patient with him she is going to have to be understanding even though he tells her hateful things he does love her.
This is the sixth book in the Men of Mercy series and one that broke my heart. I have to admit that I have only read the first two books and I have some catching up to do and I will be doing it very soon. Ravaged River was a very emotional story and one where in some scenes my tears would not stop flowing. I felt so bad for both of the characters because I could see that they were in love but it seemed that he had made a promise to her brother but also every time he looked in the mirror he could see what had been done to him. He could still hear the person that scarred him for life and it made him sick. She on the other hand loved him so much but she couldn’t take any more of his coldness and she knew that they would never be able to be together again.
Hoyt Crowe was a man that fell in love with a wonderful woman but then it all changed when he was tortured by his cousin. When I read that I couldn’t believe it how could anyone especially a relative hurt anyone as bad as they hurt him. He was a wonderful man but after what they did to him he became cold and distant. He was suffering from depression and the demons would not leave him alone so when he tried to commit suicide I knew he needed major help and the person he loved would be the only person that could help him.
Hayden James is a young woman that had a past. She made some mistakes and the only person that was there for her was Hoyt. Now she knows that he needs help and she wants to help him but he pushes her away every time she tries to get close to him. So when her mentor, her professor tell her the only way for her to move on is to go out on a date and he knew the perfect person for her first date. I could tell that she was fighting the thought of going out with another guy but when she met Milak she felt something but she didn’t know how to take it. But then there was Chance a guy that been trying to get her attention and when he was flirting with her she was flirting back. I was stunned when she actually kissed him but then everything went to crap later on that night.
Hoyt and his team got some serious news and knew that a threat to the people they love was coming. When Hoyt received the word from Hunter, Hayden’s brother, that he was to get her and take care of her he couldn’t believe him. When he saw her and where she was at and what a guy was doing to her he was seeing red and he was ready to kill. That was when I knew that he loved her but his demons would not let him be with her. Hayden can’t believe that after all this time he is finally calling her but why is it because she was finally going to move on finally going to forget about him. But when he tells her that not only she is in danger but also her family and the team she can’t believe it. Only that is not the only news she hears her mentor is dead and someone she was close to is a known terrorist.
Hoyt and Hayden are going to have a tough road ahead of them and Hoyt is going to have to protect the woman he loves. Hayden is going to have to learn how to listen to the people that love her they only want her safety but she also uncovers news.
Ravaged River was an exceptional read!! This story was filled with suspense, action and of course an explosive passion between two amazing characters. These two characters are going to struggle to be able to be together but in the end love can do amazing things. Ms. Cross’s writing is flawless and creative. The characters were well written. The storyline was amazing. The chemistry between these two characters was sizzling HOT. This story was filled with anger, rage, fear but I knew no matter what these two characters were feeling the love they felt for each other would heal Hoyt.
I totally recommend this read!!!
This is the sixth book in the Men of Mercy series and one that broke my heart. I have to admit that I have only read the first two books and I have some catching up to do and I will be doing it very soon. Ravaged River was a very emotional story and one where in some scenes my tears would not stop flowing. I felt so bad for both of the characters because I could see that they were in love but it seemed that he had made a promise to her brother but also every time he looked in the mirror he could see what had been done to him. He could still hear the person that scarred him for life and it made him sick. She on the other hand loved him so much but she couldn’t take any more of his coldness and she knew that they would never be able to be together again.
Hoyt Crowe was a man that fell in love with a wonderful woman but then it all changed when he was tortured by his cousin. When I read that I couldn’t believe it how could anyone especially a relative hurt anyone as bad as they hurt him. He was a wonderful man but after what they did to him he became cold and distant. He was suffering from depression and the demons would not leave him alone so when he tried to commit suicide I knew he needed major help and the person he loved would be the only person that could help him.
Hayden James is a young woman that had a past. She made some mistakes and the only person that was there for her was Hoyt. Now she knows that he needs help and she wants to help him but he pushes her away every time she tries to get close to him. So when her mentor, her professor tell her the only way for her to move on is to go out on a date and he knew the perfect person for her first date. I could tell that she was fighting the thought of going out with another guy but when she met Milak she felt something but she didn’t know how to take it. But then there was Chance a guy that been trying to get her attention and when he was flirting with her she was flirting back. I was stunned when she actually kissed him but then everything went to crap later on that night.
Hoyt and his team got some serious news and knew that a threat to the people they love was coming. When Hoyt received the word from Hunter, Hayden’s brother, that he was to get her and take care of her he couldn’t believe him. When he saw her and where she was at and what a guy was doing to her he was seeing red and he was ready to kill. That was when I knew that he loved her but his demons would not let him be with her. Hayden can’t believe that after all this time he is finally calling her but why is it because she was finally going to move on finally going to forget about him. But when he tells her that not only she is in danger but also her family and the team she can’t believe it. Only that is not the only news she hears her mentor is dead and someone she was close to is a known terrorist.
Hoyt and Hayden are going to have a tough road ahead of them and Hoyt is going to have to protect the woman he loves. Hayden is going to have to learn how to listen to the people that love her they only want her safety but she also uncovers news.
Ravaged River was an exceptional read!! This story was filled with suspense, action and of course an explosive passion between two amazing characters. These two characters are going to struggle to be able to be together but in the end love can do amazing things. Ms. Cross’s writing is flawless and creative. The characters were well written. The storyline was amazing. The chemistry between these two characters was sizzling HOT. This story was filled with anger, rage, fear but I knew no matter what these two characters were feeling the love they felt for each other would heal Hoyt.
I totally recommend this read!!!
March 11, 2020
Oh my gosh! Holy cow! This story blew me away. I love love love this series, and I have been dying to get Hoyt's story. He has been awesome from the start, but I couldn't believe what he ended up going through. It changed him so much, but it didn't change his love for Hayden. His willingness to do whatever is necessary to keep her safe is the backbone of this story. Hoyt is changed. He is not the same man and never will be again. Hayden doesn't care. He stood by her through the worst crisis of her life, and she trusts him more than he trusts himself. She also still wants him, hard edges and all.
When terrorists are discovered embedded near their hometown and very close to Hayden, Hoyt isn't leaving her safety to anyone else. Hayden has her own ideas about her safety and some conflicts with the direction of the investigation. She determines to find some answers on her own and is as determined to dig as Hoyt is determined to keep her far away from everything. In the end, he will have to not only trust Hayden but also find a way to trust himself in order to save her.
This was the best book in this series yet, and that's saying a lot since I love them all. I hope we keep getting more Men of Mercy for a long time to come!
I received an ARC from the author for review.
When terrorists are discovered embedded near their hometown and very close to Hayden, Hoyt isn't leaving her safety to anyone else. Hayden has her own ideas about her safety and some conflicts with the direction of the investigation. She determines to find some answers on her own and is as determined to dig as Hoyt is determined to keep her far away from everything. In the end, he will have to not only trust Hayden but also find a way to trust himself in order to save her.
This was the best book in this series yet, and that's saying a lot since I love them all. I hope we keep getting more Men of Mercy for a long time to come!
I received an ARC from the author for review.
January 31, 2016
FUDGE ! What an book! I have binge read all of the men . And I can say I think Hoyt is my favorite. Why? He is broken yes, but he only needed the love of Hayden and he to me was put back together. No I don't think he is brand new. But I wouldn't want him no other way. It was a great book, and a hell of voyage. I am so glad I was able to read and devour these books. And Hoyt baby , you are my new book boyfriend. *wink*
January 25, 2016
Hoyt Crowe is facing personal demons and pushing away anyone and everyone from family to loved ones. Hoyt survived brutal torture just can't seem to get away from the nightmares plaguing his every waking and dreaming existence. Hayden James knows that Hoyt hurt her because he himself is hurting and unable to cope with recent changes in this life. Hayden doesn't want to date anyone because she's in love with Hoyt. When Hayden's mentor encourages her to get out more Hayden reluctantly takes his advice. Hayden makes a move but doesn't realize that Hoyt's ready to make his move as well. Someone is targeting Task Force with the means to do harm and damage. Will Hoyt find the will to accept what happened to him? Does he still love Hayden? Can Hayden make Hoyt understand that she wants to help? Your answers await you in Ravaged River.
I've been waiting for this book and wasn't disappointed either. Hoyt and Hayden have intrigued me to know more about their characters. Ravaged River definitely has a great story to tell. The whole Men of Mercy Series ranks up there with Elle Kennedy's Out of Uniform Series and Julie Ann Walker's Black Knight Inc. Series for me. The writing and story are top notch in my opinion. Looking forward to more from this author and series in the future.
I've been waiting for this book and wasn't disappointed either. Hoyt and Hayden have intrigued me to know more about their characters. Ravaged River definitely has a great story to tell. The whole Men of Mercy Series ranks up there with Elle Kennedy's Out of Uniform Series and Julie Ann Walker's Black Knight Inc. Series for me. The writing and story are top notch in my opinion. Looking forward to more from this author and series in the future.
January 29, 2016
I came into this without having read the first 5 books in the series. It didn't even matter. This book.stole my heart. As a veteran myself, this book had special meaning to me. I have utmost respect for our service men and I'm thrilled when writers can do them so much justice. Lindsay you truly blew me away.
My heart was aching for Hoyt from the get go, so much so that I couldn't put the book down AT ALL!! Hoyt stole me heart from the beginning with his brokenness. I felt his pain through the book and I saw the effect that Hayden had to be able to pull him out of his own head.
This book.was off the charts worthy of 50 stars. I had to fight off tears for pain and torture that Hoyt had been through and how he felt unworthy of Hayden's love. I have a total book hangover and it was worth every second of staying up til 2:30 am to finish a most wonderful book. Speechless.
My heart was aching for Hoyt from the get go, so much so that I couldn't put the book down AT ALL!! Hoyt stole me heart from the beginning with his brokenness. I felt his pain through the book and I saw the effect that Hayden had to be able to pull him out of his own head.
This book.was off the charts worthy of 50 stars. I had to fight off tears for pain and torture that Hoyt had been through and how he felt unworthy of Hayden's love. I have a total book hangover and it was worth every second of staying up til 2:30 am to finish a most wonderful book. Speechless.
February 3, 2016
Ravaged River was my first book by Lindsay Cross and I really enjoyed Hoyt and Hayden's story!! While this is the 6th book in the series, I was able to read it as a standalone. It had action, suspense and a great love story mixed into it as well. There was apparently a whole lot of action in the books leading up to this one, and I'd love to go back and read the others at some point. Especially to find out about Hoyt's past.
I really felt for Hoyt and what he went through. This story starts after a tragic event with Hoyt and he is such a broken character. I am glad he had Hayden in his life to break through his shell and help him heal. It was an emotional journey and i was happy that it ended the way it did. I can't wait to read more from Lindsay in the future!
I really felt for Hoyt and what he went through. This story starts after a tragic event with Hoyt and he is such a broken character. I am glad he had Hayden in his life to break through his shell and help him heal. It was an emotional journey and i was happy that it ended the way it did. I can't wait to read more from Lindsay in the future!
January 21, 2016
Lindsay Cross does it again! Ravaged River, the story of Hoyt and Haley has all the same twists and turns as all the Men of Mercy books you have come to expect. I loved the fact that Hoyt and Haley's story is so unique to them. Sometimes authors write series with the same core, girl meets boy, boy rejects girl, danger arises, boy realizes mistake, happily ever after...but not every couple can be molded into that form. Hoyt and Haley have unique problems that Lindsay beautifully addressed. Wish it was longer, but that is the problem with l the books I read. I can't wait until the next installment. I personally want a Merc story. Something about a hard silent man sings to my soul.
February 4, 2016
I think Hoyt and Hayden are my favorite characters so far from this series. This book is as good as the rest of this series. I loved it. I love all of Lindsay Cross' books. I would recommend this book and the complete series to anyone who likes Romantic Suspense. I can't wait to read the next book. Thanks
Lindsay Cross
Lindsay Cross
March 17, 2016
so what happens when not only your life is endangered but your friends and family and the love of your life . and what if it happens to be someone she knows but not very well .
and why would they go after her and your friends and family find this and much more when you buy , read and review .
also can love overcome the beast .
and can the beast allow himself to love and see himself as the one who loves him does or will love not conquer all .
April 17, 2016
I have only read one other book in Men of Mercy Series, so I felt like I was missing some back story on all of these characters.
That being said, I felt that Reckless River was somewhat predicable and not all that "suspenseful" or even "romantic". The "romance" between Hoyt and Hayden was EXTREMELY lacking to me. I feel like their "romance" took place in other books that I haven't read.
That being said, I felt that Reckless River was somewhat predicable and not all that "suspenseful" or even "romantic". The "romance" between Hoyt and Hayden was EXTREMELY lacking to me. I feel like their "romance" took place in other books that I haven't read.
January 29, 2016
Men of Mercy Series, Hoyt.
Hoyt is trying to come to term with his trauma and emotions after this torture, while trying to stop a terrorist group.
He has turned away from everyone especially Hayden his one love.Great action,drama,intrigue ,angst and romance.
A very good read.
Hoyt is trying to come to term with his trauma and emotions after this torture, while trying to stop a terrorist group.
He has turned away from everyone especially Hayden his one love.Great action,drama,intrigue ,angst and romance.
A very good read.
January 30, 2019
🎉🎉 THIS WHOLE SERIES IS FREE AT TIME OF POSTING 🎉🎉
Hoyt is on Task Force-Scorpion, several months ago he he held hostage and tortured by his own cousin. Scarred and feeling unworthy, he tries to commit suicide. After spending time in a VA psych ward, he’s finally getting back to a sort of normal but refuses to see Hayden. Hayden was his girlfriend until he had his brother tell her he no longer wanted to see her again. Hayden is a psychology student and after being avoided has decided to try and get on with her life. When a home grown terrorist cell is operating in their little town, the team will stop at nothing to keep their family safe. The danger is closer to Hayden than they thought. Then she is shot and Hoyt is devastated and realizes he can’t live his life without her. But is he too late?
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. Guessing who the terrorists are or where they are going to strike next. Second chance at love and lots of action.
Hoyt is on Task Force-Scorpion, several months ago he he held hostage and tortured by his own cousin. Scarred and feeling unworthy, he tries to commit suicide. After spending time in a VA psych ward, he’s finally getting back to a sort of normal but refuses to see Hayden. Hayden was his girlfriend until he had his brother tell her he no longer wanted to see her again. Hayden is a psychology student and after being avoided has decided to try and get on with her life. When a home grown terrorist cell is operating in their little town, the team will stop at nothing to keep their family safe. The danger is closer to Hayden than they thought. Then she is shot and Hoyt is devastated and realizes he can’t live his life without her. But is he too late?
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. Guessing who the terrorists are or where they are going to strike next. Second chance at love and lots of action.
September 6, 2024
Greed for power and control drove Hoyt Crowe’s cousin to enlist his girlfriend’s help to kidnap and torture Hoyt Reckless River) for days and nights on end, leaving Hoyt broken mentally, physically and emotionally! Previously confident Hoyt was positive he was a walking scar, an ad for PTSD. It would be best if he broke things off with his boss’ sister, college student, Hayden James. Hayden was under no illusion Hoyt was the man he was before but her love for him was exactly the same. He pushed her away.
Getting back to work becomes a priority for Hoyt when a terrorist cell is breeding in Mercy and doubles his efforts after finding out Hayden’s in the middle of it all. I wanted to like this outing more than I did but I never got invested.
Rating: 3.25stars
Getting back to work becomes a priority for Hoyt when a terrorist cell is breeding in Mercy and doubles his efforts after finding out Hayden’s in the middle of it all. I wanted to like this outing more than I did but I never got invested.
Rating: 3.25stars
September 12, 2018
Hoyt has been put through the wringer, emotionally and physically. He feels he is no longer the man he was and that Hayden is best off without him. I almost blubbed at a certain points cos his pain was just to palpable.
I loved that Hayden didn't see the scars and pain, she just saw Hoyt. Once she was determined to get him back into her life, the devious minx was determined to get him to see that too. I loved how the author took the evidence available to the characters and managed to spin it so that you were never quite too sure who the bad guys were. All I'll say is don't let you preconceived ideas get in the way of a brilliant story.
Please make sure that you read Reckless River first as they will set you for the continuing storyline and you can absorb just how harrowing Hoyt's torture was.
I loved that Hayden didn't see the scars and pain, she just saw Hoyt. Once she was determined to get him back into her life, the devious minx was determined to get him to see that too. I loved how the author took the evidence available to the characters and managed to spin it so that you were never quite too sure who the bad guys were. All I'll say is don't let you preconceived ideas get in the way of a brilliant story.
Please make sure that you read Reckless River first as they will set you for the continuing storyline and you can absorb just how harrowing Hoyt's torture was.
February 23, 2019
Scarred and Broken but Not Out! Hoyt is now a scarred, broken warrior with PTSD, who is having a hard time adjusting to life after his captivity and torture. He has panic attacks and fears he might hurt Hunter’s sister Hayden during one of these, so decides to avoid all contact with her. This however is harder than he thinks. After twelve months of being dismissed as not worthy, Hayden decides to start dating again, but can’t forget how much she loves Hoyt. When danger threatens the team and their families, Hoyt must decide one way or the other about Hayden, because he may be the only one who can save her. The characters in this story have been extremely well developed and I felt as though I was there with them. Lots of action in this storyline, which also helped keep my interest throughout. I really enjoyed this story.
December 7, 2019
What happens to a beautiful person, when they loose that outward appearance, due to traumatic experience? They see how people are repelled by their appearance, and it hurts even more than the original injury.
This is a story of a young man, turned into what others viewed as a monster, due to his marked appearance.
It's also a story of a young woman, who loved this broken man. A woman that he pushed away until...
You need to read the writer's version of the intrepid tale, as it is one of pain, confusion and love.
Mixed with the ongoing fight against terrorism, which had moved to the American homeland.
This is a story of a young man, turned into what others viewed as a monster, due to his marked appearance.
It's also a story of a young woman, who loved this broken man. A woman that he pushed away until...
You need to read the writer's version of the intrepid tale, as it is one of pain, confusion and love.
Mixed with the ongoing fight against terrorism, which had moved to the American homeland.
Read
December 7, 2019What happens to a beautiful person, when they loose that outward appearance, due to traumatic experience? They see how people are repelled by their appearance, and it hurts even more than the original injury.
This is a story of a young man, turned into what others viewed as a monster, due to his marked appearance.
It's also a story of a young woman, who loved this broken man. A woman that he pushed away until...
You need to read the writer's version of the intrepid tale, as it is one of pain, confusion and love.
Mixed with the ongoing fight against terrorism, which had moved to the American homeland.
This is a story of a young man, turned into what others viewed as a monster, due to his marked appearance.
It's also a story of a young woman, who loved this broken man. A woman that he pushed away until...
You need to read the writer's version of the intrepid tale, as it is one of pain, confusion and love.
Mixed with the ongoing fight against terrorism, which had moved to the American homeland.
February 7, 2019
Had me smiling and crying at the same time!
I really enjoyed reading the fourth installment to the "Men of Mercy" series. I enjoyed the new characters brought to this story, twist and turns the author sent us on, and the sassy women involved with the sexy men. This story did not have as much heat as the others in the series so far, but still a page turner. I would have given this book five stars, but the time line seemed off to me, other than what a fantastic read! I would and have recommended this series to fellow book lovers.
I really enjoyed reading the fourth installment to the "Men of Mercy" series. I enjoyed the new characters brought to this story, twist and turns the author sent us on, and the sassy women involved with the sexy men. This story did not have as much heat as the others in the series so far, but still a page turner. I would have given this book five stars, but the time line seemed off to me, other than what a fantastic read! I would and have recommended this series to fellow book lovers.
May 25, 2020
Hoyt’s story ripped my heart out of my chest because of what happened to him in the previous book. He’s had a long and very painful physical recovery but he hates the look of pity in everyone’s eyes, and refuses to see his former girlfriend Hayden. He spends his days drinking and passes out after dark until he finally hits rock bottom and reluctantly agrees to get his head on straight. He might not be 100% yet, but he’s well enough to rejoin the team when an old enemy threatens the life of the woman that he still loves with all of his heart. I love military romance!
July 4, 2017
Great series, but annoying editing errors
I am really enjoying this series, however the improper capitalization, incorrect words, and confusion between plurals and possessives mar what would otherwise be 5-star books. The heroes are alpha without being arrogant, womanizing jerks and the heroines have spunk and backbones, even if they occasionally display moments of terminal stubbornness and emotional whiplash. That said, I recommend the series.
I am really enjoying this series, however the improper capitalization, incorrect words, and confusion between plurals and possessives mar what would otherwise be 5-star books. The heroes are alpha without being arrogant, womanizing jerks and the heroines have spunk and backbones, even if they occasionally display moments of terminal stubbornness and emotional whiplash. That said, I recommend the series.
March 1, 2018
This series is awesome!!! These books keep getting better and better.
This one follows Hoyt and his love interest Hayden. In one of the previous books you learn that Hayden has slept ( being drunk but she still did it) with one of one other Special Ops guys. So I had a misconception that she was a little ho. I'm nit gonna tell you that she is ur isn't but thus book is like all its predecessors as being very emotional and caring. It covers the topic of PTSD.
Can't wait for the next one.
This one follows Hoyt and his love interest Hayden. In one of the previous books you learn that Hayden has slept ( being drunk but she still did it) with one of one other Special Ops guys. So I had a misconception that she was a little ho. I'm nit gonna tell you that she is ur isn't but thus book is like all its predecessors as being very emotional and caring. It covers the topic of PTSD.
Can't wait for the next one.
September 9, 2019
Hoyt and Hayden endure their tribulations and triumphs in the end.
Excellent story centred around Hayden and Hoyt full of action, romance with a dash of suspense. It envelopes you as you read and you feel for them as tortured Hoyt and his companions of team scorpion pull out all the stops to protect their families from the terrorists who is targeting them.
Hard to put down until the last page is turned! Happy reading.
Excellent story centred around Hayden and Hoyt full of action, romance with a dash of suspense. It envelopes you as you read and you feel for them as tortured Hoyt and his companions of team scorpion pull out all the stops to protect their families from the terrorists who is targeting them.
Hard to put down until the last page is turned! Happy reading.
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