Kendra Elliott is a new author to me ad when I picked up this book I had no idea it was the final book in the series and with that being said I think I would have got so much more from it if I had read the previous books. This is a romantic suspense and I really enjoyed getting to know this group of characters, it’s a well written fast paced story and I was drawn in from the first page and I will be going back and reading the previous books in this series.

Nail Biting suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat as Mercy gets herself into a situation that seems doomed from the get go. I always love the weather elements that make you feel like you’re there. Kendra’s novels never disappoint and this was no exception!! Tidge of melancholy knowing this is the finale. Oh but what a wonderful one it was! *thank you NetGalley and Kendra for the ARC

The sixth and final book in the Mercy Fitzpatrick series, A Merciful Promise sees Mercy go undercover in a militia group when the ATF need some help in a hurry. Their agent is due to go in the following day and has come down with shingles, and Mercy is the only agent in the FBI or ATF who fits the bill physically. Her ‘be prepared’ philosophy makes it a no-brainer; she can think on her feet and fit in with the militia members almost seamlessly.

With Mercy completely out of contact, her fiancé Truman is at something of a loose end - at least, until the bodies start turning up. Three in all, naked males who were apparently executed at close range. When the murder cases tie back suddenly and shockingly to Mercy’s undercover operation, Truman might just be the only one who can help her.

I’ve really enjoyed this whole series, and this is an absolutely stellar final installment. Mercy is at her best when forced into survival situations and she got to really shine here. The bloated cast which got on my nerves a bit in the last couple of books is pared back here to focus primarily on Mercy and Truman, and it really works well.

I enjoyed this book but it was not a book to read in the dark all alone! Mercy! I was scared several times and had to convince myself that the strange noise I heard was not someone from the book breaking into my home to murder me. Definitely read this one in the daylight wnd finish it before bed!!!

#AmercifulPromise #NetGalley The last in this series and the first for me but still able to read as a standalone. The pace started off slow for me and I found the telling of the story from the two different perspectives - Mercy, and FBI agent working undercover and Truman her Chief of Police fiancé - a little disjointed at times.Towards the end of the book it became quite frustrating as you would just get to a gripping part in Mercy's story to then go back to Truman and when it eventually got back to Mercy the drama had moved on! Nevertheless the action picked up considerably in the second half of the book and became quite unputdownable!! Overall, an enjoyable read that has made me interested enough to go back and read others in this series.

An excellent conclusion to the ‘Mercy’ series of books by Kendra Elliot. The FBI agent is looking forward to her wedding when she is guilt tripped into undertaking a dangerous undercover mission. Elliot builds up the excitement and tension so much that I found it hard to stop reading. She builds sympathetic characters and even shows how charismatic leaders can influence vulnerable people. to carry out evil acts. The ending is a satisfying conclusion to both the book and to Mercy’s story. I’m looking forward to finding out what Kendra Elliot gives us next! Warmly recommended.

A deep undercover assignment that cuts her off from everything ups the ante in this final, daring entry in the Mercy Kilpatrick series. As usual, I felt the danger close by, hoped all would turn out well, and relished the love between Mercy, Truman, and her family.

As I pointed out, A Merciful Promise is the last in the series and the sixth installment. It worked best getting it in order because Mercy and Truman's romance and Mercy's relationship with her family grew through the series even if each book posed a different case for Mercy and Truman.

A Merciful Promise starts out with Mercy being segundoed to work on an ATF assignment that takes her undercover into a militia compound where she has no outside contact to Truman or even her own FBI office. She has to figure out if they have stolen weapons and verify the details of rumors of some big plot involving the weapons' cache.
Meanwhile, Truman encounters a series of murders that have him dreading that a serial killer is loose. The wedding draws nearer and he worries about what could be going on with Mercy.

I love this series and I slid easily into this latest book. Mercy and Truman are great characters and I enjoy how they are both smart and capable in their respective law enforcement fields, her prepper background, and have a loving relationship full of respect and friendship besides the attraction. They were separated for most of the book, but because of the circumstances, it worked- though of course, I would have loved more time with them together.

I had a weird reaction to this book. I enjoyed it and I was all in as I whipped through the pages, but I felt a mild disappointment in how the big mission wrapped up.

It had the sort of plot that got intense fast because it starts with Mercy being plunged into a mission with barely a day's warning and little preparation. She's in a compound of extremists who feel more like a cult with the men waving weapons about and everyone living on the edge of deprivation with little to no survival or preparation skills with crazy conspiracy notions. Crazy, but still dangerous as a mob with a charismatic leader.
Truman's side investigating murders seemed almost blase in comparison. In a previous book, Truman was off in danger and Mercy was left fearful, this time the shoe was on the other foot and Truman was helplessly on the sidelines having to hope for the best in the face of tough odds. This situation did allow for some tender moments when Truman is able to slide into a real father role with Mercy's orphaned teenage niece and the orphaned youth Ollie. They all draw close while Mercy is away and in danger.
I enjoyed the updates on Mercy's family and to get some closure there since this was the end book.

I was fine switching back and forth between Mercy and Truman's side of the story since they are apart, but then that stopped working for me in the last third of the story. For example, without too much detail, Mercy is literally in a life or death moment, then the narration switches to Truman, but when it comes back the moment is over and the time has jumped ahead and what came during the narration switch is summarized quickly in past tense. This all served to take me out of the story rather than heightening the tension for me until it could build when a new situation came.

And, then my one true niggle, and this could be semi-spoilery so skip if you want.
(view spoiler)

I don't mean to say that it was dull or that I didn't like it, because I would even say I loved it with a few caveats. The final scenes leading to the big climax had my heart in my throat so to speak and offered a great finish with a nice denouement to wrap things up nicely. Mercy was her usual tough self and Truman had to find the courage to trust in her to keep herself safe, but now it is finally time for them to become a family with Kaylie and Ollie.

I will really miss this series and I'm glad the author said there will likely be cameos in later series. Meanwhile I must go hit her backlist and anticipate the new releases in her other ongoing series. This is a fab romantic suspense series that I can heartily recommend.

I rec'd this book from Montlake via Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
I still can’t believe this is the end! The last book in the Mercy Kilpatrick series is easily the most exciting. Mercy spends most of the story undercover in an isolated and secretive community. The book flips between Mercy’s increasingly terrifying experiences and Truman investigating a string of murders back home. It’s a frightening read and as Mercy’s situation became more dangerous, I found myself racing to the end in a single sitting.

I really enjoyed Mercy in this book, but I was a little bit sad to see less of her family and friends. The interplay between Mercy and Truman in their respective jobs is usually one of my favourite elements to these stories and I really love their partnership. For most of this book, Mercy has no ability to contact anyone outside of the compound, so we don’t get as much of the family and relationship time as we usually do. We do get to know the various cult members and we get to see more of the FBI agents who are usually on the periphery of the books.

From sick kids and pregnant women without medical treatment to the disturbingly charismatic leader and his heavily armed followers, the cult Mercy infiltrates is seriously creepy. And every time I started wondering if the whole scenario was a little exaggerated, the characters would reference similar groups and scenarios from real life. From the start of the series, I’ve found the preppers, survivalists, and other isolated groups equal parts disturbing and fascinating. This final story makes these groups a central focus and it makes for riveting reading.

I’ve really loved this series. The rural Oregon setting is not something I’ve encountered in other crime series and I feel like the books introduced me to a whole new part of America that I’d never before considered. I’ve loved the characters from the start. Mercy is fabulous and the slightly hotchpotch chosen family she and Truman have cobbled together is pretty special. I also like that Mercy never compromises herself for her relationship with Truman.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Thriller

I am sad that this is the end of the Mercy Kilpatrick series.

Mercy is tasked with an assignment that she has reservations about from the beginning. It is an ill-thought out plan that Mercy knows will bring back her past.

Mercy grew up in a prepper community. She knows that her assignment isn't for that, but rather a cult. While undercover, Mercy has to decide who can be trusted and what the group is hiding. Because she's thrown into this last minute, she's not even sure if she can trust her own partner.

Truman, having his own job and issues arise, also knows that Mercy is in danger. He can feel it. Trying to juggle his own job and feelings of dread. Truman knows that giving up is not an option. Finding Mercy is his goal, and nothing will stop him.

I enjoyed this a lot. I do wish that Mercy's dad had been more part of the story. We caught a glimpse of him, but I thought he would have been so much help in this story. Overall, it was a great series and I am sad to see it end.

Triggers: Murder, whipping, cult mentality


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
First, I can't believe that this is the end of the Mercy Kilpatrick series. Second, Kendra Elliot has written a story that I couldn't help but stay up most of the night reading.

Mercy walks into this op knowing exactly what she's up against. She's lived with preppers her entire life. She also knows the difference between a prepper community and a cult and she fears the person in charge of this little compound has more of a god complex than he does a prepper spirit.

Truman has a bad feeling about the whole operation, he knows that Mercy is not 100% yet but he also realizes that Mercy is strong-willed and will do everything in her power to stay safe.

When the raid goes down and Mercy is nowhere to be found, Truman refuses to give up hope that Mercy is safe. He defies the FBI and hires his own search and rescue team. If there is one thing in life he knows, it’s that Mercy can survive just about anything. He just doesn't know if he can survive without her.

Eh...I have mixed feelings on this one. I'm giving it 3 stars because there were parts I really enjoyed but I admit there were other parts I didn't.

Let's start with the positive: I really enjoyed the premise and how strong Mercy's character was portrayed.

Now the negative: this is the first book I've read in this series. I've read other late in the series books so I knew there would be references to the other books. But this one just seemed over the top. It almost felt as if the author was pushing the rest of the series on the reader (how many more times can Ollie's backstory be discussed?). I'd much prefer a hinting to get me interested and leave me wondering.

I felt Mercy's partner's character was cut incredibly short. I wanted there to be more between the two of them, maybe even a friendship developing. Instead she feels no guilt for kissing him despite being engaged to someone else (even if this is for an undercover assignment). And his character's story line ends almost as abruptly as it begins.

Overall it's not bad, but I can't say I'm looking forward to another book by this author.

** ARC received from Netgalley **

A great ending to the Mercy Kilpatrick series. I had enjoyed all the books in this series and I'm sad to see it end. I recommend reading her previous books before reading this one. This was a well-written story with great characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for a copy of Kendra Elliot's "A Merciful Promise" in exchange of an honest review.

A perfect ending to an excellent series. I flew through this book as Jessica was sent off the grid to an isolated cult community who may be amassing illegal weapons. No one, not even Truman knows where she is. Such an intense, fast-paced ending.

Mercy finds herself seconded to the ATF to infiltrate an anti-government militia. Intelligence suggests they have illegal firearms and explosives and plan on acting against the government.

Meanwhile her fiancé, Truman, is investigating a series of execution style murders in his town.

The Mercy Kilpatrick books are a rare pleasure for me. These are the books I wait for and when I finally get them I just want them to go on forever. A Merciful Promise is another seat of your pants adventure in a series that is yet to disappoint me.

A Merciful Promise by Kendra Elliot is book six in her Mercy Kilpatrick Series and the conclusion to Mercy and Truman's story and the series.
Mercy and Truman are about to be married soon when Mercy gets an undercover assignement and Truman has a difficult case of his own.
A Merciful Promise can be read as a standalone, for better understanding I recommend to read the books in order. I didn't and was lost.
The storyline is set in rural, small town US and is a crime/ mystery suspense, the last book like mentioned.
I liked the characters and the excellent writing. 4 Stars.

I found this series amazing and Mercy had me emotional throughout this book. I was hurting for Truman and scared to death as Mercy disappeared. The ending had me in tears and I really wanted Mercy to tell the FBI she was going to quit after all they put her through without any back up. I listened to the book on audible and found myself crying in my car for Mercy and Truman.

The last book in the Mercy Kilpatrick series. Wow! It did not start out how I expected at all, and to be honest, I had my doubts about whether or not I would be able to finish it. However, having faith in Kendra Elliot to not let me down plus being determined that I would read this final book, I carried on. And boy am I glad that I did! This was a definite page-turner. It kept me on my toes, rooting for Mercy and others. One more chapter, one more chapter, until….there were no more chapters. The story was told from Mercy’s point of view, as well as Truman’s which provided a great deal of insight into their relationship. Also, it was nice to see loose ends tied up and the family coming together. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone looking for suspense and mystery with a dash of romance thrown in for good measure. Thank you to NetGalley and Kendra Elliot for allowing me to review an advance copy. #NetGalley #AMercifulPromise

Unfortunately I could not read the pdf on my e-reader; the font was too small. Unfortunately I could not read the pdf on my e-reader; the font was too small.

End to a great series! Only thing I was missing compared to other books was seeing Mercy and Truman together. Hope to see glimpses of these characters in future series by Elliot.

A Merciful Promise is the last book in this author’s Mercy Kilpatrick series. I think I’ve missed two books in this series, but despite that, I haven’t been lost at all. So suffice it to say that all of these books can be read as stand-alone books. I’ll be rectifying the missing books situation shortly, though!

Romantic suspense is my absolute favorite subgenre of romance. And Kendra Elliot up near the top of my automatic 1-click authors. So when I say that this book was the perfect ending to this series, I’m not kidding. Mercy and Truman have never had a typical relationship. There have been many twists and turns, and I’m not sure either one ever really believed they would get their happily ever after.

NICUnurse’s Rating: While this wasn’t my most favorite of all the Mercy Kilpatrick books, it still was a really great read. I think Ollie’s story was my favorite. In typical Kendra Elliot style, she kept me guessing until the end. And that, for me, is the highest praise I can give a romantic suspense author! Nora Roberts trained me well, lol. I give A Merciful Promise by Kendra Elliot 4.5 out of 5 stars! Grab your copy today...and don’t miss the other five Mercy Kilpatrick books, either. Now...I’m off to read the two that I’ve somehow missed!

Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

This book is an amazing end to the Mercy Kilpatrick Series, a series that I have thoroughly loved and enjoyed. Mercy is a unique character full of quarks and her fair share of flaws. She is relentless and very good at her job and that relentless trait is what saves her in this book. I've got to say, if this wasn't a romantic-suspense and I knew there would be an HEA it so easily could have been written with a different ending, which is what kept me reading far into the night.

Mercy's life is good, her favorite sister, Rose, has just had a beautiful baby boy and gotten married, Mercy is healing in body and spirit and is busy with her job as an FBI agent, she and Truman, with Kaylie and Ollie, are looking forward to becoming a real family with Mercy and Truman's wedding in three months. She doesn't want the emergency assignment, but the ATF and FBI have no one else to turn to and the danger from the dissident militia group is real.

Mercy's fiancé, Eagle's Nest police chief, Truman Daly is very concerned about Mercy's new assignment, but he has his own cases and the murders of three men whose bodies have been dumped after their execution style shootings has him and neighboring lawman, Bolton, with few clues to follow.

Life in the militia is hard and Mercy has to curb her natural instincts and play the part of the submissive girlfriend in order to blend in, but she does it, or tries, in order to gather information on the groups plans for a terrorist plot and to save the children being kept in the compound. When the assignment goes terribly wrong, Mercy is left with no way to call for help and must rely on her survivalist instincts and her FBI training to save herself and survive so she an Truman can have the HEA they deserve.

I admit it: I usually avoid romance novels. In far too many of them, sentimentality trumps complexity, plot development, character depth and plausibility. But there are some exceptions: I like everything I've read by, say Kelley Armstrong, Suzanne Brockmann -- and Kendra Elliot! Because: complexity, plot development, character, plausibility.

The Mercy Kilpatrick series first drew me because of the prepper scene and because I live right here in the middle of Deschutes County, Oregon in a small town 20-some miles from Bend, where Mercy's FBI office is located. My town bears almost no resemblance to the fictional Eagle's Nest, where her fiance is the chief of police, but the larger setting is very, very familiar.

I've read all 6 of these "Merciful" books. I like the main character's independence and resilience. I like the central role of family. Although these are very wholesome people, I like their clear-eyed acknowledgement of evil and violence in the world, and their willingness to deal with it.

At first, I was put off by the fact that there was yet another militia in this sixth installment, since Mercy had so recently dealt with one closer to home (but yes, in real life, in the rural West, this does pass the plausibility test.) Besides, this set-up turns out to be quite different.

One thing I appreciated was that the references to plot points in past books were seamless. I was never confused over something I might have forgotten, nor was I ever bored with a tedious recap.

The story was built by alternating Mercy's point of view with that of Truman, her fiance, but Elliot didn't use strictly alternating chapters. In fact, near the end,as Mercy is trapped inside the militia compound, we have chapter after chapter from Truman's point of view, creating such stress and tension: "What the heck is going on with Mercy?"

So, back to the romance quotient: Yes, there is sweetness to these books, but it is not overpowering. It's not cloying. It feels life-affirming.

Thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for an advance reader's copy.