Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Daphne Morelli is trapped in a gilded cage.

She fought to escape her family, only to be caught by a billionaire. Possessive. Commanding. And determined to keep her.

Emerson LeBlanc wants to own the little painter. She's become more than his obsession. She's part of his collection now.

Except she's more perceptive than he'd like. Her artist's eye sees the shadows in him. She paints his pain on stretched canvas.

He's determined to own her. She's determined to escape.

In the end only one of them can truly be free.

251 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2022

303 people are currently reading
1393 people want to read

About the author

Amelia Wilde

160 books3,531 followers
Amelia Wilde is a USA TODAY and Amazon Top 100 bestselling author of steamy contemporary romance and loves it a little too much. She lives in Michigan with her husband and daughters. She spends most of her time typing furiously on an iPad and appreciating the natural splendor of her home state from where she likes it best: inside.

Amelia does not negotiate with targeted harassment campaigns, but she appreciates the valuable time spent thinking about her books.

Subscribe to Amelia’s private mailing list for updates, giveaways, and regular chats by heading to readerlinks.com/l/525541.

Follow her on Facebook at readerlinks.com/l/525539 for all the latest giveaways, announcements, and funny jokes.

Follow Amelia on Instagram for photographic goodness at readerlinks.com/l/525542!

Click the big yellow button and follow Amelia on Amazon for new release updates at readerlinks.com/l/525544.

Want to see Amelia live? Join her exclusive reader group! Consider this your personal invitation. Here’s where to go: readerlinks.com/l/525538!

Don’t forget BookBub! Follow Amelia at readerlinks.com/l/525543.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
717 (38%)
4 stars
578 (31%)
3 stars
321 (17%)
2 stars
134 (7%)
1 star
99 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews
Profile Image for Lori [semi-hiatus].
276 reviews157 followers
January 19, 2022
I CAN'T BELIEVE I LIKED THE FIRST BOOK.
THE HERO SHARES THE HEROINE WITH HIS BROTHERS
this is supposed to be MF romance with a jealous & possessive hero... WHERE?
SO FUCKING DISAPPOINTED
-BJ TO HIS BROTHER 1
-BROTHER 2 GIVES HER ORAL
-BROTHER 1 FUCKS HER ASS WITH SOMETHING WHILE THE HERO IS FUCKING HER TOO
-BOTH BROTHERS PLAY WITH HER BODY WHILE THE HERO FUCKS HER
OH, AND SHE 'RELUCTANTLY' ENJOYS EVERYTHING EVEN THO A SECOND AGO HOMEGIRL HAD NEVER TOUCHED A DICK
I HATE YOU AW FOR RUINING A SERIES THAT COULD HAVE BEEN GOOD JUST TO JUMP ON A TREND
i'm very pissed if you can't tell

->another author that bites the dust to write mainstream. And the biggest joke? It's not even in character for the characters , least of all for the heroine. It's how you know a scene is forced for the sake of pleasing certain masses.
->this shit should have warnings, a lot of people hate sharing
-> don't dump this shit in the middle of a trilogy after trying to portray the hero as JP. it's a betrayal to readers and the people who actually enjoyed the first book.
-> this is how you lose readers, dear AW.
Profile Image for Karen_Lee_Reads.
1,297 reviews47 followers
January 17, 2022
Sweet Mercy
Written by: Amelia Wilde

When you read a book that is filled with a complex and intricate story it is going to leave a huge impression on you. The emotions that are felt by readers as well as Emerson and Daphne will follow you through every chapter, every event right up until the last line in the last chapter.

The reality is Emerson has planned this whole exhibit out! That is what this story is about, his relating life to art. Why he is like this, why it is the only way he can leave his own home. The question is, will it blow up in his face and if it does who will be the cause.

There is no denying Author Amelia Wilde has written what I consider to be her hottest, steamiest, dirtiest story to date and that is because these two are truly made for each other. Daphne being held emotionally hostage by her brother Leo and Emerson being held mentally by his past, for him to live, truly live, he needs his world just as he presents it to Daphne. This is where the author draws you in, because their lives directly impact their passion for each other.

Speaking of Leo, ever the protector of his siblings it is Leo that Daphne is concerned for. Not herself but her brother. This is very telling because as we as readers get deeper into the past of the Morelli children we know of the past they have dealt with as well.

A try at freedom, a punishment and a visit from Emerson’s brothers Sin and Will opens up a whole new world to Daphne; does she embrace it or will it be the straw that turns her against Emerson?

With an explosive ending, it leaves me wondering what else is left to come in Last Resort the third book in this series.

Sweet Mercy, book two in The Collector series, in my opinion is the best book I’ve read by Author Amelia Wilde.
Profile Image for Amy [Book Addict Reviews].
2,650 reviews178 followers
January 17, 2022
This story picks up where Dark Reign left off, Daphne joining Emerson’s collection….

Daphne is now held hostage and learning the hard way about Emerson’s obsession with her and her art goes. This isn’t what she wanted when she asked him for help. Emerson is a complicated man. She has a dark past and that has contributed to the man he now.

I loved getting to know a little bit more about who Emerson is and getting some idea of who the man truly is, but I feel like there is still a TON to learn about this mysterious man. I loved getting to know his brothers, Sin and Will. They are protective of Emerson and the three of them have a unique bond. Daphne doesn’t want to be there, yet she also sees more in Emerson and she is drawn to that. Learning more about him only leads to the two of them developing a deeper connection and understanding.

Sweet Mercy continues to paint a beautifully broken picture of Daphne and Emerson’s story and I can’t wait to see how their masterpiece turns out.

If you’re looking for a dark, anti-hero, romantic suspense this is one to read.

Profile Image for ♂️Must Have Book Boyfriends ♂️.
523 reviews2,315 followers
January 19, 2022



"You’re making a mess of my fingers.”
“I’m not.”
“Yes, you are. Should I put more bite marks on you? Would that teach you not to lie?”
“No,” she pleads, and her sweet cunt clenches tight.
I keep my fingers there while I add more marks to her nipples. While I add a light, grazing one to her shoulder. Not deep enough to last or bruise.
I keep fucking her with my fingers and kneel down again. Her perfect cunt is inches from my face. “I haven’t marked this yet, little painter.”



Ohhhh shiiit!!! Emerson LeBlanc wtf have you done to my g-spot? I. FUCKING. LOVED. IT. Gimme more! I can always count on Amelia Wilde to take me to Jizz City. Repeatedly.


Basically? Fucking loved this book. That one scene...I thought I was going to burn to the damn ground. Hot AF. But then...we are talking about Amelia Wilde. She never lets me down with her sexy times.

If you're looking for a come-in-your-pants read, then you totally need to read Emerson and Daphne's story! RFN!





SWEET MERCY is available now EVERYWHERE!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3zy78u0
Amazon INTL: https://bit.ly/3IJ12uU
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/3BSEUtj
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3khZxsR
Kobo: https://bit.ly/32Ux5Yl
Google: https://bit.ly/3eRImLD


Profile Image for Celia {Hiatus until August}.
750 reviews138 followers
April 11, 2023
description

•| ⊱✿⊰ |• 4,5 Stars •| ⊱✿⊰ |•

Daphne is now Emerson's prisoner.
She will try everything to escape.
And Leo will do everything to retrieve her.
I hated Emerson character in the first part of this book.

descriptiondescription

Until he saved Daphne life.
He began to show his darkness and vulnerably.
The scene between Daphne and Emerson's brothers was hot!
Emerson's father is an asshole and a danger to them.

description

I'm curious about the LeBlanc brothers.
I know Will has his own book Blackmail (Controlling Interest #1) by Amelia Wilde , but Sinclair?
I hope Amelia does one for him as well.

description

descriptiondescription

descriptiondescription
Profile Image for it.sgottabethebooks.
1,863 reviews88 followers
January 17, 2022
I was enamoured with Emerson LeBlanc in Dark Reign but he takes my breath away in Sweet Mercy. Amelia Wilde’s writing is surpassing everything I expected and more as she took Emerson and Daphne’s story to the next level! The entirety of the book blew me away. The continuation from book 1 to this was superb, sexy and sinful. Not once did the author hold back as she delivered such a masterpiece with her words, the characters and story. I need the final book in this series… NOW! I am anticipating the conclusion especially with how this one ended. The cliffy wasn’t I want to throw my kindle and curse out the author moment but holy frick, it makes you want, no need, the final instalment. I am in awe with the author’s ability to make me fall for her heroes. Just another book boyfriend to add to my ever growing Amelia Wilde list.
Profile Image for Esther .
957 reviews197 followers
January 24, 2022
Wow, this series intrigued me and I decided I would wait for the whole series to come out before purchasing.

AM I GLAD I DID. This needed some kind of warning that the second book goes into m/m/m/f. And brothers no less. Just NO, NO, NO!!! Sooo glad I waited as I will not read the series at all.

And what is this, the new trend. I'm seeing it more prevalent than ever, menage everywhere in romance land. I'm becoming discouraged in the direction that authors are trending in their writing of romance. Menage and historical's being written more like a contemporary book disguised as historicals.

I am seeing my TBR pile shrink and interest in romance land waning.

This is totally worth the tag of "YUCK"!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
121 reviews3 followers
January 20, 2022
Wow what started as an intriguing story veered to disgusting. HE SHARES HER WITH HIS BROTHERS!
Promoted as a MF romance with a possessive H, author switches it up to RH in SECOND book without a heads up. Gross Gross GROSS. Won’t be reading the third book and I’m really disappointed as Ms. Wilde WAS one of my go to authors.
Profile Image for Romancereader88.
80 reviews3 followers
January 27, 2022
Okay, loved the first book! There was so much promise… then this just fell flat for me.

1. There should be some sort of warning in this book… i get a lot of authors want you to go into books blindly… but was not ready for it… and it seemed so out of character. Since Emerson’s supposed to be this overly obsessive villian. He just used her as a pawn, having her hook up with his brother, so he can get back in their good graces. Like let’s punish her and force her to have sex with them… yess oral sex is still sex. Sorry this made no sense. Plus the fact he kept treating her like less then human in the moment. It just hit way too hard. Also yes technically she gave consent but it was clearly a punishment… and then after he tells her he loves her like get out of here.

When I read captive/stalker romances I keep hoping to see some redemption or see the fact that they care in their own fucked up way. I never felt like we truest for that. All we got was pure obsession and disregard for the heroine as a human. This is a pure Stockholm. Romance which I’ve read, and I know I need to be in the right mind set. But with this… I just struggled. I found myself not caring about the story more then once. I’m giving it a 2 star because I respect the author for making me feel something while reading.


I probably would have ended up liking the story if it wasn’t for the fact that were now in the second book and he’s neither jealous or possessive…. Also I’m over authors throwing in group sex just to “make it sexy” write a scene that isn’t out of character and is sexy… there are many ways.
Profile Image for Corinne [hiatus].
537 reviews110 followers
February 11, 2023
Ugh, there's a big problem when the best thing about the book is the cover.
I hated the plot, the characters, the kink.
Were this not an ARC, I would have dnf-ed it after the first few pages.

The book picks up after Emerson sequesters Daphne in his home and she just can't believe it. Not enough red flags I guess. For someone from a wealthy family with lots of enemies, she is pretty dumb.
I have no major issues with Emerson. He is a pretty straight forwards stalker. But there's nothing really interesting about him.

About 90% of this book is the characters' thoughts and some kinky sex and only 10% is dialogue. That says it all if you ask me.

About the kink. It was plain weird. There's a foursome scene here where she's displayed as a painting in a frame and he's sharing her with his brothers. WTAF?

Safe to say this will be my last book by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rachel Raven.
70 reviews
January 19, 2022
I had so high expectations in this book it looked so good with the little bits we got in Leo's and Haley's book.To say the foursome scene disturbed the shit out of me is an understatement.Emerson seemed to be possessive as fuck in the first book which was great and now he shares her with his two brothers?the way the author described the scene in 2 full chapters and how Sin took Daphne's anal virginity made me wanna puke.A trigger warning would be needed and after that scene it's like no matter what they do or how they spent their time i couldn't feel their chemistry and love,it felt like a stain in their relationship for me.PLEASE AUTHOR DON'T EVER INCLUDE A SHARING SCENE AGAIN IT WOULD RUIN THE WHOLE TRILOGY FOR MANY MANY READERS.I really loved Leo's and Haley's trilogy that's why i am still gonna read books of her in the futur but something like this again and i am out for good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾.
2,313 reviews13.7k followers
January 23, 2022
3.5 STARS
I didn't think a monster could be this beautiful.

Well, didn't this take a kinky turn? *satisfied grin* I definitely didn't see this coming, but dang if you'll hear a peep of complaint from this girl.

After devouring the first book, I was left reeling after that jaw dropping cliffhanger. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book and the second it landed on my kindle, I dove right in. And then found myself treading water for a bit. What I'm saying is that it took me a hot minute to get into and I'm not certain why. I sort of muddled my way through the first 30% and was worried because it started to feel like I was disconnecting from the story and the characters. But then it took an interesting turn.

The second we began to learn more about Emerson, I was all in. This man was a full enigma in book one, and we finally get a peek into his dark soul in the second half of this one, and I was here for it. He's such a complex character, and that really gets unraveled here. The more you learn, the more you understand. And while the reader gets to peel back the layers of the enigma that is Emerson, we also get to see the sexual awakening of Daphne. As the overly protected sister of Leo Morelli, Daphne is not exactly naive, but she isn't experienced. She can't possibly be too naive with a father like hers, but she's always been overly coddled by her brother. This book really brings about her sexual awakening...with a bang. So while the first half of the book felt stretched out, and a touch repetitive, I devoured the second half.

Now this is where it also gets interesting because you'll see there's a divide. Some readers either really loved this while others hated it. I happen to fall in the former. There's a particular scene that I didn't find to be shock value, but a character developing scene for Emerson and Daphne both. It fit, but it wasn't your mainstream romance, so if you're expecting that, this book isn't for you. I personally loved the hell out of it.

And that ending? I can't wait to see how it all concludes!

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

Find me on:
Follow me on facebook Follow Me on Twitter blog
209 reviews2 followers
January 20, 2022
I will admit that the first book's writing wasn't much to my liking but I continued cause it peaked my interest but this book made no sense at all especially that part with his brothers. That is not something I would've expected the main character to do. Dnf
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
164 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2022
DNF!!! I just can’t carry on. Daphne is just so annoying I can’t think of anything I like about her. I’m not keen on Emerson either!! I’m a massive fan of the morelli and constantines but this book is the worse of them all!! I won’t be bothering finishing or reading the 3rd book. Such a shame.
10 reviews
January 24, 2022
Total waste of time and money

If you are looking for romance this is not it. Spoiler alert. He has a threesome with her and his 2 brothers and they treat her like a piece of art the whole time they are viewing. It was disgusting, degrading and not romantic at all. I'll never read another book my this author again.
Profile Image for PeaceOfGod.
885 reviews369 followers
characters-who-cheated-ugh
January 27, 2022
Ok. what the fuck huh?

🙂My sob story-

~I was filtering my tbr.

~Saw the first book#1 , of this series and downloaded it.

~Downloaded it straight-away, WITHOUT knowing that i had JUST added the 2nd book (this one) in my "cheaters" shelf.


~And then when it ended in cliffy.

~I came to GR to see that the 2nd book was in the "cheaters" shelf.


~That means that i have been reading about a cheater H for the past 3 days.




~Wow, talk about stupidity.

~I REALLY AM a nut-case huh?

~Anyways, i hope you empathize with me and..........NEVER read this shitshow book.

~Just........u shud know that there are MORE than one tongues in that pu**y.

Yeah, i am being crude.
And i OWN it.

Bye-bye.
Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,789 reviews400 followers
January 16, 2022
3.5 STARS

If you like your antihero to be as ruthless as possible without any limits, you have come to the right book. Sweet Mercy by Amelia Wilde will definitely show no mercy to your heart and soul. Unapologetically dramatic and deviant and heartaching.

When Daphne Morelli called her stalker aka admirer Emerson Leblanc for an escape from the suffocating heartbreak, she didn't know she is going to become his captive. Emerson won't let her go as she is helplessly caught in his web of lies and manipulation and passionate games. Surrounded by the ocean and his priceless art collection, Daphne is trying to find out how she really feels for this monster.

Like every antihero Amelia Wilde creates, Emerson has his own backstory that is painful and dark. He has not become this cruel devil in one day. He is possessive and obsessive and is crippled inside by his own demons. Daphne may be his captive but she is actually setting him free. She is fierce and sweet and conflicted. She should not crave his depravity but she does. She also can see the heartbreaking man inside. I was falling hard for them. The reason it was not my absolute favourite is something Emerson did. I seriously feel he took his game a bit too far and though the author went deep explaining how Daphne actually wanted it, that specific scene or chapter was too much for me. I don't think that scene was cognisant with Emerson's controlling and obsessive side and I feel it was unnecessary and made the story difficult to relate to. I am waiting to see how other readers feel about this. That cliffhanger was brutal and I really cannot see how Emerson redeem himself.

Broken antihero and Amelia Wilde have become synonymous to me in last few years. Sweet Mercy proved why once again.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Profile Image for Kelly_Reads_Books.
2,123 reviews190 followers
January 18, 2022
My heart is weeping for Emerson and Daphne, their struggles are painful to witness, and had me gasping at times, crying for life to be kind to this couple.
What began as a collector who acquires exquisite art quickly turned into a man obsessing over the artist. Emerson has finally found his most priceless art for his collection and he is never letting her go.
That scene when Emerson is doing a private showing of his most precious and prized possession was the hottest scene I have read in a long time!
Amelia Wilde has written a spectacular story in the saga of Emerson and Daphne. The complex and poetic prose, coupled with the reference of art in all the descriptive scenes made this book extremely enjoyable to read.
Profile Image for 💜VGreedyReader🖤.
648 reviews128 followers
January 26, 2022


⭐️4 little painter stars ⭐️

(◕‿◕)𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗗𝘆𝗻𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱, 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶'𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆.

Emerson aka The Collector may seem cold and calculated, but under his untouchable veneer lurk secrets and darkness. Our little painter must find her hidden strength to unearth them. Emerson thinks he can own art, collecting pieces of arts it’s what he’s good at, a talent that runs in his blood. However he’s not ready when his most priceless, precious piece of art takes on a life of her own. The relationship between possessor and possession is a thin one and the balance is shifting…

~𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒓𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒂 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝒑𝒊𝒆𝒄𝒆, 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓. 𝑩𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒅. 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏. 𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒍𝒆𝒇𝒕 ���𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅~

Emerson is an obsessed man, he filters everything through art, it’s his only means of communication. Albeit he’s mostly stubborn throughout the whole tale I appreciated some development of his persona, I’m counting on the author to further this evolution.

~𝑴𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒅𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆, 𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏'𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚? 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒂𝒔𝒌 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏~

A steamy private showing is the highlight of an otherwise a bit slow story, it’s also Daphne awakening, her acknowledgment of her true self. Only time will tell if she is brave enough to embrace change. Daphne resembles a flat character for too long, only towards the end of the story we can see this changing, I hope she’ll finally bring forth her dormant backbone.

~𝑰'𝒎 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒂 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒄𝒂𝒈𝒆. 𝑨 𝒃𝒊𝒓𝒅 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒄𝒂𝒈𝒆~

Overall this was an easy and pleasant journey, there were some minor inconsistencies but they didn’t take out the reading flow. Book two ends on another epic cliffhanger just when things get interesting and the narrative pace is finally picking up, now I really need to see the end to this artsy tale.

𝘚𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘉/𝘍𝘙 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘛𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘦 💋🥂 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘸𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 💪
Profile Image for SP.
571 reviews122 followers
February 10, 2023
So I’ll start by saying I loved book 1! But something about this feel flat for me. I liked most of the character development and getting to see a little more of Emerson. The worst building the author does is great. Amelia can definitely write! I also liked that she portrayed the Stockholm dynamic in a realistic way. I have read a few books with this trope and I felt like she is showing that dynamic really well.

One part in particular really threw me off from what was going to be a 4 star rating. It sort of took away from what we knew of Emerson. This could just be me because I struggle with sharing in books personally, as it is. There’s a few times where it works for me…and unfortunately this time didn’t.

That being said the rest of the book and dynamic was really well written and worth the read. I defiantly am curious to see how their relationship ends and where they go from here.
Profile Image for Vanessa Booked Up.
1,076 reviews479 followers
January 25, 2022
3.5 Stars!

Well then...

“You think I’m a piece of art.”
“You’re much more than a singular piece, little painter. Beautiful and smart and kind. Perfection. You’re far too valuable to be left out in the world.”


817357

Good gawd almighty, did things take an interesting turn up in here!

I have to be honest, after the explosive, nail biting book 1 of this trilogy, this second installment started out a bit on the slow side for me. I struggled getting into the book for the first 30% and found a lot of the content to be somewhat repetitive. But I stuck with it and I am HELLA glad I did because HOLY SHIT!

Things REALLY take off from that point of the book on to the very end.

7257684

I loved how we finally got to dive in to some of Emerson's issues, history, and why he's as guarded as he is. My heart broke for him and the things he's been through and I think it explains his character perfectly.

I also loved how Daphne wasn't a weak little flower in this book like I found her to be a lot in Dark Reign.

Now things REALLY got interesting around the 60% mark with a certain extended scene that I never would've seen coming in a million years. Apparently, from reading other reviews, I learned that this was kind of a crowd divider. Some people seem to have really hated the fact that the author went there. Me however??

10044737_zpso0thylpt

I was all a-freaking-bout it!! Was it traditional romance? No. But these are flawed characters and it brought both Daphne and Emerson closer as well as Emerson and his brothers closer. If something is done in a book purely for shock factor reasons, I have no use for it. But if it helps move the story forward and plays an integral role in the characters' arcs, then I understand it and that was definitely the case here.

If you follow my reviews at all, you know that I hate cookie cutter, formulaic writing and this author took a MAJOR risk here and I applaud it.

And, holy frick, that ending!! I'm really curious to see where things go from here in the final installment of this trilogy, Last Resort.

"You're a work of art. My favorite piece. I'll remember it forever."


I received an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for The Romantic Rush Blog.
2,640 reviews966 followers
January 18, 2022
Oh sweet Mercy- leave it to Amelia Wilde to always keep me on my toes. Sweet Mercy is epically unpredictable, intoxicating, and oh so titillating. Amelia Wilde has truly become an artist with her addicting sensual finesse, as Sweet Mercy delivers some of the most creative and immersive eroticicism she’s written to date. Paired with the psychological complexity of the unusual dynamic between the Collector and his latest acquisition and we have a real fresh and exciting page turner.

After the addictive slow burn of the first, Amelia dials up the emotional and sexual energy in this sequel, a Emerson has taken his possessive and obsessive nature to new heights, doing the unthinkable- he’s captured a Morelli as his latest piece of “art” in his esteemed collection. And a deliciously complicated psychological game unfolds, but one that has its parallel emotional journey. What does it mean to be an “acquisition” for Daphne- to be “framed” in as part of his most valued treasures.

I was consumed completely by these characters and their chemistry. I might not always understand their pull towards each other, but I can’ deny how perfectly they are matched. This story is a lot of push and pull and alot of denial. We didn't quite get all the answers I craved, but we did learn more about the enigmatic Emerson and just what makes him tick. He makes some epic decisions in the last quarter of this book that will have a lot of implications, and decisions I’m not quite sure I understand just yet. But I’m still here for this mysterious, deranged and depraved man. Daphne continues to shine as a heroine- still tender, still sweet, but coming more into her power. She’s finding out just what that power is and being forced out of her bubble, and into another, really make her examine her wants and needs- and what she finds surprises her.

Truth be told, Amelia really takes some interesting creative turns here, and she really doubles down on the merger of art and sexy. Creatively speaking, it’s brilliant- an original and seductive take that stands out in a sea of trite and repurposed sexy scenes in the romance world. But some of it will test you - make you wonder just where is the line between odd and uncomfortable and arousingly taboo. It may end up being divisive, but I can’t deny that it was sexy to read, even if I don’t know QUITE what some of this means of this couple. While it was tantalizingly erotic and super fun to read, at times it didn’t feel consistent with the characters I knew- but perhaps that’s the point. Amelia is exposing their true depths through their exploration- I wish we had more of their mental proceedings before the cliffy so I could better understand how it fits into their arc. But, I love authors pushing the fold, and let’s just say I’ll never look at the framing process the same again.

As an artist myself, I’ve been so fascinated by the way Amelia has woven the artistic mindset into this series. The first book really immersed us in the mentality of a creator- the liberating act of self-expression, the freedom that comes from channeling your emotions and your being and the way you see the world into your art- all through the eyes of Daphne, the artist. Book 2 flips that on its head, as we start to embody what it means to be the CREATION instead of the creator, to collect and acquire “art”- as we fall into the world of the Collector and experience his being as one of his collected.

Another cliffhanger will leave us waiting breathless for the next book, and I can’t wait to see just how they move past the finale. I can’t wait to hopefully further unpack the complicated Emerson and see how Daphne emerges from all the drama at the end. If book two is any indication of the forbidden and erotic depths we in store for the final book, and there two characters that I’m just HOPING go toe to toe. Either way, I’m loving this unusual pairing, and I can’t wait for more.
Profile Image for Aisling Zena.
634 reviews521 followers
on-hold-to-get-back-to
July 10, 2022
On hold indefinitely

Spoilers for my safety gang!

Well another on bites the dust. I was enjoying it until he decided to share h with his brothers. It was hella hot but I felt it didn't belong in their story and it made me not care about them getting together or not. It was like a switch went off. One moment I'm invested and wondering how they're gonna manage to stay together and the next poof! done with them! The scene was really hot and I would have loved it if it was because all three love h and they end up all together thing. But clearly they are not. I hate sharing when not all parties are involved and emotionally invested together and it's just because H wants to show her off or some bullcrap like that. Third time having sex and she's thrown off the deep end literally.

description
Profile Image for Bia.
275 reviews6 followers
February 18, 2022
The first book is a fucking mess, i’m really not a person to give negative reviews usually i just ignore it but for goooods sake... this book? there is no development, there is no meaning, there is NOTHING, is his obsession with her just meaningless out of the nothing, and he treats her like a NOTHING and that thing of a piece a work of art? SICK. this man is sick. And he shares her with his two brothers... WHAT THE FUCK? and at the same time... DISGUSTING. yes this second book managed to WORSE what was already bad, i don't even want to read the last one because this is sick. bye
Profile Image for  Linathebookaddict  .
1,565 reviews407 followers
January 20, 2022
I adore this world! This author holds a special place in my heart as I adore all her books. This is a top favorite of mine. Emerson and Daphne took me on a very emotional journey!
This books is twice as good and twice as dark and steamy.
What an absolute pleasure. I highly recommend this and I cannot wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
4,389 reviews41 followers
January 19, 2022
5 STARS FOR SWEET MERCY!! OMG....Emerson and Daphne stories kept me on the edge of my seat and unable to put this book down. I am dying for the ending. As always Amelia Wilde has done her job and sucking us readers into her story land. I need the next book.
Profile Image for Ra Ra.
425 reviews6 followers
Read
January 24, 2022
DNF ≈ 60%

I’m okay with dark and spicy. I’m not cool with ✨sharing✨ between brothers. Major ick.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sarah~Book Obsession Confessions .
1,302 reviews88 followers
January 19, 2022
4.5 STARS
Obsession and possession..Tortured pasts and tortured souls..Art and sex all meet in this very captivating story.
It picks up where the first book (Dark Reign) ended-Daphne is stunned and horrified to realize Emerson has meticulously planned and carefully plotted to “keep her” for his personal art collection, she is his his newest acquisition!
She has run straight into her own entrapment in her one act of rebellion against her family.
-So, breaking that down simply. He stalked her, she “fell” for him, he invited her to his place and he holds her against her will.

This unusual story is written in a way that I savored the words and the imagery it evoked.
There’s a subtlety to the writing despite the themes.
I like the paradoxical nature of the darkness, the twisted actions and the artistic beauty.
The characters and story run emotionally deep in an understated way.
Nothing is rushed, it’s not about big moments as much as all of the details, the vivid descriptions that make up the bigger portrait.
It’s not a book that’s fast and action packed. It’s a steady, slower pace that I found very beguiling.
I love a “stalker romance” and this is a beautifully written take on that trope.

Both characters are very aware and watchful of their surroundings and of each other. They see what others wouldn’t. It makes them understand each other very quickly. It’s an interesting aspect that made me like their interactions together. I believed that they had a deeper understanding of each other because of it. (It did make me think Daphne not catching on to Emerson’s creepy factor earlier was a bit off. She is sheltered and lonely so I can assume that is the reason she ignored the red flags.)

Emerson is a very damaged man, he’s complex and twisted so of course I felt sympathy for him. I love a dark, tortured anti-hero and he is definitely that. He has other aspects that are intriguing as well.

Daphne is inexperienced and has been sheltered, but she has strength and and kindness. It makes her an appealing heroine.
She has an innocence about her, but she also has some hidden feelings and desires that she starts to become more aware of and more accepting of that aren’t so innocent.. at all.

Enter the man who has acquired her and we have some sexual exploration that is very twisted at times, very sensual and downright naughty.
-At one point things get extremely kinky. It’s a very original scenario and I absolutely loved it! I’m all about the sexy and depraved. When it’s unique like this I feel like I’ve hit the sexy book jackpot!
It’s extreme, it’s very erotic and it pushes the boundaries of the characters and I’m sure it will for some readers as well.
I thought it was original, well choreographed and absolutely panty melting. The way art and Daphne’s role as an “acquisition“ play into this particular scene is so incredibly different and hot!

An odd relationship forms between the two main characters. Things get revealed by both that bond them and made me understand them better.

The end has a couple of things happening fast, it’s not shocking. It was an obvious mid-conclusion to me.
But, it is an ending that makes me very curious what the final book has in store. I’m quite excited for it.
I eagerly anticipate the next/last book in this trilogy.
Profile Image for Abstract ♥ Books.
1,281 reviews1,764 followers
January 17, 2022



ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS

line

Star Rating : 4/5 Stars

POV : Dual

Hero : Emerson

Heroine : Daphne

Pace of the story : Moderate

Angst Rating : 6/10

Heat Rating : 6/10

Triggers Involved : Obsession

Review :
Daphne and Emerson are back. I have been obsessing over these two for months and now the conclusion is here!! Emerson and his obsession with Daphne is sort of toxic but that only makes me want to read this series more.

Daphne wants to run away. She has been shackled her whole life and now history is repeating itself. Emerson wants to keep her and there is no way she is giving in to his denads. No way she will ever surrender. She is going to run away and there is not a damn thing he can do about it.

Definitely recommending this book to all the dark romance loving people out there! It's an amazing trilogy with a very JP hero and his innocent heroine.


My-Post-3 Website | Bookstagram | Facebook Page | Newsletter
Profile Image for Kelly G (Now Accepting Book Boyfriend Applications).
1,110 reviews87 followers
January 19, 2022
Holy hotness! Yes!!! This installment has some SERIOUS HEAT!!! Emerson is so complicated and I FLOVE IT! Daphne takes a breath in this book and looks around her. She is freaked out about being kidnapped.... but once she takes it all in and begins to see what is happening right in front of her, she begins to relax and enjoy herself! Emerson's dad needs to be junk punched! Sinclair and Will are interesting men.... but Sin cracks me up! Leo's hypocrisy really annoys me! Even when it was pointed out to him, he can't seem to accept it..... Now I am totally ready for the conclusion because I get the feeling that Daphne is going to really come into herself and become the badass that I know she has lurking in there!!!


Story 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Swoon 😍😍😍😍
Angst 💔💔💔
Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.