Mercy (Prism #1) by Love Belvin

Mercy (Prism #1) Reviews

• 
  Rashawnda

  At this point Love Belvin has established that the assignment is always understood when it comes to the stories she delivers. She has a real gift reeling you into her universe and I’ve happily made my home there. When her pen touches paper, magic is created and it is no different with this series!
  
  Jas and Ashira aka Shi Shi are worlds apart. She comes from wealth and is currently running her father’s firm while also making a solid name for herself in the world of dance. Jas is an ex con, firmly rooted in faith and a walking “you can’t judge a book by its cover”. He’s playing double dutch with one foot in his old life and the other in the life he wants for himself and his future. He’s a mystery to Shi Shi and while she wants to know who this man is (name included) Jas wants nooooo parts!
  
  After bumping into each other more than they care for due to sharing the same therapist, Shi Shi slowly knocks down the walls Jas has in place…. Or does she?! These two are surely going to stress me out because they both are soooooooo damn stubborn!! I’m enjoying their journey so far as they slowly become part of each others worlds. I’ve already been fairly warned that these two are going to take me through it and LB wouldn’t be LB if she didn’t stress me all the way out!
• 
  Kameel

  Jas’ complexity, his commitment to be the best person he can possibly be, continuing to build his relationship with during his spiritual journey and still having one foot in his old life has me totally on the edge of my seat. Ashira assumes too much….instead of asking things….her assumptions are really getting on my nerves. Excited for book 2….Outstanding Narration with Winston & Alyx
• 
  Kema B.

  Mercy indeed! This book was everything and more. The author had me at felon and she delivered. There is so much to unpack in book one it’s impossible to include in one review. All I can say Jas was *deep breath in and out* he was everything.
  
  Ashira took some getting used to because while they were both judgmental the things she said aloud tap danced on my nerves but by the end of the book I was completely engaged in them as a couple. I want them to win.
  
  But in true Love Belvin this is a ride and I know it’s gonna be a lot of ups and downs before we get to the HEA. These two multi-faceted people from different worlds collided and combusted and now we have to wait to see what’s left after the fall out. Definitely one of my fave books of the year. Amazing read.
• 
  Antoinette (_literaryaura_)

  2nd read/audiobook listen 12/2024
  
  Love Bevlin has slowly become one of my favorite authors. I have read all of her books and love every one of them. Love and Christinia C. Jones have created an alternate world that I would love to be a part of. I love that we get to see or have mention of past characters from previous books.
  
  By the time Love weaves her intricate back stories, you feel as if you personally know the main characters as if you grew up with them. All of her characters are so relatable and life like.
  
  Ashira took some getting used to and I hate the way she referred to Jas as a Laborer and felon. She was so much of a priveliged and spoiled brat. I'm still not sure how I feel about her but I hope that things will become clearer for me in the next book. So far I'm like Jas as a man and I'm looking forward to getting to know him better in the next book which is out now and I can go immediately into it without delay.
  
• 
  Tisha

  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  
  Honestly, Love Belvin’s words consistently tug on me. Reading her books are like entering a whole other world and because they’re so good I tend to loop in her alternate universe.
  
  So I didn’t expect anything differently here and yet again she delivered. I know Shi Shi got a bad wrap for her judgmental ways, but I understood her. Love did a wonderful job of laying the foundation of her psyche. So for me the judgment shows Ashira’s small world. She thinks because she’s aflluent and traveled, that she knows life and she clearly doesn’t.
  
  Per usual, Love has introduced me to another MMC that I wish I knew. I loved EVERYTHING about Jas. Like seriously, do they sale Jas’ on Amazon?! I would have his a** prime delivered today.
  
  Even his reserved and guarded nature is attractive to me. Clearly he still has stuff to work out, but man what a man.
  
  I knew she would suck me… so here I go jumping into book 2. I’m probably going to read and listen to this book several times just like I do with Tori and Ashton and Winter and Ragee. Those couples are my absolute favorite. I think Shi Shi and Jas are joining the podium as well.
  
  #sayless
• 
  Charity Shane

  I loved this ❤️❤️ But Shi Shi 🙄 I need you to get it together girl!
• 
  Ebony I

  Mercy love
  
  4.5 Stars
  This is a slow burn. It takes a minute to figure out where the story is going, but you have to stay down. Love is slowly peeling back the layers that make Ashira and Jas.
  Ashira might be hard to like for some because she came across as bougie and judgmental, but I had a soft spot for her. She seemed to be a natural giver, but also unknowingly a people pleaser. Sacrificing her dreams for her family. I loved that she could boss up in the boardroom, drop it low on the dancefloor, and rap at a concert. She really showed the layers that many black women have. She was also annoying with her assumptions. Her sheltered life made her narrow minded. I liked her most when she was vulnerable and honest.
  
  Jas was so interesting and I loved it. Every move he made was calculated in order for him to fulfill his checklist. He quietly bossed in the background, only stepping to the forefront when needed. He gave off serious BDE. I loved his layers..his spirituality, but pungent for curse words. His poise in conference rooms yet well versed hood vernacular. Jas's aura was everything.
  
  Their connection was clear, potent even before they were willing to act on it.
  
  I always wait to read Love's books all at once because they are tied together I always want the next book.
  
  Spoilers: You cannot tell me as smart as Ashira is she couldn't put the Club Sin or the rap song connection together?? After he shared his past, it was hard for me to believe that. Annnd the name thing irked me to no end, are you really doing all this that unclear?
• 
  Ada Bailey

  I've yet to find a Love Belvin book I didn't love reading. These characters were well developed, beautifully flawed, and grinding on the wheel of life. They resonated with me, I can wait for the next book, but I'll be waiting impatiently!! ><
  
  If you're on the fence, scrolling through reviews this is your sign to hit 'Buy' or 'Order'. : )
• 
  Msstiletto

  Whew this book had me all in my feelings. Jas discipline is unmatched. I’m interested to see where this goes because these are 2 alpha ppl
• 
  Lette Reads

  Of course I loved it… it’s Love Belvin’s pen! These two frustrated me. One more than the other. Shi Shi got on my last nerve. Probably because IRL I HATE judgmental people. She’s that and much more.
• 
  Adriane Griggs

  LB Universe Strikes Again!
  
  Good Lord Mistress Belvin got my heart rate irregular! Let me say that's partly because my favorite Alpha male in the LB Universe makes an appearance. What an intense, slow burn these clients are. The round the way sexy ex thug and the prima Donna from the swanky part of town circling each other, both denying what everyone else can see. And that cliffhanger!!! Ashira is judgemental, pampered and somewhat narrow minded. Although independent and on top of her game, she can't seem to handle the overbearing men in her life. Jas has experienced more life than most men his age, yet he's making up for the time he's lost. Will he let Ashira derail his master plan? Will Ashira realize her dream and will it include Jas? Mistress Belvin ..in my DJ Khaled voice..Another one!!
• 
  Mia Morgan

  Well
  
  I have been a huge fan of Love for awhile.. When I took a break from reading, I think I read one that I stopped reading, because it wasn't drawing me in. I see I have missed some. Its always good to read about th e best book bae' s ever. Ezra is most definitely at the top of every list. I enjoyed this. Shi Shi irked me some. I do like Sin.
• 
  Crimson

  Great read!!!
  
  First read by this author. I'm not disappointed. The plot twist at the end...🤌🏾 I'm completely engaged with this book. Just read the damn series.
• 
  Katheryn

  Firm Foundation
  
  I’ve always respected L. Belvin’s ability to lay firm foundations in her books that spark my interest and keep me coming back for more. This book had me intrigued and I’m on Jas’ side for now, but I know in true LB fashion, I’ll likely be on Witherspoon’s side for the next installment.
  
  Jas appealed to me because he was the “underdog” in Witherspoon’s eyes, and I was annoyed with her for assuming so much about him😠. I just know that I’m the next book, we will peel back the layers of Witherspoon’s different personalities and I’ll be on her side😉. You see I can’t even call her by her other names because the bad b:$@! persona of Witherspoon has taken dominance over Shi Shi or even Ashira from my view point😅.
  
  Love is the master and I’m anticipating the next installment of this masterpiece!
• 
  Linda White

  I truly cannot understand how Love Belvin holds all this wealth of storytelling inside of her. Once again, this is a phenomenal start to a new series. I always have to decompress after finishing one of her book before I can write my review.
  
  This is the story of Jas, a "laborer", who is one of the best characters I have read in a book in a while. After the first couple of chapters, I knew that I had to take my time to read this book. Jas is such a well-rounded character. I love how I got to know him bit by bit, not showing all his cards at the beginning. Even at the end of this first installment, I still don't know him. Now Ashira tried to present as a strong character but I could see her insecurities that she tried to hide by always trying to be the life of the party.
  
  I really appreciated how slowly Ashira and Jas got to know each other. And I love the strong spiritual nature of Jas and how he tried to share it with Ashira. Even though Ashira was educated in a religious school, it was just to groom her for her father's company and not because her father felt she needed the spiritual aspect of the school. Ashira mentioned numerous time memorized scripture but did not really take in the scripture.
  
  This book had me feeling like I was more involved in the day-to-day activities of these two characters. The visuals described were very real to me, which is on par for all of Love's books. And to revisit some of the characters for other books - hello Ezra!! - was just icing on the cake!! This is a wonderful and beautiful "world" that Love has created with these characters and I cannot wait to revisit it again with the next installment!!!
• 
  Nette Fields

  Both are f***ed
  
  Its ok!. I kno u got this....not worried just smh. Ashira was a mess, she kinda gave me judgmental Kennedy vibes but worse. But wait til she get all the tea on Bea.....
  Jas is Bea but I kno all he see is Ashira but that's ok. I want to see these two fight for each other. Both are in therapy for a reason.
  Love is a Beast!!!!!
  Had to reread to come down from this high.
• 
  Lindaisa

  Man...it is truly an honor to share the same hometown as the author of these AMAZING pieces of work. Love Belvin's pen is literally UNMATCHED! The way she weaves together these stories about these complex characters on these unimaginable and uniquely challenging and intriguing journeys, is absolutely astounding. Like...she literally DOES. NOT. MISS.
  
  First of all, I'm glad that I waited until all of the books in this series were released, because if I had to wait more than the 10 minutes is going to take me to finish writing this review, to see what was going to happen between Ashira and Jas after THAT ending, it would have been up for me.
  
  Mercy is about the enigmatic, intelligent, and mysterious Jas Sinclair who is on a steadfast and focused journey to actualizing his purpose. Facilitating in his walk to that purpose, is his "checklist." The things he feels are necessary to execute his plan. But you know what they say about plans...even the best laid ones are nothing but comedic fodder for the Almighty and Most High. Because in comes Ashira Witherspoon, a wealthy, talented, and headstrong woman who embodies all the things Jas has determined are NOT aligned with his goals and definitely not on his checklist. But their chemistry is unmatched, their connection is undeniable, and the tension between them unbridled, so their journeys intermingling is an inevitable conclusion. The only questions is, how much will Jas fight against it.
  
  Its taken me a while to read this series, even after the third one was released, because LB doesn't write books that you can just casually read. The characters she writes and the world she's built, is all encompassing. You have to be tapped in, and ready to go on a ride. You have to have the time and attention set aside to read an LB book because once you pick it up, you will not be able to put it down. It will literally consume you. I read about 350 pages of this book between 8:30pm last night and 3am this morning. Because it is THAT damn good.
  
  I think what I love most about this book and LB's writing in general, is the feeling of really knowing these characters and feeling like I'm IN their world. I guess I can attribute SOME of that to the fact that, being Paterson born and bred, I grew up in and around a lot of the cities and places mentioned in these books, so there's a deeper connection or understanding there. Like "OH, I know exactly where they are".
  
  But I really think it has more to do with the way the characters are humanized. We're literally following them both, while they're going through their regular day to day lives. Having dinner with their families, going to shows with their friends, expressing their goals, aspirations and insecurities to their friends, going to parties and to the club, to WORK. And of course, we're a fly on the wall for all of Jas and Ashira's interactions with one another. So by the time you are 100-200 pages in, they feel like your friends and family. And for me that goes SO far in my enjoyment of a book and the longevity of it, because those types of stories are the ones that are seared into my mind and heart.
  
  I will say...Jas was doing a LOT of dancing in this book, trying to keep Ashira at arms length. So I'm interested and ANXIOUS to see how he's going to reconcile the image and character he's built up and presented for her, with the man he truly is...How receptive Ashira will be to it, and how QUICKLY she'll be receptive to it. Because I'm already upset that they're upset! So we need to fix it!
• 
  Lamaya ꨄ︎

  A really slow, slow burn that forces you to pay attention to the text. In the beginning, I couldn’t figure out where the story was going which led me to reading it at a slower pace. I’m glad that I hung in there this time because I can’t wait to read book 2 now!
  
  Ashira and Jas are something else. The constant back and forth and banter was kind of entertaining. At times Jas irritated me because of how nonchalant he is about things, but I learned that he’s wired a little differently. He is determined to have the life that he planned out without any distractions. Ashira seems to have it all, but it isn’t what she really wants. She is the perfect storm entering Jas’s life. Both are damaged and recovering from something and I really enjoyed reading about Black people seeking mental health help.
• 
  martha fountain

  If complicated was a person...
  
  People are complicated beings especially with their preconceived notions, judgments, and biases. Enter Ashira Witherspoon who has literally everything she could desire at her feet except the living out of her dream and passion. On the other end you have Jas, a convicted felon who managed to get back on his feet after a long stint in jail seeking to be disciplined with his checklist of his empire and future wife. The complications began when Ashira and Jas's lives intersect. There is so much to uncover in this story and I am looking forward to knowing more as I continue the series.
• 
  KarynReads

  Cliff Hanger..
  
  What!? Talk about a cliff hanger!! One thing I hate is a secretive man! Whats the harm in telling someone you interested in and had sex with your first and last name?! Come on Jas. Im team neither right now. We’ll see if that changes with book 2.
• 
  Ayanna First of BourbonStreetBookers

  Superb - Black Excellence
  
  There are so many words that could describe how outstanding this book is... but whew
  www... None of them would do it true justice! Mercy, Mercy, Mercy.... Soooo worth the wait! Love left everything on those pages! She definitely knocked us out with her newest male client, Jas, as expected! This author never disappoints & her inclusion of familiar names of the LBU makes it PERFECT! I literally feel at home when MY BAE & everyone is welcoming Jas. I am looking forward to Jas' next phase & the opportunity to grow with him and Ashira is something to keep me grounded in this LBU! To have a Black man check off everything on ya list... whewww!! Another outstanding job Love Belvin! 💜💜
• 
  Bunny Robinsonfuller

  This one took me awhile !!!
  
  Usually when Love Belvin releases a book , I dive right in and I don't come up for air until I see "the end". However after the first few chapters I knew I needed to take my time with this one. Let's start with the title. The definition of "Mercy" is the compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish
  or harm. Now this is a Love Belvin novel and I should've of known she was going to make us fall in love with one of the main characters. But I absolutely stan for Jas and Ashira. I have no team favorite yet lol. Ashira and Jas are something else. The tussle back and forth, the witty moments between them. The love and hate relationship and the slow and steady chemistry between Jas and Ashira is perfect. I can feel that Ms. Belvin is smitten with these characters because she took her time and methodically develop these characters with the readers. Jas is an ex felon who has a list of things he wants for his life and Ashira is not one of them. He is determined to have the life he wants without any interruption for any outside forces. Ashira is not just a diversion to his plan she's a perfect storm. Witty, smart, beautiful and talented. But she is everything that Jas believes he doesn't need. Ashira is in a struggle to preserve her father's legacy while trying to hold on to her true purpose. She seems to have it all but what happens when your purpose outweighs your desire to preserve a legacy that you don't want. What happens when a ex felon who seems to be the opposite of your pesona touches the very essence of your soul. I don't know what is next for these two and this book does end in a cliffhanger but I'm sure book 2 is going to take us on a journey and I'm ready for it. What happens when you need forgiveness to someone your harm because you were too scared to live free from your past. Bravo Love Belvin Bravo.