Mercury Striking

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance Mercury Striking is the first in the newest series by Rebecca Zanetti. I adore everything that Rebecca Zanetti writes, and for some reason I kept delyaing on reading these, maybe because Dystopian Romance I haven't read much of but the books I have read of this sub genreI have enjoyed quite a bit. But seriously....I was overwhelmed with this story because DANG IT WAS PHENOMENAL!! For real...I don't know why I was such an idiot and delayed reading it like I did however I was bad and put this book off forever well I was HOOKED completely with this book and didn't want to put it down. Mercury Striking starts off with learning that the world has changed. The setting is Los Angeles, and when a metor struck earth it held a contaminat that infected anyone exposed to it. This infection changed their brain patterns, some died and the other that survived were more violent than they should be. Lynne Harmony, is in danger. Everyone fears her, but she has the scientific knowledge that could be key to finding a cure. She was infected, but overcame it and the procedure done to save her life turned her heart blue. She was imprisoned by the new President  of the U.S. who was once her boyfriend but when he murdered the President and overtook the position, she saw he was infected and how crazy he is. Her uncle helped her escape the facility that they were holding her in and she is now on her own searching for the man who can help her if he doesn't kill her first. Jax Mercury is the leader of a group of humans in LA barely making it by, learning to defend themselves, finding resources and banding together to stay safe and he will do anything for his people that he protects. Jax is brutal and was a part of the military but then everything went to hell and now he is just trying to survive in the best way he knows how. He knows that Lynn could be dangerous and not just because of her blue heart, but because everyone in the world is looking for her and it would be suicide to keep her, but he also understands that she has the knowledge that could save them all. At first, Mercury can seem rough and cruel at times, by Lynne understands that he is about surviving and can't be weak and is more Alpha than she normally goes for however she is drawn to him. She needs his help though and is determined to find a cure if there is one to be had. But she is a woman alone, and is a scientist, she may be able to fight a gun if she needs to but she doesn't have the fighting instincts that Jax does or many of his people. But they both have enemies and she needs him to kill the President for her, because he is deranged and dangerous and in control of what is left of the current military.  But when Jax and Lynn band together, they both will learn the cost of love and that anything can happen in their new world.... WHAT A BOOK!!! I swear I had such a book hangover from this story, it really worked my emotions and my energy and everything in between. I honestly didn't know beforehand how much I would love this book but I did even if there are spankings involved. But whew...Jax is HOT....he can spank me anytime hehe but really yes is a bit of a Alpha Male...okay he is a strong ALPHA but a good alpha. He isn't demeaning or super controlling just has some protective instincts and if you put yourself in danger watch out because he will come after you for it. The second they lost hope of survival, they lost everything. “Hope is the dream of a waking man.” Tace snorted. “I like that quote better than the we’re all gonna die quotes you spouted yesterday. Jax rubbed his aching temple. “I was moody.” There is so much action and suspense in this book, this story will definitely keep you on your toes and I ADORED the world building that Rebecca Zanetti creates for us. Now there is some intro into this world that this author has created, so you do need to be a bit patient but I never thought that it took away from the story. It was more gradual, so its not like a big information dump that you sometimes find with stories like these. I was intrigued by the players and Lynn and Jax make a great team together. I loved the supporting cast (Jax's closest friends) and seeing their important in the story overall. If there are bullets, I’m between you and them. If you get taken, I’m hunting you down till my last breath. And if you end up in hell, I’ll storm the fucking place until the fires go out The romance that builds between Jax and Lynn is like a volcano because when it erupts....watch out for the FLAMES!! These two are very explosive together and I really liked the way their story develops. At first they need each other, but there is also a strong level of chemistry and the sex scenes were great and its safe sex despite the low amount of condoms they have in the place. So I really appreciated that Zanetti put that in there. We see how much they are willing to protect each other and fight to have a future together despite the world coming down around them. I never wanted to let go of Jax and Lynn, they were a powerhouse together the brains and the brawn and don't you cross them. I like how well their personalities seem to balance each other so perfectly. They each have their own strengths and weaknesses and I love how passionate they are to survive and to protect each other and to enjoy those tender alone moments they have. A ROMANCE THAT PACKS A PUNCH AND LEAVES YOU BREATHLESS!! “I’m not good at this.” Taking her hand from his jaw, he pressed it against his heart. “You’re in here. Stay safe.”   [foogallery id="59607"]

Rating: 4 Stars - Loved It Thoughts: What a better way than to start a new genre with my favorite author. Mercury Striking was good for me as it is light in a Post-Apocalyptic world. Just enough gritty background setting here and there to really get the feel how life is after a disease has struck. Jax has created a safe haven in L.A. He is a strong leader with no emotions and does not trust easy. Jax and Lynne have no strings attached sexual relationship. He needs it that way to keep a clear head to be in charge of everyone. When he is with her he feels human again not a killing machine in the world they live in now. Love that she is also on the same level has he is not getting emotional involved. Rebecca Zanetti writes the best secondary characters. I did miss the close knit community she is known to write in her other novels. But I also understand that this group have not known each other long and have no past together. They do all have their own personalities and voice. They have all got me curious.

The romance in this was so-so for me, but I really liked the overarching storyline of the disease and how it came about and spread, how it affects people differently, and just the overall struggle of people in the world to survive. I will definitely continue with the series.