Mercury Striking

By Rebecca Zanetti

“Thrilling post-apocalyptic romance at its dark, sizzling best!”—Lara Adrian

"Nothing is easy or black or white in Zanetti's grim new reality, but hope is key, and I hope she writes faster!” —New York Times bestselling author Larissa Ione
 
With nothing but rumors to lead her, Lynne Harmony has trekked across a nightmare landscape to find one man—a mysterious, damaged legend who protects the weak and leads the strong. He’s more than muscle and firepower—and in post-plague L.A., he’s her only hope. As the one woman who could cure the disease, Lynne is the single most volatile—and vulnerable—creature in this new and ruthless world. But face to face with Jax Mercury…
 
Danger has never looked quite so delicious…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: Jan 26, 2016
• ISBN: 9781420137958

Rebecca Zanetti

New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has published more than fifty novels, which have been translated into several languages, with millions of copies sold world-wide. Her books have received Publisher’s Weekly starred reviews, won RT Reviewer Choice awards, and have been featured in Entertainment Weekly, Woman’s World and Women’s Day Magazines. Her novels have also been included in Amazon best books of the year, and have been favorably reviewed in both the Washington Post and the New York Times Book Reviews. Rebecca has ridden in a locked Chevy trunk, has asked the unfortunate UPS guy to release her from a set of handcuffs, and has discovered the best silver mine shafts in which to bury a body…all in the name of research. Honest. Please visit Rebecca at: http://www.rebeccazanetti.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RebeccaZanetti.Books/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccazanetti/

Reviews for Mercury Striking

[lauren2013_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Mercury Striking
5 Stars

In a world in which humanity has been decimated by a deadly virus, people have found safety in numbers. One group in Los Angeles is led by former special forces soldier, Jax Mercury, who has a reputation as not being someone to mess with. This is precisely what draws Lynn Harmony to him. On the run from those who blame her for the epidemic as well as those who believe she can cure it, Lynn seeks refuge with Mercury, but soon comes to realize that he has the power to either save or betray her. Which will it be?

Zanetti skillfully immerses the reader into a harsh post-apocalyptic world in which a handful of survivors must deal with the fallout both of a horrific disease as well as rival gangs in competition for the same meager resources. Add in rampaging zombie-like creatures and a government run amok, and you have a recipe for success.

The cast of characters both primary and secondary are very appealing. Lynn is an intelligent and resilient heroine who has overcome numerous obstacles to find Jax and the hope that he represents. Jax is a typical alpha male with trust and intimacy issues, but this conceals a fundamentally good man who cares about others. Some readers may be turned off by his domineering attitude toward the heroine, but anyone who's read Kristen Ashley will recognize this behavior for what it is - fear of caring too much.

The romance starts out as two lonely people in desperate need of human contact. However, the physical intimacy slowly grows into an emotional connection as Lynn and Jax learn to love and trust each other.

The next two books in the trilogy focus on two of the other fighters from Jax's ragtag group. Each man has his own demons to fight and it will be interesting to see how the ongoing plot surrounding the contagion and government corruption will develop.

All in all, an excellent start to a new series with fascinating and detailed world building, irresistible characters and a scorching hot romance. What's not to love?

[ash_p-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Crazy good new dystopian themed series. Can always look forward to great stories and thrills from Rebecca Zanetti. Loved the characters with all their strengths and vulnerabilities. Jax and Lynne can't be more different but they complement each other perfectly. Sooooooo looking forward to Razor and Vivienne's story whenever it comes out.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review

[ashpreads · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Crazy good new dystopian themed series. Can always look forward to great stories and thrills from Rebecca Zanetti. Loved the characters with all their strengths and vulnerabilities. Jax and Lynne can't be more different but they complement each other perfectly. Sooooooo looking forward to Razor and Vivienne's story whenever it comes out.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review

[moxamoll · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The science in this wasn't so blatantly horrible as to make me cringe, which I admit I was a bit worried about, so I was happy about that. (I'm not saying it's 100% accurate and really happened, just that it wasn't on par with say, most skin care product claims.) I felt like the characters were reacting in pretty understandable ways to the wild situation and I sympathized with them enough to be upset when bad things happen. I'm not sure anyone in this series is really gonna get a true HEA, but I expect they'll manage some pretty good happy right now moments.

[whiskeyinthejar-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

2.5 stars

****Full Review****

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

With a deadly disease unleashed on the world, Lynne, the former head of the CDC (Center for Disease Control) is on the run. Known as "Blue Heart" because after contracting the Scorpius disease, experiments on her to find a cure have colored her heart and the veins surrounding it blue, Lynne is trying to make it to a clinic known as "Myriad" and hope the rumors are true and a cure is there. Running from her ex-boyfriend, who is now the President of the United States, she looks for help from Jax Mercury. He was a Delta Force soldier who gathered a group of people together to try and survive against the illness, Rippers (people who have been turned into serial killers by the disease), and other survivors. Food is scarce but trust is even rarer in this time, Lynne and Jax are going to need a lot of the former if they're going to survive.
 
As book one in a new romantic suspense apocalyptical series, this started off into the action right away, so much so I felt pretty lost for most of the beginning. There is apparently a novella that actually starts off the series and begins the world building in regards to the deadly disease Scorpius being discovered, unleashed, and its effect on the world. I would highly suggest reading that first so you don't feel as left behind as I did reading this one. As the story went on I was able to get a better handle on the current world setting but unfortunately, this didn't happen until well into the second half. The disease and how it affects everyone, some die, some survive to become carriers, and some become Rippers was a little muddled. The Rippers and their different sociopathic tendencies, some become serial killers and some thoughtless rabid beasts seemed like too much variation for a 300 novel, all the ideas aren't fully flushed out. However, as this looks to be a building continuous series, maybe in later books the ideas introduced here will become more fully formed.
 
Lynne's part in the Scorpius disease as the head of CDC was another part I never felt like all the dots connected, but again, reading the novella could help here as she is introduced in that one. There was more telling of her toughness, escaping her imprisonment and making her way across what is left of the United States to Jax in L.A. but not a lot of showing. In fact, a lot of instances happen "off screen" with characters talking about them later. Her game plan of partnering with Jax, specifically because she heard about him on the news before things really fell apart, felt somewhat forced but lucky her, he turned out to be super hot. Jax had more of a backstory than what is usually afforded typical alpha heroes but his character, too, felt forced. The added in minor BDSM play in the bedroom felt obligatory for what the current market wants. They did have good interplay with each other but there was a lot happening in this story to interrupt them.
 
The story leaned a lot on the sexual side; there are many bedroom scenes in the beginning and middle. I didn't feel a connection between our leads, insta-attraction that morphs into insta-lust are the basis for their relationship, and so, I found them more filler than engaging. There were a plethora of secondary characters, Jax's medic friend Tace, the mysterious Raze, the possibly psychic little girl Lena, Cruz who heads the rival gang Twenty, Lynne's ex-boyfriend and president of the United States Bret, and many more. Jax's fighting Cruz for resources and because of an old feud and Lynne's trying to find a cure for Scorpius while running from Bret, all this with the end of the world theme made for a very busy book with nothing being able to fully be focused on. The story appeared to be fighting with itself as to if it wanted to be a romance, suspense, or end of days book; the parts weren't always cohesive.
 
The concept of a deadly disease wiping out ninety-nine percent of the population and the aftermath is intriguing and parts of the world building are here for that but there were a lot of half formed and dangling threads, too. This has many high ratings; I'm the dissenting voice on this one, so read the novella and maybe give this a try if looking for a more sexual apocalyptic story. The hero and heroine who star in the second book are introduced here and their story does look to be interesting.

[addictofromance · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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 outThe 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.”

[carolesrandomlife · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I had a great time with this book! After reading the prequel novella, Scorpius Rising, I was eager to dive into the first full book in the series. All of the action, adventure, and romance that I have come to expect from Rebecca Zanetti with an end of the world setting? Yes, please! I had high hopes and I was not disappointed. I was entertained by this story from beginning to end and couldn’t wait to see Jax and Lynn make things work.Lynn has people looking for her everywhere and she knows that she needs help so she seeks out Jax. Jax is the leader of a group in the Los Angeles area. Lynn is easy to identify because she now has a blue heart as a result of surviving the bacteria that is now plaguing the world. Lynn was part of a group of scientists working to cure the bacteria when she contracted the disease and may now be the key to fighting the infection.I liked Jax and Lynn as a pair. I thought that they had great chemistry together and their personalities matched up well. While Lynn had a lot to prove to the rest of the community, Jax seemed to know that she could be trusted right away and he took his promise to protect her seriously. There were some pretty serious situations within the community and I liked seeing how they were able to work things out.I believe that this was the first time that I have listened to Michael Pauley’s narration and I thought that he did a good job with the story. I thought that the voices that he used for both the male and female characters were well done. I thought that he had a nice voice and I am looking forward to listening to him narrate the rest of the series.I would definitely recommend this book to others. I was glued to my headphones while listening to this book and was invested in seeing things work out for Jax, Lynn, and the other members of their community. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book!

[cathygeha · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Magnificent novel! I was intrigued when I read the premise of the book and blown away by its execution. The characters are strong, savvy and set to survive in a world that has been changed forever by a lethal bacterium. Lynne Harmony, a brilliant scientist, has made her way from the east coast of the USA to Zax Mercury’s Vanguard community on the west coast. Both of them are survivors with strength, resilience and wisdom. They dare the odds, care for others and work for the common good of all. She is pretty and he is a hunk BUT they are oh so much more than first meets the eye and they are so good together!This is a believable end of the world story that had me really thinking about the what-ifs. There is a need for hope in a world that is so different in six months from what was once the norm. Can anyone be trusted? Who is safe or unsafe? Is it better to band together or stay separate? Is there a government and if so is it for or against the common man? Will a cure be found? Will the human race survive? What is important in a world that has so changed so drastically? I was enthralled and am now wondering how I can possibly wait till September to find out what happens next! Some have mentioned in their reviews that there is a prequel – I did not read the prequel and had no trouble understanding or getting right into the book from page one. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC to read and review. Thank you to Rebecca Zanetti for such a wonderful story and for coming up with the Blue Heart!

[darkfaerietales_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie TalesQuick & Dirty: Intriguing twist on a deadly virus that kills off most of the world’s population and the effect it has on the lives of its’ survivors.Opening Sentence: Despair hungered in the darkness, not lingering, not languishing . . . but waiting to bite.The Review:Mercury Striking is no generic zombie story. I love that the story is loosely based off of the zombie outbreak that we normally read about but the basis of this story is completely different. I think because of that it was way better for it. Mercury Striking is a fantastic novel that I would have no problem reading again. I was fascinated by the story, the characters and the world. Would I want to live in this world? Hell no, but I’ve got no problem reading about it. I was also engrossed in the mystery, drama and romance in Mercury Striking.Lynne Harmony is on the run for her life. As the first known person to contract the deadly Scorpius Virus and survive, people want her dead or their prisoner. Lynne goes to the only person that she thinks can help her, Jax Mercury. She never met Jax but she did hear about his heroics before the world completely went to Hell. She hopes he is as good as the Intel says he is or else the world may just lose out on Lynne hoping to find a way to cure the Scorpius Syndrome or at the very least to find a way to keep the human race from being completely wiped out.Jax Mercury is the leader of a group of survivors, the Vanguard. They have walled themselves off in an area of Los Angeles, fighting against the gangs that surround them. Jax has a set of rules that he goes by and one of them is to never harm a woman. As much as he would like to leave Lynne behind on the road he found her, he couldn’t. He needed to know why she was asking for him by name, as far as he knows they have never met.Lynne and Jax have some deep dark secrets. When Jax takes her in to the Vanguard, she is immediately quarantined away from the rest of the group. Jax can’t let those outside of his trusted few know who he has hiding in his apartment. Lynne is well known and not for a good reason, and even if they don’t recognize her on site, they will notice the glowing blue heart that comes courtesy of surviving the virus. Jax and Lynne make an arrangement of convenience for sex. They will comfort each other but it will never lead to love or anything more.Lynne is a broken woman. At the beginning of the novel, she is just going with the motions until she finds Jax. She has a mission but she doesn’t care if she dies before completing it. She doesn’t even care if finding Jax is what leads to her death. Lynne not caring if she died or not was completely heartbreaking. She grew stronger with her “friendship” towards Jax. First opening her up towards feelings and comfort before learning how to want to live again.Jax is no kind hearted gentlemen. He hasn’t had the best lot in life. He just wants to be able to survive his secrets and destroy the gang that ruined his life. Jax doesn’t really care what other think about him. He just wants to make sure that his group of survivors stay alive, even if that means he doesn’t have to talk to them. Jax is a loner. He doesn’t realize how much the group admires and respects him, even if he keeps to himself. Jax also goes through his own metamorphosis of opening up to others and learning to love.Overall, Mercury Striking is a dark book. Characters have to make tough decisions and kill to survive. The way the virus affects people by either killing them, or by making them into Rippers or making them into something more. This was a dark read that I thoroughly enjoyed, even the heartbreaking moments that made me want to scream. I will definitely be picking up the next book in this series and recommending it to others.Notable Scene:“Morale is down. Way down. Wyatt was the counselor, the person everybody went to with problems or issues or just to talk.” She lifted her head, brown eyes burning. “You need to step in with some sort of reassurance.”Jax blinked. “Reassurance? About what? We have Twenty regrouping now, two more radical groups in L.A. wanting our resources, the Brigade on my ass, and a group population where some folks haven’t contracted Scorpius and many other people are carriers of it. What the fuck do you want me to tell them?”“Anything,” Sami whispered, her gaze dropping. “Give them some sort of hope.”Bewilderment filled Jax’s eyes along with a healthy dose of anger. “Hope about what?”Lynne’s heart hurt. “If you have no hope, why do you fight so hard?”Jax switched his powerful gaze to her. “Because there’s something to fight, and those people can’t survive on their own.”Lynne blinked. If he didn’t know the people, why fight for them?FTC Advisory: Zebra/Kensington provided me with a copy of Mercury Rising. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.