This is one of my favorites in the breed series. I like the follows up on other story lines. Lora Leigh has created elaborate story lines that this books includes and continues. Mercury and Ria are both mysterious; however Ria ended up being more surprising than Mercury in the end. You go, girl! ( )

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Mecury's War- the 16th book in Lora Leigh's popular Breed Series, was a total hit for me. I actually got choked up while reading it, and it's been a long time since a romance novel (albeit PARANORMAL!) has moved me that much.

In Mercury's War we get Mercury's story- a lion breed closest to the lion side than many of his breed brothers & sisters. In Leigh's Breed world, the genetically enhanced hybrids mate for life- if a partner dies then the one left behind suffers- they become "feral"- and never will find another perfect match.

When the feline breed who Mercury believed to be his mate dies years ago while they were still in captivity, he went berserk, tearing humans limb from limb. After that, the scientists who created and enslaved the breeds developed a drug to tame the beast inside him and since then he's lived a half existence- with limited enhanced abilities, so unlike his brethren.

Mercury has given up on ever finding a partner in life. But then he meets Ria, that paper pusher of one Dane Vanderale- a son of the great Leo- the first breed. Unbeknownst to both Mercury and Ria, Ria has touched the caged beast inside of Merc and when the beast begins to awaken, people start running scared. Especially Ely, the trusted doctor who knows all the feline's secrets. When Ely discovers Merc's feral side awakening, she demands he be imprisoned- for the safety of the pride.

But things are not what they seem, and Ria finds herself defending the strange breed who both attracts and frightens her. She knows that he will never be truly hers and that if she lets him- he will break her world apart- but another game's afoot at Sanctuary, the feline breed compound, and it will take Ria to suss it out and save not only Merc, but the entire clan.

Like I said earlier, I LOVED this one. Mercury is an awesome alpha hero, both possessive and tender, and Ria is heart-wrenching in her vulnerability. But she is no shrinking wallflower and when what she truly is comes to the front everything else- including Mercury- takes a backseat to her innate strength!

Many of leigh's other series I can't get into, but the breed series just gets better and better, imo. In MW not only do we get a touching love story, we also get to see the other characters we know and love (JONAS!) and a kickbutt suspense plot.

I'm giving this one a 5 out of 5! How could I not? ( )

From the very start, I've been hooked, addicted to the dark, sweet Breeds books. Mercury's War is no different. Full of energy, interesting and strong characters, sizzling love scenes and very emotional moments, suspense and even a bit of mystery, Mercury's War, along with all of her other Breeds books, if a perfect read for any romance lover.

Some women who have read Leigh's Breeds books say that they quit the series because they felt that the books kept repeating themselves, the sex scenes were to graphic and occurred too often, and they felt that the mating heat and alpha male heroes sometimes went too close to that fine-line between passion and rape. I understand that each person has their own opinions, and I respect that. But for those of you who see reviews that include any of the above reasons for why NOT to read the book, please, don't listen to them. Or at least give at least one of her books a chance before you say 'I agree with...' Here is what I have to say about this subject:

Yes, Lora Leigh's books, not just her Breeds Series but all of her books, are very heavy in the explicit erotic sex scenes. It says so in many of the reviews, and that is what she is well known for writing-- amazing, but very steamy, romances. If you can't stand reading books that are this explicit, that's fine *Once again, everyone has their own opinions!*, but make sure that you are not just passing up her books because you are under the impression that by 'explicit and sex-filled' it really means 'Straight-out Erotica/Porno', because I can promise you, it's not. I've read erotica before, from different authors and different genres. In general, erotica is usually 80 percent sex scenes, 10 percent action and 10 percent romance. Of course, this varies depending on the book, the author, and how well written the book is. Now, I'm not trying to diss these books, but I am trying to prove a point, so please, stick with me.

The difference between full out erotica and the unique blend that Lora Leigh does is very important, and if you read one of her books, you should be able to identify the difference. During the love scenes, which may be a bit more numerous than in most regular romances I'll admit, Leigh combines more than just hot sex, more than just demanding desires and wants. She adds in a heavy dose of true, honest-to-goodness love. The hero and heroine are not just humping each other constantly like bunnies, their love making, while very erotic, has emotion to it, beyond simple desire. I can't explain all of the feelings that run through them during these scenes, but if you read it, maybe you'll see what I'm trying to explain. They love each other, the kind of love that fairy tales and happily-ever-afters are made of, and their love is shown through not only words and glances, but also physically. It's not just sex, it's something more, something that I'm sure a lot of us wish that we had, or maybe you already do and you understand.

And as far as the alpha males and mating heat...Well, this is another thing that unless you read the books and experience first hand what it's like for the characters, you may, incorrectly, assume that this somehow forces the couple to need each other's bodies. Not true. In fact, Elizabeth, the mate to the very first breed, said such to Ria in Mercury's War. Though I can't remember the exact quote, it went something like this:
"In every mated couple, you see the same thing: love. It's not just a chemical, hormonal, or phenomenal bond between them. No, there is always something deeper there, and you can see it in their eyes. The public can believe what they want, but it's not just something that was artificial forced upon any of us."
Can their protectiveness, their devotion and love for one another sometimes get a little bit hard, (to some it may even seem exaggerated) and almost, but not quiet, out of control? Yes, BUT if you read the whole story, not just these parts where they *usually the male* is about to lose control of his emotions and self-control, you see that he can't harm her because their bond, their mating, goes so deep, involving not only the human part and emotions but also the animalistic needs and nature. Unless we're talking about some of the evil guys in it, the men never rape the women, nor vise-versa. Even if it may seem like they are 'fighting' each other, it's not the same thing. For the Breeds, who are very much in touch with the animal inside of them, mating requires two strong and independent people coming together. The beast doesn't want a weak mate, someone who will let him walk all over her. No, they want someone who will fight back, will challenge them on occasion and spice up their life. Maybe it's just me, but I do not see this as rape of any kind.

And the only thing that all of her books in the Breed Series have in common is the fact that each pairing goes through the intense mating heat, falling in love and producing such spectacular emotions along the way that even the reader feels like they are experiencing it. In Mercury's War, there were many places in the story where I felt so connected to the characters that I felt like I was the character. I wanted to curl up and cry with Ria, mourning my 'lost' mate. I could feel the dark desire surging just beneath the surface, fighting to get free. Lora writes the stories with such emotion and depth that sometimes you can't help but 'feel' them. When she cried for Mercury, I felt like doing the same. When she realized just how deep their love and bond went, I felt it too. Now, I'm not stupid or crazy-- I realize that a book is just that-- a book. But I also know that when an author is able to weave together a world that is so believable, so real and dynamic that you are pulled right into the story and experience it from your eyes, or so it seems, she *or he!* must be a damn good writer! And I enjoy reading books like this, ones that not only pull me into the story but almost make me believe, even if only for a moment before rational thoughts remind me that it's all 'fantasy', that everything is real.

With that said, I'll move on to specifics about why I loved Mercury's War so much.

MW is an AMAZING book, a perfect example of romance writing at it's absolute best. The characters are great, strong and interesting. The paranormal theme is done wonderfully, the Breed world she's created captivating and addicting. As I've said before, the love scenes are powerful, emotionally and physically, and the romance is so touching, so gut-wrenching, heart-breaking, tear-jerkingly intense that you can't help but believe it with all your heart. (Yes, I realize that some of those words are not real and/or they are not grammatically correct in that sentence, but so what.) And as if that wasn't enough, the plot line is always changing, some of the minor characters always switching sides and playing mind games so that you can't see the outcome until it's right there, written in front of you. The story literally takes you on a roller coaster, both emotionally and otherwise, and you'll find yourself enjoying the ride, desperate for more, always wanting more.

5/5 STARS! I do not know what more I can say about this book. It's amazing, beautiful, stunning, incredible, fantastic... The list goes on and on. But don't just take my word-- find out for yourself. I promise, you will be glad you did! ( )

The latest in Lora Leigh's 'Breed' series is "Mercury's War". This story delves deeper into the troubles at Sancturary and the mystery of who is leaking what information to the enemies of the Breeds.

When the lioness Mercury believed was his mate was taken from the labs, he went feral and on a rampage. When he was eventally restrained, he was given drugs to 'cage' his beast. Since that time he has learned control and never allowed his 'other' nature to control him. Now he's faced with a human woman that he burns for like no other. Can he keep control when she denies him?

Ria has a few secrets. One of which is that she's a half breed. Another is that she's at Sanctuary on a secret mission. The last is that she's in love with Mercury. But she will NEVER accept second best and since Breeds mate only once and Mercury lost his, she refuses to give in to her hunger.

Hot sex, hot breeds, and more details regarding the latest plot against all breeds in general and Sanctuary specifically. If you haven't read this series, don't start here. Start at the beginning, and enjoy fanning your way through the backlist of books!! ( )