MERCILESSAn Option Zero Novel She hunts serial killers. He brings the wicked to justice. Together they’ll be unstoppable, unless he finds out who she really is…Somewhere between darkness and the dawn lies a truth that could get them killed.Years ago, Asher Drake lost everything he loved. He had followed the rules, done the right thing, and was repaid with betrayal. Now, as leader of Option … everything he loved. He had followed the rules, done the right thing, and was repaid with betrayal. Now, as leader of Option Zero, he plays by his own rules and handles things a different way. Ash knows he might not live to see another day, but one thing is certain, he will fight till his last breath for what’s right.
Out of dark desperation, Jules Stone became someone else. Having experienced the worst of humanity, she battles her demons by fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves. But the shadows linger. When an opportunity arises to pay a debt, Jules accepts the offer, hopeful that the shadows will disappear forever.
Secure in the knowledge that power is the ultimate weapon and truth is only a matter of perception, an enemy watches, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Putting aside the pain of the past, Ash and Jules must join forces and fight their demons together before the darkness becomes permanent and destroys them forever.
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Merciless is the first installment of the brand-new Action-AdventureRomance in the Option Zero series by Christy Reece. The storyline
contains the perfect amount of suspense, adventure, and even has a moderate amount of gore which flows elegantly throughout the story.
Both the main plot and its subplot kept me engaged with subtle foreshadowing, persuading me to continue the series (which I will).
Our story starts off with our hero Asher Drake, a widowed FBI agent who was left for dead in a small town near Bogota, Colombia. After a
chain reaction of unfortunate events, Asher and some of his loyal companions founded a private agency known as OZ. Overall, the agencies
specialization was in infiltration of dangerous groups that present a significant risk to the population, as well as high-risk rescue
missions for those with little chance of survival. Despite his miserable experiences, Asher Drake remains a humble character who
enjoys eliminating the evil and making society a better place for all.
Moving forward is our heroine, Jules Stone, a woman tormented by her past actions. Determined to save the hero, she hopes to finally secure her peace of mind. Now I cannot go more into detail about her as I would like as to not spoil such a wonderful book.
One of my favorite moments of the story was Asher’s constant desire reach for Jules whenever situations became overwhelming or difficult, symbolizing them working together. Relating to the book’s writing itself, I loved the clever way that the author introduced each team
member of OZ, having them start deep within a mission and relying on their fellow members to aid them. This was an excellent way in showing
that the team was more than an agency but rather a family who protected each other through any hardship. Furthermore, Merciless by
Christy Reece is an excellent read and a promising start to the Option Zero series. I would highly recommend giving this book a chance.
5 stars
Jules lost her family and then suffered more than one person should. She changes herself and fights against the evil in the world, she hunts serial killers. Ash was a former military and when his whole world exploded, he started Option Zero. His group does the jobs nobody else can or will do. Ash was left to die in Columbia and he has been trying to get the ones responsible. Jules feels indebted to Ash and will do anything to help him but the lies she tells might just keep her from the man she has fallen for. Someone wants to destroy OZ and they’ll stop at nothing but they didn’t count on Jules. Can Ash forgive Jules?
Lies, secrets, and spies. This is a new series from Christy Reece and it didn’t disappoint. No explicit sex. A little bit of a cliffhanger.
I loved this book so much. It was beyond my expectations. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I want more of Ash and Jules.
A great start to a wonderful new series. Full of intrigue and suspense, love and loss, right and wrong. Ash and Jules’ story is heartbreaking but empowering. The story moved along nicely and I followed every word with anticipation of what would happen next. I loved Jules… What a force of nature! It was impossible to put the book down once I started reading. The next book can’t come soon enough.
There are many definitions of romantic suspense out there, from the Romance Writers of America’s definition to Goodreads take on it, then to the opinion of bloggers and readers everywhere. But I love a definition I found of it – a “romantic suspense” is a novel with a story that is driven equally and simultaneously by the threat of danger and the promise of romance. Most of the most excellent romantic suspense stories I have read come close to this formula. For an author to hit that perfect sweet spot – the equal and simultaneous parts of suspense and romance – does not always happen. But somehow, some way, Christy Reece seems to obtain that pinnacle with each book, each series, she writes. And with Merciless, her first book in the Option Zero series, she somehow manages to outdo even herself!
Jules Stone and Asher Drake are scarred from life experiences that shaped them into present-day fighters for good and hunters of evil. When Jules comes onboard to Asher’s group Option Zero, she joins a team of warriors that all have different secrets, scars and backgrounds. But like her, they are all united in the fight for justice, using any means necessary. But when an enemy from Asher’s past, one that has many tentacles (do they reach into Jules’ world?), the OZ team must begin what could be their ultimate battle for justice.
This book is perfect; well-written, well plotted and character-driven. There is plenty of suspense: the planning of the mission, the pulse-pounding action and the intrigue of the “evil” plot. And then there is the perfect blend of romance: one that is filled with more than just chemistry or lust, but saturated with the deepest emotions. Her characters are complex, with backstories just under the surface that reach down to hidden depths. With a Christy Reece book, the romance and the suspense is just “more” – more intense, more deep, more tragic, more chilling – than most books in this genre. And always just perfectly balanced. I thought Ms. Reece hit her peak with the Last Chance Rescue series, then with the Grey Justice series. But now with Option Zero, I realize she may just be getting started. And that is a win for not just readers of romantic suspense, but all readers who love a well-crafted book!
Christy has done it again. Another great start to a series that I am so looking forward to continuing. Highly recommend to all!
Take me to OZ!
Amazing start for the new Operation Zero(OZ) series. Christy Reece continues to write absorbing, detailed novels, with a cast of characters you can’t help but root for.
Asher & Jules are my new favorite couple. I loved their connection, and how they were able to overcome tragedies in their pasts to emerge even stronger.
Oh my Asher Drake! So many things to admire about this character. Strong, compassionate, intelligent…where can I find him IRL?
Jules is the epitome of a survivor. The things that she had to overcome, would have destroyed most people I would think.
I would 100% recommend this book, and look forward to reading more in the series!
My first 5 star read of 2020. This book was a little different the the CR we have come to know and love. Don’t get me wrong, there is still classic Christy writing, but this has a different kind of grit to it and quite a bit of spice.
With this being the start of a new series (YAY) we meet quite a few characters, and trust me, you will be craving more by the end of the story. I had several LOL moments, several moments where I am staring dumbfounded at my Nook and one very WTF moment.
Asher and Jules…while on paper, shouldn’t work…they just do. There are many twists and turns and lots of obstacles, but one of the things I loved was that Jules was a badass but also a woman, through and through. Not gonna lie…I have a bit of a crush on Jazz and can’t wait to read more about her.
Awesome, awesome and awesome.. This makes a great opening book into a new series. I loved Ash and Jules. Both had horrible experiences turn them into amazing people. I loved the action, suspense and romance. I look forward to reading the stories of all the OZ operators.
Christy did amazing once again!!! Jules and Asher did not disappoint. Dragging me into their universe. I honestly felt as if I was there being watched. Wanting to scream at times and cry at others. A whirlwind of emotions that kept me suspended on the edge of my seat till the very end. This is a MUST read!!! I loved her LCR Series. OZ is just as Amazing!!I can not wait for more to come!!
Once again Christy Reece has written a book I couldn’t put down. This first book in her new series, starts off in typical Reece style, and had me holding my breath with what would happen next. We are introduced to all new characters, although we did get a glimpse of Ash in her last LCR book This new team work together just as well as the LCR operatives do and are very much a family.
The story itself has lots of twists and turns, and you’re left wondering if everyone is really who they seem to be (I already have a few theories about some of the characters and can’t wait to see if they pan out). There is certainly more going on behind the scenes than what we know at the moment. If you love romantic suspense (heavy on the suspense) and a slightly darker read, then this book needs to be at the top of your TBR list.
I’m a longtime fan of this author’s work but after many books, and even more rereads of those books, I have found a new favorite. This story has drama and suspense and humor and of course romance. While the story is absolutely Ash and Jules’, Christy Reece introduces other members of this new team, and I cannot wait to read more about them!
“What-ifs are bullsh**. It’s the what’s next that matters.”
There is no doubt what’s next in this series will be amazing. And Merciless is the perfect start.
Another well written book by Christy Reece. With her words she draws you into her book world. The reader goes on a roller coaster of emotions as you get to know the characters and navigate the story. She is an amazing romantic suspense writer and can not wait to read more.
Looks like we are in for another excellent series. I took my time reading this book but that was not an easy task. I was drawn in from the very first page and I did not want to put it down.
Merciless is a edge of your seat romance suspense that will have you laughing and crying sometimes at the same time. I loved Jules and Ash from the start and look forward to getting to know all the OZ players. If you want an addictive story with lots of drama and action this book is definitely for you.
Merciless starts off Christy Reece’s new series – Option Zero – with a bang. After a brief glimpse of OZ in Running Strong, I could not wait to start reading about this new organization. The characters, Jules Stone and Asher Drake, are reminiscent of previous series – strong, haunted, driven, determined, and battling for what they know is right. Beyond that both are multi-faceted characters who are both working to overcome tragedies in their pasts and fight evil in the world. Their story is full of action, suspense, a fantastic cast of new characters, and, of course, romance. I can’t wait to see what’s next for OZ and its operatives.
Merciless is the first book in Christy Reece’s new Option Zero series. It is fabulous. Although I found myself only reading a few chapters at a time, (for me it was sometimes overwhelming), I couldn’t put it down for long. If you like seeing people who have been destroyed come back with a purpose, this book is for you. If you like lots of action, this book is for you. If you enjoy a mystery, putting the pieces together, this books for you. If you enjoy a steamy romance, this book is for you. If you like perceived betrayal turning into something else, this book is for you. If you enjoy seeing a group of smart, talented, hard-nosed men and women work together to right some wrongs and turn themselves into family, this book is for you. From jungles to sunny beaches, from DC to the wilds of Montana, Merciless is a sit-on the-edge-of-your-seat, page turner. The only drawback – both the characters and you as the reader come to realize the endgame isn’t what it seems, and the bad guy is still out there. I can’t recommend this one enough!!
Wow. Just wow! Talk about twists and turns!! This one had me second guessing myself over and over – I can trust this character. No, I can’t. Yes, I can. I loved it!!!
Asher Drake has had a target on his back for too long. He needs to bring down the woman that caused him to lose everything. Lose everyone. Now that he’s one of the leaders of Operation Zero he has even more resources to do just that. He just needs to be patient. A new addition to the crew just may be his ticket to revenge. He’ll never get back what he’s lost, but he’ll die trying to at least make it right.
Jules Stone has followed Asher Drake’s life ever since she caused….. well, let’s just say she needs to make things right. But, fixing things might just ruin everything at the same time. Can they work together to bring down the evil that’s plagued both of them, or will a trust be broken, sending them both back into the darkness?
I loved these two!! Like I said before, I wasn’t sure who to trust here! Was there any way out for the two of them? GAH!!! SO GOOD!!! Definitely grab this one! This series is going to be EPIC!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Merciless is the start of a new series by Christie Reece. The series is called “An Option Zero Novel,” and, WOW is it a winner!
Christy Reece has created a book with lots of suspense and intrigue. The plot is exceedingly complex. There are many twists and turns that may easily push the reader in the wrong direction. Happily for the reader, the action starts immediately in the first chapter and doesn’t conclude until the very end.
Ms. Reece’s characters are complex and fascinating with a lot of different sides to their personalities. I especially love that the main characters. Jules and Ash, the main characters, had traumatic events years ago. In spite of that they are strong, confident and independent. Yet they are still able to show their feelings and emotions.
Ash meets Jules when she goes undercover and joins Ash’s organization. She keeps her reasons a secret even to the reader. The chemistry between the two of them is off-the-wall. There is no doubt that Ash and Jules are soul mates! Of course, Jules’ hidden agenda presents an obstacle for their relationship.
The center of this series is an organization called, Option Zero. Ash creates this organization to investigate issues around the world. He “plays by his own rules,” and solves the assignment in his own way.
This is a page-turner with an unusual plot and lots of intrigue!
Merciless is the first book of the new series Option Zero. I had a hard time putting it down once I started reading it. The book grabbed me from the very first page and didn’t let go until the very end. Asher and Jules’ story is a rollercoaster ride with all the thrills and scares that come with it. I can’t wait to read more about them and learn the stories of the rest of my new friends in this series. If you are new to Christy Reece this is an great series to read and follow and if you are an old friend of her books this is like coming home to meet new friends.
Amazing start for the new Operation Zero(OZ) series. Christy Reece continues to write absorbing, detailed novels, with a cast of characters you can’t help but root for.
Asher & Jules are my new favorite couple. I loved their connection, and how they were able to overcome tragedies in their pasts to emerge even stronger.
Oh my Asher Drake! So many things to admire about this character. Strong, compassionate, intelligent…where can I find him IRL?
Jules is the epitome of a survivor. The things that she had to overcome, would have destroyed most people I would think.
I would 100% recommend this book, and look forward to reading more in the series!