Genres: Dystopian Romance, Post-Apocalyptic Romance
Published by Indie/Self Published
Released on February 20, 2018
Pages: 374
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
The Delight
Each time a new Scorpious Syndrome book releases I know I’m in for action-packed, suspenseful, and sizzling post-apocalyptic romance. It’s the end of the world and things are nuts, but there are people holding the line and doing what’s right. I just can’t get enough of this series.
Review
The Scorpius Syndrome series is not one that works well taking the books out of order or treating them like standalones so book five, Winter Igniting, isn’t a good place to jump in.
Since early days in this series, the Vanguard group has been dealing with the ‘Pure’ movement inside their ranks. Though they have no proof, something feels hinky about this group. Where are they getting their supplies? And the weapons? And why won’t they let their people be interviewed. The new Pastor seems too good to be true. The two tapped to infiltrate Pure are sweet, sad April who lost all her family and works with the children and Merc ex-cop Damon.
Right away, I was all about getting this book to keep seeing where things go with the hunt for more answers about the cure, about infertility, about getting supplies, and for the band of survivors against a gang and a sociopath president and his men. It’s exciting, gritty and dangerous. Love the fight scenes and the suspenseful twists and reveals are the best part outside the romances.
Speaking of romance, this is were I start to have trouble. Not with the people or the elements or development. I do like this. What I have come to be impatient with is seeing the same general scenario play out over many books and many series including every book in this one. I can literally go- ope, now she’s going to sass him, now he’s going to spank her, now she’s going to run off and do something dangerous just to rile him up, now he’s going to carry her back and spank her…. and so on. It really is just that predictable. I’m not bringing all that out because I hate it, but surprise me is all I’m asking.
Now, aside from the romance, I loved how the author brought along this pair. April was not in a healthy place, but through the book she comes back to life and starts to heal. It’s painful and she resists. She tries to make attraction and feelings stay in a neat box and insists that Damon treat their connection as temporary and just for the mission. Good for Damon that he doesn’t play games and won’t let her play games with him. He is as straight up as they come. He tells her flat out he is attracted, she’s beautiful, and he wants her. He has feelings for her and wants to give it a try. April wasn’t expecting that. Through the skirmishes over their mission, I decided early on that April is not submissive in the least though she really believes it and others believe it. She’s passive aggressive and likes to be in control. Damon nails it when he points to her clipboard as the symbol of this. She is intimidated by the war and fighting so she’s developed her own ways of getting things done. I though the author wrote a great complex character.
And, Damon, he is a true blue protector. He became a police officer for all the right reasons and he never stopped being that guy. He is a good tactician and knows what he’s doing. He’s a valuable member of the Mercs as Grey’s second. He doesn’t go the soldier or spec ops ruthless approach and struggles with some necessary brutality. He respects April and he is all in though he tells her up front that he doesn’t want to leave someone behind scared and worried for him. He brought out all the signs and swoons for me.
Things inch just that much closer to the end showdown. I loved that surprise ambush in this one and I am intrigued to see that Marcus and Penny seem to be the ones up next for their story, especially since those mad scientists and even the president want to get their hands back on their super soldier experiment, Marcus Knight.
This series just continues to stay strong and captivating. Those who enjoy spicy dystopian or post-apocalyptic action-packed romance should give this series a go.
Challenges
Romance Roundabout #146 DR
New Release #70
Literary Pickers #96 season in title
Let’s Read Indie #53
Recommendations
Preview
About Rebecca Zanetti
New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner – only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She is a member of RWA, has won awards for her works throughout the industry, and has a journalism degree with a poly sci emphasis from Pepperdine University as well as a Juris Doctorate from the University of Idaho.
Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her every day-or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.
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Despite the romance predictability issue, I’m glad the rest of the book worked so well for you. Happy Friday!
It’s definitely only a small hiccough. I loved getting this one and their story. Thanks, Ro! Wishing you a radiant weekend. 🙂
it’s an author I heard about but I confess that I haven’t tried any
Another one you can anticipate. 🙂
Yes, the romances have become very predictable, but thankfully the overall arc is stronger.
That is exactly how I feel about it. I can tolerate the romance that way b/c there is so much more to love about the series including the romance pair, themselves. 🙂
I think I saw Kim’s review for this one too Sophia Rose. She’s on my list 😉
Oh yes, I’m very familiar with the list. I have a similar one. 🙂
This is one of the series on my list to read once I clear some other series I’m reading now.
I can’t wait to see what you think. If you weren’t already planning to, start with the prequel b/c it is important to getting a grasp on what’s going on. 🙂
Noted. 🙂 I already have it.
Cool! You’re ready to rock and roll, then. 🙂
I can’t wait to read this one. I love this series. Glad to see you loved this one.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
I’ve enjoyed most of what she has written, but this is my favorite after the Sins Brothers. I look forward to getting your thoughts on this one. 🙂
I skimmed some of your details because this is a series I keep telling myself I want to read. I kinda have a thing for good dystopian romances. Keyword here is good. I’ve read another series by her and enjoyed her writing. Glad this was another good one for you!
I think you’ll end up liking this one. There is good action and suspense and the characters. The twists are good.
Make sure you definitely start with the prequel, Scorpius Rising so you get a good feel for the world of the series and the details that will help the rest of the series make sense. 🙂
I just looked. I have that one already! You should look into Colleen Gleason’s dystopian romances. They are really good too.
Super!
Oh, LOL, this is too funny. I have the first book of her series, too. Yep, need to read that one.
Despite the romance predictability issue, I’m glad the rest of the book worked so well for you. Happy Friday!