by Rebecca Zanetti
Series: The Scorpius Syndrome #2
Genres: Romantic Suspense, Post-Apocalyptic
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
Before the Scorpius Syndrome tore through North America and nearly wiped out the population, Vivienne Kennedy was the FBI’s best profiler. The bacteria got her anyway. But she survived. She recovered. And when she woke up from a drug-nightmare of captivity, her skills as a hunter of men had gone from merely brilliant to full-on uncanny. Her mysterious rescuer wants her to put them to the test. But no matter how tempting he is, with his angel’s eyes and devil’s tongue, Vinnie knows she shouldn’t trust him.
If the FBI were still around they would rate Raze Shadow as one of the bad guys. His military training can’t wipe out his association with the Mercenaries, the most feared gang in a thousand miles. His loyalties are compromised. He won’t even tell Vinnie his real name. But there’s no FBI in the new America of fear and firepower, only instinct and risk.
And the way his arms wrap around Vinnie tells its own story. Whatever else Raze is concealing, he can’t hide his desire . . .
Action-packed, with heat, heart and suspense Shadow Falling was addictive. Shadow Falling by Rebecca Zanetti is the second book in the Scorpius Syndrome series a post-apocalyptic romantic suspense that delivered edge of your seat action, hot alphas and a romance to curl your toes. I thoroughly enjoy time spent with these characters.
I simply love this series. The Scorpius Syndrome series features a post-apocalyptic world where a bacteria killed 99% of the US populations, those who survived and receive B-12 shots are carriers, require less sleep, suffer from headaches are unable to reproduce (not confirmed) and can affect others. Some who survive become what is known as Rippers. Much like zombies, or worse become mentally unhinged serial killers. Sweet right? These stories should be read in order and I strongly recommend the prequel The Scorpius Syndrome #0.5 found in the anthology The Hunt.
Most of our story takes place in the crumbling remains of Los Angeles and picks up right where Mercury Striking lets off. The story has an overall story ARC revolving around the Ripper president, finding a cure and surviving to live another day. Each of the books features movement in the overall ARC, a romance and side threads containing danger and action scenes that will delight action moviegoers and gamers.
Raze Shadow is or was a part of the military. Raze is highly skilled and is a known associate of the Mercenaries a ruthless gang. In Mercury Striking, he aided in an attack on the President’s compound where he rescued Vivienne Kennedy a former FBI Profiler. Vivienne was tortured and experimented using drugs that have affected her in unsettling ways. If Alpha men make you swoon, Raze will knock your socks off. He is possessive of loved ones, loyal until the end but also willing to compromise.
Vivienne Kennedy has a career I find completely fascinating. If you follow Caffeinated, you know I have a thing for serial killers. I love shows, books, and documentaries about them. Twisted right? The Vivienne we first meet is unhinged. Not surprising considering what she went through. We slowly see her regain her confidence and witness the emergence of her snarky and a feisty personality.
We see advancement regarding the overall story arc, but I still have questions and my only complaint was my thirst for more details regarding the virus. We meet other groups, get perspectives from the President’s camp and gain insight into the general direction book three will take us. We learn about those within the compound, and I love this motley crew of survivors. Tace and Sami have a little spark igniting and I cannot wait for their story. Zanetti did a great job of sharing this apocalyptic world along with the fears, needs and daily bullshit necessary to survive.
Aside from the overall ARC, we had two intense threads. The reason Raze joined the group and a group of unaffected humans within the compound who refer to themselves as the “Pure”. Both threads were developed. I particularly liked seeing Raze open up and trust. His secret led us to other discoveries and new characters. The leader of the “Pure” was freaky, and this is exactly the kind of stuff I could see happening in this type of world.
Zanetti delivered a fully developed romance with snarky, humor, bite and delicious heat. Balanced moments of tenderness, playfulness and explosive passion had me rooting for this couple. Even when Raze went into Alpha mode, you had to love his reasoning. These two traded barbs and had fantastic chemistry. One of the things I like about this series is the romantic thread tucked within the post-apocalyptic world where every day you struggle to live another day. It nicely balances out the intense action scenes and climatic battles.
Shadow Falling delivered another successful installment to the Scorpius Syndrome. The hardest part about this series is waiting for the next book! Justice Ascending releases in January of 2017 and will feature Tace and Sami.
“What’s your last name?” “Shadow”
“You feel good can I keep you?” she mumbled.
Raze sobered. “No, but we can negotiate later.”
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Nereyda Gonzalez
I loved her other series about the brother clones, but I haven’t red anything else by her. I want to try these out!
Nereyda│ Nick & Nereyda’s Infinite Booklist
kimbacaffeinate
This was my first series by her, but I do have a copy of her new romantic suspense.
Lorna
I so need to read these! I put book one on my Amazon wish list after reading your review. And I am twisted too then as I love all things serial killer as well. Discovery ID is one of my favorite channels.
kimbacaffeinate
These have a twist as the virus turns them into serial killers…hope you grab it soon my twisted sister!
Lover Of Romance
Oh lovely review. I have been eager to hear good things about this one. Zanetti is simply fabulous right? I need to read the first book soon, I love the sound of this world. I haven’t read enough of these themes.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, this series is the first I have tried of her…but yep I am loving it.
ShootingStarsMag
Sounds like an exciting series! I’m fascinated by serial killers too – shows, movies, books. You name it, I’m interested! haha
kimbacaffeinate
The virus seems to enhance or produce these tendencies in some who are exposed.
The Bibliophile Babe
Definitely going to add this one to the TBR!
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet…enjoy!
Melanie Simmons
I really want to read this series. I asked Rebecca Zanetti if it is going ever be put on audio. She said she is trying to work something out. I hope she is able to. I really want to try this series and it will be easier for me on audio. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I think this would be awesome on audio.
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh this sounds like a series I would really enjoy. I didn’t realize she wrote apocalyptic type of books. Oh very curious now. I also love the banter in the quote!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes. This was my first series with her, she also does romantic suspense.
Lekeisha
I just put Mercury Striking on hold at the library. I’m #2 so I hope to read it soon.
kimbacaffeinate
Awesome, see if they have The Hunt (a paperback anthology) then you can read the prequel too)
Kristin
I haven’t read this author’s work before but this sounds like an interesting series. I’ll have to add Mercury Rising to my TBR.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy, this series was my first experience with her 🙂
sherry fundin
That is a badass cover and the book has so many elements I love, especially serial killers, that I know this is one for me!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, the Rippers add a freaky, dangerous element.
Sophia Rose
Yep, this series is great. You and your serial killers. 😉 But I could see Rippers fitting that bill for you (the smart ones, I mean). Did you see she’s coming out with a new romantic suspense series and the first book releases in the fall?
Can’t wait for Jupiter Ascending!
kimbacaffeinate
I did see that and have Deadly Silence in my review pile 🙂
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)
I’ve debated about adding this series and you’re pushing me to the edge as usual:) Thanks for a persuasive review!
kimbacaffeinate
Bwahaha..glad I could push you.
RO
Intensity – Check, Suspense – Check, Creativity – Check, Romance – Check. Yes, these have all the things needed to grab and hold my interest. Brilliant review! Hugs…
kimbacaffeinate
I devoured it Ro. Thanks and enjoy!
Debbie Haupt
Oh I want this one Kim and she’s a new to me author, only book two in series. Its a win win!
kimbacaffeinate
Yep, you could have these read in no time and be waiting on the next with me!
blodeuedd
Ohhh I need to try Zanetti
kimbacaffeinate
Yes…..I hope you do!
Kristin
I haven’t read Zanetti’s stuff yet but considering your love of this series, I’m adding this series! I’m going to “hunt” down that novella and see if I like it (pun totally intended!) The story sounds great!!!
kimbacaffeinate
You are hilarious!
kindlemom1
A post apocalyptic romantic suspense, that is new and sounds like fun.
kimbacaffeinate
Ha—exactly! Thanks Ali 🙂
Lexxie
I agree, Kim, this series is addictive, and I think one of the reasons why this post apocalyptic world works so well for me is that a bacteria killing most humans is somehow realistic. Therefore, other things that happen seem realistic as well 🙂
I’m really excited about the next in the series as well 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I agree Lexxie. I am glad you are loving the series too!
Nick
That’s really awesome that this series is going so strongly for you, Kim. I wasn’t a fan of the first, but I’ve heard amazing things about the author from Nereyda, so one of these days I’ll have to check out her books.
kimbacaffeinate
I think you would dislike this for similar reasons to the first. She does have a new romantic suspense starting this fall. The first book is Deadly Silence (on NetGalley)
Bookworm Brandee
Thanks for the recommendation of the prequel, Kim. I picked up Mercury Rising, thanks to you, but I’ll make sure to read #0.5 when I get started on the series. I really am fascinated by the world Zanetti created with this virus and Shadow Falling sounds like a great followup to Mercury Rising.
kimbacaffeinate
The Hunt is an awesome anthology too boot Brandee!
Christy LoveOfBooks
This is a series I have on my high priority list for when I’m ready to start a new one. I sounds so good!
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet, I hope you enjoy it!