I've followed Rebecca Zanetti's Scorpius Syndrome series from book one with Lynne and Jax and have absolutely LOVED it since. This latest installment features Sami and Tace and boy is it amazing! Like in all her books, Ms. Zanetti continues to keep the plot interesting and flowing and the chemistry between Tace and Sami is ON FIRE. FLAMING HOT people!! Prepare to get scorched because Ms. Zanetti brings it and then some!

After seeing and learning that the Scorpius disease has further changed and altered Tace's DNA from the previous books, in Justice Ascending we get a firsthand view of him coming to terms with the unknown. He doesn't know what's going on with him but knows that he is changing. He is no longer the good ol' boy and happy go lucky Texan, but is slowly evolving into a meaner, darker, broodier version of himself. Sami on the otherhand has always been a mystery. A former hacker undercover, she is now under scrutiny as her fake story about being a LAPD rookie before Scorpius is now under suspicion. Can she continue to fool the inner Vanguard circle as she hides from her past or will she risk her plan to help Tace?

I absolutely LOVED this book. I just never want to leave this world. Just bring me a cot and let me hang out with the team as I'm ready for the next story! And hello can we have Greyson and Maureen's story SOON? PLEASE?!

I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington books for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.

4.5 stars! ~Ratula

The Scorpius Syndrome is a great series. The world's population has been affected by the Scorpius bacteria. The survivors find themselves to be different. If they do not receive the vital B vitamin injection they turn into mindless rippers bent on destruction. With the injection they are able to function and build lives, but they are forever changed. They are more aggressive and less in touch with their emotions. Tace Justice finds himself changing, becoming dark and dangerous. He decides the best way to navigate this new world is to keep himself closed off, so no one will know how much he has changed, Unfortunately, fate has a different idea and puts Sami Steel on his team. She is an incredible fighter, smart, sassy and not hard to look at. Can they work as a team without becoming more. This book is a little slow to start, but picks up quickly and has great characters and keeps things very interesting.

Justice Ascending continues to take us deeper into a destroyed world in the after effects of the release of the Scorpius virus. The Vanguard group is surviving barely, and possible allies have been discovered – although in this world, who knows, it’s really everyone for themselves and their own group’s survival most of the time. The crazed President and his elite group are still a threat, and life moves on even if it is a vastly different life than any of these survivors ever dreamed of for themselves.

Tace has survived the Scorpius bacterium, yet he certainly is not the man he once was before. The charming, easy going Tace is long gone, replaced by a man fighting demons, changing yet fighting the darker side of himself that is emerging. It would be safe to say that he is now a combination of the light and the dark, and it’s up for grabs just which side will ultimately win.

Sami has been lying, keeping secrets from the Vanguard group from the very beginning. That for her own survival she felt it necessary is obvious, but when faced with the ultimate choice, will she continue the lie or reveal her own truths.

While on a mission away from the Vanguard’s territory, Tace and Sami will have to depend on each other while finally giving into the attraction that has always been there between them beneath the surface. Sami now has more to fight for than ever, but will she hold on to truth when truth can save the man she’s come to love and trust.

I was easily caught up and taken back to the ruined world that the Vanguard group now must face. Justice Ascending is gripping and intriguing as we learn more, revisit established couples and face new challenges in this new world. This is not a series that I believe you can read as stand alone titles, from the prequel onward the world builds, relationships both emotional and necessary to survival develop – you won’t necessarily be lost, but you will miss important nuances to the story and the characters as events build and develop… in my opinion at least.

I enjoyed Tace and Sami’s relationship-romance. At times they fight like cats and dogs, then they will have each other’s back. And when they finally accept what they mean to each other, well flames erupt that’s for certain. One lie could change everything, and waiting to see how that plays out is intense.

I would not hesitate to recommend this story or this series. Action packed, deep bonds between survivors, an almost alien world gone mad and getting more so each day. This one will capture your attention and have you waiting for the next story in the series.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

My 4 star is review is posted on all links below.

This series still intrigues me. I do not read many dystopian books, but I bought into the world building of this post-apocalyptic series and have become attached to the characters in these three books.

This one features Tace Justice. He was formerly a charming, likable guy who was also a good soldier and medic. But after being infected with the Scorpius bacterium at a time they did not have treatment supplies, he has been showing some changes physically and in personality. He is becoming darker...more compulsive, controlling, calculating, and deadly. He is also exhibiting some new physical symptoms that are debilitating and could be serious. Although he is just stoic enough to try to hide them. Part of his new obsessive behavior also seems to focus on his fellow soldier, Sami Steel.

Sami is one of their best fighters. She is tough, strong, creative, smart, and caring. But she also is harboring some secrets and has been lying. She has had her eye on Tace for awhile, but now their interactions seem to be becoming more volatile and sexually charged. They fight (not just verbally but physically too), they flirt, and they combust. But they have to be careful due to their close working relationship.

In the middle of chaos, these two are beginning to connect. But due to Tace's changes, it is hard to tell if it is a good or bad thing. Some of their interactions are a bit hard to take because they are physical and not really friendly. They are both so strong, stubborn, and do not readily show emotions, so it takes a bit longer to believe in them as a couple. These are two strong fighters who both like to win and be in control. His new feelings of overprotectiveness are not appreciated by the fiercely independent fighter, Sami. They have a lot at stake and the repercussions do not only affect them. And if their secrets and lies are exposed, drama and discord is bound to ensue and cause fall-out.

The group at Vanguard is growing with new couples and strays, but they also have enemies. There is a very tentative alliance and interactions ongoing with the Mercenaries, but it could change quickly. The religious, non infected Pure are still not cooperating. And there are the true ruthless enemies of the President and his Elite fighters, the gang 20, and the dangerous predators, the Rippers. It is all they can do to keep the group at Vanguard safe while trying to attain their needed goals for their survival. For example, finding the Bunker for treatments or a cure for Scorpius, that is now even more important with Tace showing unconventional symptoms. And the constant need for supplies, water, medicine, and food is never ending.

All of the characters from previous books are back including the couples Jax and Lynne and Raze and Vinnie. There are plenty of other side characters that could have potential stories that have been teased at with Greyson, Maureen, Damon, April, and a few other new ones that are intriguing.

I enjoy visiting this gritty, dangerous, desperate world and these characters that are survivors. They are flawed, strong, stubborn, volatile, and crafty. They value loyalty to their core group, but are not adverse to betraying other groups. Each day comes with new trials and tribulations that can mean life or death. Injury and death are common occurrences. They have everything to lose and a whole lot to fight for. But underneath the death and drama, there is underlying humor, sarcasm, and camaraderie within the group that helps to lighten it a bit.

This series really needs to be read in order. The overall story arc of their finding answers and a cure has been a slow process as we are now three books then and getting some answers, but there are still plenty of loose ends and things not resolved. We are getting happy-for-nows with the couples, but they all still have a long way to go to be anywhere close to safe and settled. There are still plenty of enemies and threats. I am not sure how many more books she might have planned, but she seems to be setting it up for more.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Justice Ascending is the latest in hard-hitting, gritty, and edge of my seat Scorpius Syndrome’s dystopian romance series that just keeps on delivering. Each installment is a fast favorite, but in this case I was glad to finally get Tace and Sami’s story as it has been building momentum since book one.

This is a series that really needs to be read in order. I’ve said it before, but don’t skip the prequel novella for this one as its the foundation block for the whole thing.

Tace struggles with Scorpius and Sami is keeping a tremendous secret meanwhile the Mercs and the President’s elite are prowling around Vanguard from without while the Pure cause uneasiness from within.

Tace is starting to develop odd symptoms to Scorpius that no one else has even as he tries to keep his mind on their mission though the sassy Sami is becoming more than a distraction. He wants her, but doesn’t think it would be a good idea since he might succumb to the bacteria and go completely dark. Besides, he can tell when someone’s lying and Sami is hiding something big.

Sami knows if her secret is ever exposed then she will lose so much. Vanguard is her home and the people here are her family. She wants to deny the attraction, but Tace is something more than family. Then he collapses and she knows she has run out of time and to say Tace she must share what she knows even if the fall-out of her reveal is huge.

Alright, this series keeps things wound tight and the tension is thick. It’s a fast paced action plot with some intrigue tossed in beside spicy passion. I enjoyed the excitement and almost non-stop action, but the romance and other relationships between the nuclear cast of characters is also well developed. Tace and Sami are already friends and they are already attracted, but circumstances are what get in their way. They also have to figure out the dynamics of a working partnership as well.

The race to find the cure stays close to home for this one and seems like there aren’t going to be any big advancements in the series arc, but then that last quarter of the book kicked in and there were quite a few disturbing details getting colored in.

Going on in the background are the continuing stories of Jax and Lynne and Raze and Vinnie. The growing situation between Grey and Raze’s sister and that new couple revealed at the end along with the new reveals in the series plot will keep me as vested as ever in this series.

All in all, this is a dystopian romance adventure series that I have devoured each time a new one releases and I can whole-heartedly recommend it to fans of gritty action style romantic suspense set in a post-apocalyptic world.

I received this book from Net Galley in exchange of an honest review.

As this series progresses, life post-Scorpius virus only gets tougher as the survivors deal with threats from within, threats from the outside, and the constant fear that Scorpius will win.

Tace, formerly the smooth talking slow drawling Texan, has undergone some personality shifts since contracting the Scorpius virus. After Scorpius, his emotions, his feelings are gone. But he is intrigued by Sami, despite his lack of moral compass. While he doesn’t often recognize himself anymore, when Sami is around, he finds he feels closer to his old self.

Sami is hiding her past, her truth, as she finds a home with Vanguard. And the further into Vanguard she grows, the more she wishes she didn’t have her secret, because it’s only a matter of time before someone figures it out.

I continually enjoy watching the Vanguard inner circle work together. They are a family. Not just the inner circle either: these men and women take seriously the trust the other people in the compound have granted them. In the turmoil and uncertainty of the world post-Scorpius, the leadership of Vanguard are not taking the trust of their people for granted.

Sami and Tace have circled each other for much of the series, with the two often butting heads on decisions and strategy. Now that they are in closer quarters, the headbutting continues, as well as a little extra! These two are both fighters, and as such, are both strong willed, a little on the stubborn side, and used to getting their way. But they are each hiding secrets that could tumble everything they’ve worked to gain.

This piece of the larger series storyline finds our Vanguard group facing uncertainty and threats from multiple sources. While there are trust issues between the Vanguard and the Mercs, sometimes tough situations call for whatever allies can be scraped together. The continued threat from the President and his Elite Forces is also not to be taken lightly. Between these two, there are some major threats coming the way of Vanguard.

While this entire series has kept my attention, there is a driving force behind this plot that kept me particularly riveted to the story. The entire book is fast paced and page turning, and the last 25% was one I couldn’t put down at all.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Tace and Sami have to be two of my favorite characters in this series and you put them together, YAY! Loved seeing a more feminine side of Sami though. She had this soft vulnerable underbelly all along and OMG what a twist on her secret past. I would have NEVER guessed that.

Tace, of course, has been to hell and back with the way Scorpius has affected him. As he discovers new aspects of himself, his attraction to Sami becomes so blatant that it can no longer be ignored. Plenty of action, hot and heavy romance, espionage, trouble and treason makes this installment of The Scorpius Syndrom series one of the best so far.

~ARC provided by NetGalley.~

The 3rd book of the The Scorpius Syndrome. And its all about Tace and Sami.

I love the fight scenes between these two, I mean, it like wow. If I wanted a sparing I would like to have a Tace like opponent. Talk about smooth moves and a so interesting was to let you submit.

However, the highlight for me, would be how Tace delivered his lines during the times when he was about to go down. I mean, my oh my, those were like the most melting moments and I would love to read them again and again. As I read the book, I could clearly imagine what was happening as they face each obstacle presented by fate.

Another factor about this book that I liked is Maureen or Moe as Greyson fondly called her. There is something brewing between the two and I would like to know more about it.

Then the tears, Oh my! it was one of those moments that I love! Let me tell you, men and tears, they are something else!

So much is happening in this book. If you have not read the first two - put it down and come back after you catch up. It could stand alone if necessary but why not start at the beginning?

Where to begin without giving too much away? Everyone is in this book! The president's Elite force is making a nuisance of themselves. Greyson's Mercs from the beach want Moe back but have a tentative truce going with Vanguard. There is a strange dynamic between Pastor Zachary King and Joe Bently as the Pure continue to defy Jax.

Samantha is not what she seems but who is? She has worked for her place beside Jax and the other officers. She trains as hard or harder than anyone else at Vanguard. She spars with Tace because they both need the release. But she likes him. Really likes him. Tace is falling more and more victim to Scorpious. That is as good of an excuse as any for why they should fall in bed together.

Zanetti has quickly become one of my top-ten, go-to, authors. I have not read one I disliked.

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

Again I have to say that I am not into the whole post-apocalyptic world that is popular right now but I am into Rebecca Zanetti and will read anything she writes.

Tace is great. Even in the world that I really just don’t understand I really want him to be on my side and want to protect him as well. Sami is strong and yet is the sweetest of women. She would do anything for her friends with just a “please” being said.

I try to put the world out of my head and focus on the people and story. I really don’t want to say too much because I worry it would be negative when I don’t want it to be. As I said this is just not my cup of tea but I wouldn’t miss a Zanetti story for the world, even an apocalyptic world.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Tace Justice was introduced in Mercury Striking as an affable, yet strong character. He was a down-to-earth good ‘ol boy who landed in the inner circle of Jax Mercury. As a field medic, his skills are in demand in post-apocalypse Los Angeles. When he is infected with the Scorpius Syndrome, he doesn’t get Vitamin B in time to come out on the other side of the virus unscathed. Tace doesn’t much care, but he knows he’s different. He’s not quite a Ripper, but he believes he’s on his way to becoming one.

Sami Steele has secrets. Big secrets. But she’s not sharing the biggest of them all. She knows where the Bunker is. The Bunker that everyone thinks the cure for Scorpius Syndrome is. They might be right, but Sami isn’t leading them into hell, which is exactly what the Bunker is as far as she is concerned. Yet when Tace seems to be one of the few that rejects the Vitamin B, Sami knows she can no longer keep quiet. Only at the Bunker can she find the way to save him.

Tace was happy to remain strictly co-workers with Sami until he was infected with Scorpius. After that, all bets were off. His obsession with sex moved onto an obsession with Sami. Not just with Sami, but with her safety. He is so intent on keeping her safe that he is risking his own safety, something that Jax isn’t so keen on. He doesn’t like his lieutenants fraternizing and he lets them know it. Nothing can keep these two apart, not even Scorpius.

I’m digging this series. Post-apocalypse romances really get to me because you strip everything down to survival. So falling in love in a week doesn’t seem out of the ordinary. Nothing is out of the ordinary when it comes down to it. You’re stripped to your core and it’s survival of the fittest. I can’t wait to see what Zanetti comes up with next.

I’m so happy with this series! I have received them ALL through Netgalley and I can’t wait to get the next one. But I’m conflicted! I was expecting this to be a trilogy. But it looks like there will be more books in this series since the sociopathic president and the VP aren’t dead yet and they so need to die. I’m happy I get to keep reading the series but dammit I really wanted him to die!

This is my fave book in the series so far and I’ll tell you why. 🙂 This is not a story of a soldier finding his love with a civilian – which has been the progression of the characters so far. She switches it up in this one with both MC’s being soldier. And it was a totally different paradigm than her previous books in the series and I love it.

First off, Texan Tace Justice is smexy! Super smexy! Super duper smexy! I really loved how self aware he was. He knew he had OCD and he was obsessing about Sami. He was very mush internally conflicted because of it. He knew it wasn’t normal. He was one of those guys you could always depend on and he enjoyed being that person. He was proud of his long family line of texas rangers and couldn’t wait to be a part of that legacy. Watching him struggle and come to terms with the fact it will never happen formed a soft spot in my heart for him.

Sami seemed to have a bit more dimension for me. In the beginning she seemed a hardcore hand to hand combat expert with a background in law enforcement. As the story progresses we get to see her feelings start to shine through. And the dynamic of having a female soldier and how she is treated different but equal at the same time. It’s written quite beautifully.

There was a lot more action and sex in this book. Their chemistry was instant and escalated quickly. It gave me tummy warmth to read it. The solidarity exhibited by this new militant group is quite heart warming. The trust is there and when someone fucks up it’s dealt with swiftly and not used against them at a later time. They are a family and all that that entails. They are flawed and forgiving. And I love that about these characters.

I’m a fan of Rebecca Zanetti’s Scorpius Syndrome series and have been waiting for Justice Ascending for a while. I can’t seem to get enough of these uber-alpha heroes and the women that they are drawn to. These men aren’t for the faint of heart, they are bossy, in charge, and savagely brutal in getting what they want. It’s good the heroines can stand up to them. This is a series that to get the most out of it, it needs to be read in order otherwise, you may become a little lost.

When had he become such a control freak? Oh, yeah. When Scorpius had ripped through his brain and tore him into a new being.
Tace is the medic for The Vanguard, and I’ve loved him since we met him in the first book. Although he fits right in with the rest of the alpha-holes of the group, before he contracted the virus he was the laid-back voice of reason. His lazy Texas drawl along with his good looks and sexy smiles had many a woman wondering what it would be like to go there. Since he contracted the Scorpius virus, that’s completely changed. He’s controlling, dark, and the killing doesn’t seem to bother him a bit. He also seems to have acquired some OCD tendencies and he is becoming more and more obsessive about his partner and fellow soldier, Sami. Both being part of the inner circle of Vanguard, a relationship between them could have disastrous consequences for the group.

“I’ve found that a punch to the face works better than reason more often than not.”

–Sami Steel
Sami is the kind of heroine I am all for. She’s smart, she’s tough, and she doesn’t take shit from anybody. Not only can she hold her own among all the alpha-holes, with her fighting skills she can kick most of their asses. She has secrets, though, and is not who they think she is. She’s holding back crucial information and if they find out the truth about her past she may just lose them all. She knows a relationship with Tace is impossible but she’s wanted him from the beginning.

You’re in my head all the time, in my chest, in my damn skin. I breathe you, damn it.”
The chemistry between these two is intense but when it combusts, hold onto your hats. Partnered together often, they found it hard to fight the pull especially when they were sparring. Foreplay for these two involved MMA style punching, kicking, and seeing who could come out on top and I found these scenes surprisingly HOT.

Things are heating up and getting more dangerous all the time. Suddenly enemies are becoming potential allies to fight an even worse evil, the President. Life or death decisions must be made meaning well-kept secrets are given up. Trust is broken, but understanding the why’s and how’s will go a long way towards forgiveness. For Sami, she may have to face her worst nightmare to save the man she’s grown so close to. For Tace, the question is whether the secrets were divulged in time to save him.

The action, chemistry, constant danger, hard-fought battles, and heartbreak had me riveted to this story. My only complaint is the numerous near miraculous getaways of the super evil antagonist, Bret Atherton. He needs to go. I also wish we’d had an appearance by my favorite Scot, Deke, the leader of the Brigade and his woman, Nora. Since their prequel novella, I’m desperate to know what is happening with them. I’m crossing my fingers we’ll see them in the next installment. I’m hoping it has Greyson in it, he may just be the biggest alpha-hole of them all.

Rating: 4 Sami Is My Girl-Crush Stars

<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19162722-designated-daughters" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Designated Daughters (Deborah Knott Mysteries. #19)" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1398031943m/19162722.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19162722-designated-daughters">Designated Daughters</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/61762.Margaret_Maron">Margaret Maron</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1894284054">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I found this story to be a little lighter in content and the mystery to be pushed a little further to the side as other events took center stage. They were all connected to the death of Deborah's aunt and it was interesting to see how the dots to events that happened in the past were followed. At the heart of the story was the fact that secrets have a way of coming back to haunt you. I enjoyed the book and as I am hooked on this series will continue to follow Deborah, Dwight and Cal as events and murder seem to find them wherever they go.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/1372248-jo-mixed-book-bag">View all my reviews</a>

I really, really want to say that this been the best book in the series thus far. Really. I think it’s the combination of already knowing the Scorpius Syndrome world and having the back story of Trace Justice. I’ve been intrigued by him ever since he survived being infected by Scorpius. The sweet charmer from Texas has now begun to go dark, and the charismatic medic is no more. He’s more lethal, he’s more domineering, and he feels nothing. It’s a drastic change that impacts how he heals others, sees others, and deciphers intentions.

Justice Ascending also feels like a long epic read. I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve missed this cast of characters or if Zanetti is transforming into a status of a truly gifted author; one who not only keeps producing fantastic works, but grows and extends herself to keep reaching for more each book she writes.

It’s a crazy world that has been set on fire with the rise of contagion and a psychotic president. Each previously highlighted couple stays fresh and current in the readers’ mind as the story continues to move along framing a baited breath mentality for more books, yet keeping us vested in the now.

Darkly funny with gritty action, and a never die resilience that keeps me coming back for more!

Justice Ascending is the 3rd book in the post apocalyptic The Scorpius Syndrome series and I highly recommend starting at the beginning of this amazing series! Although you might be able to read this as a stand alone the overall plot and characters are introduced in the first two books both of which are spectacular reads as well.

This series centers around a world where a virus has spread across the world either killing them or turning them into "rippers". The rippers are either zombies who live completely based on their instincts or sociopaths. The world has split into small factions where everyone is fighting for scarce resources. This series is bold, intense and set in a world you can imagine but hope you never have to live in! The characters are well developed and realistic and each book has an intense, hot romance.

Justice Ascending focuses on Tace Justice who before catching the Scorpius virus was the laid back, charming Texan. Unfortunately, when he was infected with the virus he wasn't able to get a vitamin B injection right away (which keeps victims from the worse of the symptoms). Consequently Tace is changing. He's noticed that he doesn't feel things he should and he worries that he is becoming a sociopath. The only time he really feels strong emotions is when he is with or thinking about Samantha. Sami is a fellow soldier that Tace feels protective towards and one he can't help wanting. Sami has noticed the changes in Tace. She's always been and still is attracted to him but she has secrets of her own that she's hiding and she's worried that if she gets any closer to Tace he'll figure them out.

No way was she getting involved with a brilliant bad boy who freely admitted he was about to go dark— especially since he was smart enough to figure out everything she was fighting so hard to keep hidden.


When Sami and Tace are sent on a mission together to get more information on the Mercenaries they both resolve not to get involved. There is plenty of action, lots of romance with some well written and very hot sex scenes and a chance to catch up with the secondary characters. I also found the secondary plot of the "church" fighting to keep those who have not been infected to be very interesting.

I loved the changes in Tace and how the author let us see flashes of his past charming and easy going personality mixed in with his dominant and darker side that is emerging. Sami was tough and yet had a softer side she was desperate to hide and I loved the way the dominant men in the group reacted when she finally broke down and cried.

"I kinda feel like you're my little sister"
At those words, those kind words, she lost her anger and burst into tears.
"Holy fuck no." Jax backed away, shaking his hands. "Don't do that. God, don't do that."
"You made her cry," Damon snapped.
"I'm....not.....crying," she sobbed.
"Jesus." Jax moved in and put both arms around her, patting her back like she was choking. Her ribs rattled. "It's okay. Um, let it out."
"Maker her stop crying, you asshole," Damon growled. "I'm not gonna work here if you make nice women cry."
"I'm trying," Jax snapped back, panic lowering his voice. "It's okay, Sami. I'll talk to Tace. If he doesn't forgive you, we'll just shoot him. I promise."


I really enjoyed the humor and the comradery between the Vanguards and the beginning of that between the Mercs. I also enjoyed catching up with Jax, Lynne, Raze and Vinnie and the fun, entertaining interactions between them.

"Tace punched me through the glass door." Jax jumped onto the table.
Lynne paused. "Is he still breathing?"
"Yes," Jax sighed. "He thought I made Sami cry, and he reacted, which was probably a good thing so they can get their shit figured out. So I didn't kill him. See? I'm growing as a person."


Once I started this book I couldn't put it down and I can't wait to find out what happens next. What will happen with the church? What will happen with Jax's brother? I'm also hoping the next book will be about Greyson and Maureen.

Overall I loved this book! There were new reveals that moved the story forward and left me eagerly anticipating the next book in this series. Highly recommend this page turning, thrilling post apocalyptic book!

This is book 3 in the Scorpius Syndrome series and I highly recommend starting with book 1. While each book focuses on one couple, you have continuous characters in each of these books. If you are like me, the more books I read with the same characters the more I get invested and enjoy the series more as each book comes out.

If you are looking for just romance, you are not going to get that in this series. You are getting so much more. This is an action packed, romantic suspense about a deadly virus that has spread. Those who don't die from the virus have been changed in unpredictable ways.

I'm completely fascinated with this world the author has created and I'm enjoying the continuous evolving plot. It's unpredictable and you don't know who is going to survive from book to book. Each character is affected by the virus differently and I love that some of them are getting abilities that is almost like super powers. I'm looking forward to seeing where the author is going to take this series.

ARC provided by NetGalley.

4 - "You don’t belong in darkness." Stars!

Rebecca Zanetti returns to Vanguard Territory and its people, with the third book in the Scorpius Syndrome Series. Tace Justice and Sami Steel are in the forefront this time, and it’s fair to say they have more than a few obstacles in their path to happiness.

GIF.

I am a huge fan of Rebecca Zanetti’ writing (my reviews for this series, and everything else she has written attest to that) but I am going to be honest and say that this is a series that is on the verge of getting a little stale. To clarify my feelings as to why, is pretty simple, all three books that have released so far have pretty much run on the same pattern in that the first 75% or so is our couple fighting, fucking and gradually understanding that despite the Zombies and everything else that is going on they love each other.

"Someday you’re gonna be honest with me, darlin’. And it’s gonna be sooner rather than later…"

You get the odd inclusion of a little drama from other sources whether it be the Mercs, the President and his team, the Pure etc, but it has pretty much been the same pattern all the way through each book with very little movement in the story-arc. You then hit the last 25% and the action kicks in which skilfully pulls you back in again, which I would expect from an author of this calibre, but for me the plot has not moved along enough in the scheme of things.

"Now is all any of us has."

The scene has been well set, and the many and various characters introduced, now I really want to start seeing exactly what the author had in mind for the series story-wise start to develop at a faster pace in the future books.

Even now at his darkest, Justice was all about law and order.

If you have read the previous books in the series, and you really need to, to be able to understand what is going on here, you’ll know that Tace has only recently been infected with the Scorpius bacterium, having fought the fever and survived, he is balanced on a knife edge of possible sociopathy or returning back to somewhat normality. Having his POV for this was really good, because you got to see his inner workings through the changes to his personality post fever, and how things started to change the longer he dealt with it. Another Alpha to the core, he is not a man that likes to admit to any type of weakness, physically or mentally, but it doesn’t take long for him to realize that the feelings he kept at bay for Sami, are now bordering on obsessive.

"You’re in my head all the time, in my chest, in my damn skin. I breathe you, damn it."

Sami, has been keeping secrets the whole time she has been a part of the Vanguard family, fearful of what will happen to her if anyone finds out, she keeps her attitude level dialled to full on belligerent with most of the guys, but for some reason she just can’t keep up the façade around Tace. Zanetti fans know the score, ballsy woman versus alpha male = Sparks, sex, a few fisticuffs, and occasionally the odd spanking for good measure. And this couple delivered on all of those expectations. Sami eventually ends up having to come clean about her past and the secrets is contains, especially when it looks like the knowledge she has been keeping to herself may be the only thing that can save those she loves. And this is when we hit the last 25% of the book and the action takes forefront.

Everything I expect to get from a book from this author was provided with Justice Ascending it wasn’t a bad read, and how everything has been left at the end once again leaves more questions than answers. That is good as it gives you more to think about, but I really hope we see more plot movement with the next book in the series. I cannot find any information about when the next book is due, but I am optimistic that the series will start Ascending!

"Vanguard is family".

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.

18 seconds left.
Holy smokes this book this book is amazing and let me tell you how much I love this series I just can’t seem to get enough of Jax, Raze and Tace. This is a must read for all RZ fans and all of you know haven’t read her books. Once you read this series you will be just as addicted as I am. Guaranteed!!
Tace Justice is in the inner circle of Vanguard. He has well as everyone else has suffered loss. But he was yet to be infected after beating the bacteria that killed nearly half of the population Tace didn’t get enough vitamin B to fit it. He feels as if he is descending into madness. Although he has always liked Sami and from the first moment he met her he has been smitten. But the gold old Texas boy? Would have stayed away.
Sami Steel part of the inner circle of Vanguard has found a home and a family. She is one of the best kick ass heroines that I have seen in a long time. But from day one she has lied by saying she was with the LAPD that is until her lies are soon to surface. Jax and all the others knows that she isn’t being entirely honest but they are too sure yet. Sami has many a hidden talent. Sami keeps on challenging Tace but the good old Texas boy is gone.
Watch out Sami cause
“Gloves are off, baby. Get ready to have your ass kicked.”
Sami and Tace have instant chemistry and I loved them together. But once they are off the good times start to role in. As a favor to the mercs, Tace goes up because he is a medic, although they want distance Sami still goes along to help scout out the enemy or maybe friends, who knows? They don’t really know at that time either. They have always skated the edge of their attraction.
“You’re wondering what it would be like. You and me- just once.” “Not even close.” His grin was full-on this time. “Liar”
But they just can’t where their feelings are going and sometimes survival just isn’t enough you have to have something worth fighting for.
Love and obsession are just different sides to the same coin. – Tace –
I always thought love would be sweetness and daisies… not the abyss and raw need. -Sami-
And with everything that is going on they decide to give it a try.
“It’s you and me, Sami. No matter what.”
Meanwhile Tace keeps on having episodes of numbness, tingling, dizziness and blacking out and it is getting worse. Until it is nearly too late but just in time Sami caves and tells the truth that there were some patients that have rejected the vitamin B concoction. They know where the bunker is and they are about to get their answers But to therer is more than one bunker.
While Sami spent time there it went from a computer center to an experimentation hellhole. There is an enzyme that can save Tace. Sami saves the day with her hacking skills.
My heart was beating a mile a minute there. So damn good but crazy. They attack the president for explosives. They’re fighting on all fronts and it’s getting tough.

I love the authors writing style. There is a great balance between the smexy, scorching moments, the story and continuing world building and whereas I love it all so much. There were some scenes were I really had to swallow that where really emotionally which I didn’t want to happen.
I have so many unanswered questions. There are so many possibilities that can come now.
Will Damon & April get a book? Will Moe & Grey get a book? What about the Pure Church? Just some of many. So many questions left unanswered with so many more books to come. I’m fishing here, so please answer me. The wait is killing me.

Rebecca has a way of writing a hero that you can love, even he drives you crazy. Tace is a charming Texan with a heart of a gold. That is until he was infected with Scorpius, now ehe wonders if he has a heart to give. Sami may just be that one girl that can get through to his heart. But she has secrets of her own.
Thank you for giving me the chance to review this great title. It was a great adventurous read that will leave you wondering what will happen next.