Winter Igniting
by Rebecca Zanetti
Release Date: February 19, 2018
Publisher: RAZ Ink, LLC
Book #5 in the Scorpius Syndrome series
Number of pages: 370
Paperback
Source: MelCat
Romantic Suspense
Ages 17 and up
CW: violence
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His only goal was survival until he met her…
With nothing to lose, former cop Damon Winter agrees to an undercover op, infiltrating a cult in the dangerous post-Scorpius world. After one look at his new partner, he knows she belongs far away from not only the cult, but from him. She’s sweet and kind and has no business being in peril, but she’s determined to help. Suddenly, the part he’s playing as her man explodes into a passion neither of them had expected.
She hadn’t purposefully faced risk until she met him…
April Snyder has survived loss, pain, and uncertainty. Now she’s ready to live again. There’s nothing left but to make a difference for others, so why not go undercover in the cult? Now all she has to do is keep it professional and ignore her handsome, deadly, overbearing partner, who’s too sexy for her peace of mind. Intrigue, risk, and danger make for an irresistible temptation–until enemies close in, threatening everyone they’ve sworn to protect.
Man, I’ve been looking forward to the story of April and Damon getting their HEA. Ever since they met there’s been a connection between them that was undeniable. Unfortunately, that was lost a little bit in this story. They still have a great connection and heat, but it just didn’t seem as intense. Now, I will willingly admit that may be because this story as a whole was not what I was expecting. Not in a bad way, but I thought this story would spend a lot more time within the walls of The Pure.
Damon is the best. Seriously. I love all of the other MMCs from the other books in different ways, but none of them have the gooey center that Damon is hiding. He not only has a soft spot for April, but he has a soft spot for all living creatures. Especially those that he thinks are vulnerable. Yes, he can be overbearing. Yes, he can even overstep his bounds. But it’s always from such a beautiful place of trying to do the right thing for everyone…the whole larger picture.
All of the wonderful things about Damon are the exact reason April is perfect for him. She has such a soft touch with the children of the compound. She’s able to keep them all corralled and exert authority while also giving them the nurturing and love they all so desperately need. That need to help the downtrodden can put her in some sticky spots when her need to help overrides her need to keep herself safe.
Again, I thought this story would be the pair living behind enemy lines, so to speak. While they both spent time with The Pure, they were always visits and not actually living amongst them. That’s why I find it hard to decide if this story didn’t hit me the same because of my expectations or for other reasons. After sitting on that thought for a bit, I believe it had a whole lot to do with my expectations. I still really enjoyed this book and was engrossed in the story.
As for the overarching story in this series regarding Scorpius, the president, and the brigade…I honestly don’t see how it can all be wrapped up in one more book. Or, more accurately, I can see certain aspects wrapped up but would still love to see what happened to the brigade and see everyone reunited and heading toward a brighter future.
3.5 stars
All In Good Time 