This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Introduction
Winter Igniting is such a action packed romance and I absolutely loved everything about it. There was something so endearing about this one. Rebecca Zanetti really upped her game on this one or atleast for me it felt that way. There was something so different about this one that I didn't expect. But it worked in so many ways. I loved the opposite attract dynamic that this author normally implements. It was so charming the way that these two banter and interact while also pursuing a mystery involving the church on the base and also revealed some answers we have been waiting for in a few books, so if you are a fan of this series, this addition will be such a great installment that will entertain all the way for you.

My Outlook
Winter Igniting is such an endearing story that I fell so hard for. The hero is such a playful alpha male. I honestly didn't see that coming. And then our heroine is damaged, from losing her husband and her daughter to Scorpius, and is more reserved and especially shy around men. She only had one boyfriend who was her husband. She is not experienced but there is an instant chemistry between them as they start to work undercover together. And despite what Jax tries to enforce on them, they are determined to fight for each other and the safety of their people.

Winter Igniting was such a delicious read. It had so MUCH sizzling chemistry that is typical with reading a Rebecca Zanetti. I couldn't put this one down, there was such an addicting personality to the way this story evolved and I was so charmed by their relationship. And all the fun bantering in this book was so so delightful. There is such balance that Rebecca Zanetti brings to the level of intensity that is delivered in these books here.

Overall View
Winter Igniting is such a sexy, angsty yet fun filled read that wildly entertains from beginning to end! If you are a fan of Zanetti or Dystopian romance, this needs to be a must read!

Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 5
World Building: 5
Cover: 4
Hero: 5
Heroine: 5
Steam: 5
Heart & Feels: 4
Ending: 4
Overall View: 4.5 ( )

Winter Igniting
3.5 Stars

Series note: This series must be read in order. Each book continues from where the previous one left off.

With the merger of Jax Mercury's Vanguard and Greyson Storm's Mercenaries, life has become even more complicated in the post-Scorpius world. Amidst the animosity between the two groups, the Mercs' second-in-command, Damon Winter, and Vanguard member, April Snyder, must work together to infiltrate the Chuch of the Pure, a cult-like group comprised of those who have never contracted the infection and want to keep it that way.

Despite the compelling premise, the execution falls flat mainly because it is difficult to create the necessary tension revolving around the cult when the members are clearly aware of Damon and April's agenda. Moreover, April naivete and TSTL characterization are tiresome, and she is clearly the last person who should even be an undercover operative. The climax with the Elite Force attack is also problematic as it has been done before in the series, and the resolution is too quick and too easy.

Damon is sexy and sweet, but he has a serious savior complex, which places a less than positive light on his romance with April, who is struggling with the trauma of losing her husband and daughter to Scorpius. Despite their potent chemistry, there is no real intimacy in their relationship, which is primarily based on lust rather than emotion.

Next is Penelope and Marcus's book, which is the final installment of the series, and I am looking forward to all of the threads coming together. ( )

I enjoyed this book! I have been enjoying myself as I have worked my way through Rebecca Zanetti’s Scorpius Syndrome series this year. This is a series that I would recommend reading in order if at all possible since so much of the story builds upon the events from previous books. I was hooked by this installment right away and couldn’t wait to see how things would work out.

April is a character that I have been eager to learn more about since she was introduced at the beginning of the series. Things have not been easy for April and I really wanted to see good things come her way. Damon was very easy to like. He is genuinely a nice guy who is willing to put himself in danger to protect others. I thought that they made a great pair working undercover at the cult. This story had a lot of really emotional scenes that really got to me. I thought that April and Damon were a perfect match and was eager to see them form a connection.

Michael Pauley did a wonderful job with the narration of this book. He has narrated all of the books in the series so he has become the voice of these characters for me. I think that he has a great range and is able to portray both male and female characters quite well. I liked that he is able to add some emotion and excitement to his reading. I am certain that his narration added to my overall enjoyment of this book.

I would definitely recommend this book to others. This has been an entertaining series filled with great characters and quite a bit of action. I cannot wait to pick up the next book to see how the series wraps up. ( )

Winter Igniting by Rebecca Zanetti
Book 5 of the Scorpius Syndrome series. Post apocalypse romantic suspense. A virus has killed 95% of the world population. Written several years before current 2020 conditions.

No electric, no internet, minimual medicines, and little hope. A cult is not what the Merc amd Vanguard leaders want growing in their territory. Everyone should be protected.

April has nothing else to lose in the world. She’s already lost everything. She is able to infiltrate the Pure Church to find out if the members are there willingly and if they pose a danger to the children or society. Damon Winter is the perfect partner to accompany April. He’s an ex-cop, big, tough and dangerous. And when he winks at April, she’s flustered and uncertain how to react. The two pose as a couple to get access to the church.
April is sweet and the perfect foil to Damon. Their romance grows hot while they pose as a couple to protect the women and children.

Not quite as intense as the previous books. Good progression of the series.
A win for the rebellion. But the cure is still pending. ( )

As always this series finds a way to get more intriguing and teeth clenching. April and Damon are among the few who have not been infected by Scorpius and are recruited to infiltrate the Church of the Pure. Though everything appears to be aboveboard, Damon's instincts lead him to believe something is off. And boy, are they right. April's fragility is put through the absolute worst test with Damon being the kind of man to take a bullet in order to keep another safe. But thank God he is able to win her over in the end.

The President is still pursuing Lynn and trying to decimate the Vanguard who have now merged forces with the Mercenaries. They are a formidable force but unfortunately take a few losses. In spite of all the hurdles and obstacles, Atherton throws their way the Vanguard Mercenaries prevail. All in all the pace is fast and the romance is steamy. A great book to kick back and enjoy.

I received an Advanced Reviewers Copy from the author for voluntary review consideration. ( )