Gridlock

Revenge and Zombies #1

by Torri Heat

In a dystopian world where the rich get richer and the poor struggle to survive, Tessa is a mad scientist. Or, more accurately, she’s a pissed off one. Her father was killed for sport by the wealthy and ever since, Tessa’s had one goal and one goal only -- revenge.

Wanting to watch the world burn, she creates a virus no one has ever seen before. One that will turn the evil rich into mindless zombies. There’s only one problem. The virus doesn’t work on the one man Tessa wishes she didn’t know all too Rory.

When her plans go awry, Rory and Tessa are forced to work together to survive. But can survival ever turn into something more?

74 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2023

About the author

Torri Heat has control over everything in her life, except for the plot. Her characters demand centre stage, and she just goes along with whatever they want and hopes for the best. You never know whether you’ll end up with a dragon tail or on a submarine, but you will always get a taste of darkness with your romance. Her fierce women will inspire you to be sassy, and her dominant men will teach you how to be a good girl. When she isn’t creating alternate realities, you can find her working her other job as a nacho connoisseur.

Torri is represented by Katie Monson at SBR Mediakatie@sbrmedia.com

Reviews

[Taryn Adlington · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick and spicy read. You can always count on Torri to give you a strong and witty FMC. Tessa is a mad scientist seeking revenge against the rich. Armed with a virus and a plan to reset the word nothing can stop Tessa, that is until Rory comes along. I loved the back and forth with Tessa and Rory and the bond they formed through survival. I look forward to continuing Tessa and Rory’s story and seeing how they overcome the obstacles that keep coming their way.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tessa is a mad scientist. One that has revenge on her mind. I sure do not want to get on her bad side. Rory may be one of the rich, but he is not stuck up like the rest. Thus, the reason that I warmed up to Rory right away. I felt a charisma about him that made him very attractive. For this reason, I don't blame Tessa for getting with Rory.

Don't be fooled by the cover. This book is still a spicy, quick read. Which I would not expect anything less from Torri. Despite Tessa and Rory starting out as enemies, I felt the physical attraction to one another. Undead or human...love is love and when the chemistry is there, you go for it! So come get your zombie fix with Gridlock by Torri Heat!

[Short and Sweet Reviews by Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gridlock features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ Dystopian
○ Zombies
○ Romance
○ Enemies to lovers
○ Scientist
○ Revenge
○ Novella

My overall rating for Gridlock is...

4.5 stars!

A fierce scientist intent on revenge, a cocky rich boy she has vowed to destroy and a zombie virus to test them all. Gridlock is a short, sexy and gripping start to a zombie apocalypse and romance novella series. I was hooked from the get go with this little gem! Who new spice and zombies could be so addictive! I really enjoyed reading from the point of view of the scientist behind the zombie outbreak, her vendetta was exciting and personality, though withdrawn, was intriguing. Overall, another brilliant and steamy tale from Torri Heat!

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like how the story is starting, I wish there was more background on Tessa for development but her view is understood. I find that I am pulling for Rory to make a deeper connection with Tessa and pull her out of being so focused on on feeling. It was short and sweet but did leave on a cliff hanger of wanting me to find out what’s next. I was just missing some of the background development. I still love the author and will continue reading as they come out so I can see the story development through. ❤️

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

With this short read, Torri did not disappoint. I love her writing. I was not sure what to expect from a zombie romance and this exceeded it.

[Ashlee M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gridlock has everything you could want in a fast paced short read.
Dystopian world ✔️
Zombies ✔️
Mad scientist ✔️
Revenge ✔️
And a little bit of spice for good measure 🌶️✔️

I’m not usually one to like short reads but I happily stand converted. If you’re looking for a good palate cleanser or you’re just wanting to read something a bit different then give Gridlock a go. Torri Heat does not disappoint!

[Kirsten Van Hooland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was not sure what to expect (besides the synopsis) but it did not fail me.
The story is about Tessa, a scientist, who wants to revenge her father's dead. She creates a virus that will turn people into zombies. She aims to get rid of ALL rich people and to reset the world. But when a man named Rory comes along, Tessa experiences something she has never felt before. No matter how bad she wants him, she has to get rid of him, because he is one of the rich. When the virus doesn't work on Rory and her so carefully planned scheme falls into pieces, Tessa and Rory are forced to stick together in order to survive. Can Tessa put the differences between them aside? And can she right her wrongs?
When I started reading this, I did not like Tessa at all. But as the story continued and Tessa's character developed, I had a great time reading. I understand her reason to avenge the rich, but, like Rory, I didn't agree with the way Tessa had in mind. Torri did a great job building this world.
This is a beautiful example that you don't have to agree with everything, that happens in a book, to like it! I had a good time reading this and I am looking forward to read more of Torri Heat!
If you like "the walking dead", I definitely recommend this!
Thank you author Torri Heat for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[SBee Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

★ “Girls like you shouldn’t be able to handle bad men like me.” ★

—>>> “And bad men like you have no idea what girls like me are capable of.” Blaming social class disparity, avenging her father’s senseless death was the only plan Tessa has been entirely focusing on…and the occasional tryst here and there to blow off some steam to help shut her mind off for a while. But when Ryan shows up amongst the last invited guest group to her exclusive laboratory lair, he turns out to be the one variable that she did not expect - in more ways than one - along with a few other things happening she had no longer had control over. Intriguing first installment to this series!