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Outbreak Zone #1

Outbreak Zone

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The year is 2040. A new virus has ravaged the American Southwest, forcing the U.S. government to impose a secured quarantine zone around the state of Arizona. Lycanthropy enables those infected to shift into werewolves, but the disease proves fatal to those without a Y chromosome, decimating the population of women in the outbreak zone.

Except for one.

When Dr. Jason Campbell stumbles across Quinn, he realizes her biology holds the key to surviving the virus. However, Quinn is on the run from something—or someone—but her past remains a secret. As Jason begins to fall for the mysterious Quinn, he has no idea of the looming danger closing in on her.

Senator Eric Robertson is holding the state government together by a thread. When he meets Quinn, he doesn't trust this stranger who's made a home in his best friend's house. But if he hates her so much, why does he feel the need to protect her at every turn?


Outbreak Zone is for fans of "why choose" paranormal romance with a dystopian sci-fi twist. Book One ends on a cliffhanger.

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2023

45 people are currently reading
206 people want to read

About the author

Kati McRae

15 books175 followers
Growing up, I was always unsatisfied with fade-to-black romance scenes in books and movies. So I took matters into my own hands and started writing about what happens after the happily ever after. As I got older, these romantic fanfictions and one-shots became original full-length novels—with lots of steamy action.

When I’m not writing, you can find me exploring my home state of Arizona with my husband, stepdaughter, and three dogs (two Shih Tzus and a wacky golden retriever).

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5 stars
41 (39%)
4 stars
38 (36%)
3 stars
16 (15%)
2 stars
4 (3%)
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4 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Lux.
138 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2023
ARC-
Plot: 5/5
Smut: 2.5/5

First of all let me start with the fact I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

The premises of the book is unique as it focuses on a virus turning civilians into lycans and how rare it is for females to turn. Ultimately, it begins with Quinn who is the unconventional exception to this virus who meets Eric and Jason, and we follow them on their journey to understand how the virus didn't kill her and all the negatives of society due to the virus.

Let me start of with the fact each of the characters wildly differed from one another, and the character development was absolutely page turning. I loved seeing how their relationships developed and the minute scenes that I'll let everyone read for themselves as they had got me all giddy.

Overall, again this was another book that was a complete page turner, as I could not put it down and finished it within a day... Which was quite bad as I actually have things to do, but if that can't tell you how great of a read it was, I don't know what can.

I would definitely recommend this to all that love a good why choose, and no there is not any mm (which personally I liked as the dynamic and the jealousy at first was to die for).

I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Vanja Ćurić.
7 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2023
*possible spoilers ahead...

Well, The Outbreak Zone by Kati McRae is sure a thrilling, suspensful page-turner you will not want to miss! It was written really good with a rich vocabulary and depth to her characters, letting you know just enough so you are left wanting more, slowly diving deeper. I only wish it did not end so soon and so sudden as it kinda feels like reading only half of the book...I need more :) it was that good!

One other thing, but that is a matter of personal preference, I am not normally too keen of polygamous relationships and thresomes. Now, all the smut was written perfectly, the amount of tension was almost palpable, but for me personally, some of the talk Jason and Eric shared while have thresome with Quinn was something that could have been avoided and it would still be hot as hell...the things Jason said seemed different from what he normally is, but as I said, that is just me!

All that being said, this is a book that had me gripping my phone for dear life, only later to realize I was drilling holes in it with my nails...had to remind myself to relax and let go...that is how captivating the experience was!!! I can't wait for the book 2, 3...20 :D.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tiffany Ewald.
312 reviews39 followers
June 21, 2023
I really enjoyed the different lore perspective the author brought to this story. Wanting something new and different to read and this was it. Enough detail to feel like you're there, to feel engaged with the characters. I thought they were well developed and I am totally here to see where the author takes this from here!
Profile Image for Ann Brown.
3,469 reviews24 followers
June 19, 2023
A refreshing and intriguing take on werewolves. Great world building with characters that were likeable and interesting. There's plenty of steam as well as great suspense. Looking forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ines.
1,340 reviews46 followers
June 13, 2023
"Outbreak Zone" is the start of a new (post)apocalyptic menage series and even though I've read a lot of postapocalyptic books in the past I have to say this book was quite original compared to what I've read in the past. First of all I've never before read a book that is set in a cordon, where life is completely changed for those living within, while life goes on precisely as we know it outside of it. Also, "Outbreak Zone" has a lot of attention for the political aspects within this new world, interactions with the outside world and most of all: corruption that seems to be widely spread. I really enjoyed that part of the book, and it definitely added a very interesting layer to the storyline.

In this cordon, women are dying out, and once again instead of protecting the few women left, men make the conscious decision to exploit them and make the world an even darker place than the virus did on itself. Dangers are widely spread with a virus that kills all women, and men using the few women left for their own gain and pleasure. It's fascinating to see how Quinn builds a life for herself in that world, and how becoming the first (?) female werewolf gives her a bit of extra power she desperately needed. With two best friends falling for her, she might finally find a way to build a happy life for herself. Well: until her past comes knocking, that is...

I absolutely recommend "Outbreak Zone" to everyone who loves an original postapocalyptic storyline, and a menage relationship within a new and dangerous world.
Profile Image for Bex.
12 reviews
June 7, 2023
Not many books make me want to keep going “just until the next chapter”. This book is one of them. Outbreak Zone is not your typical werewolf genre story. In this story “werewolfism” is a virus. The characters are very realistic suffering from emotional and physical trauma that makes them relatable. There is some political rhetoric but take it as fiction as one would do in any other fictional books. The cliffhanger wasn’t really what I was expecting. I am enthusiastically waiting for the next of the series, Danger Zone.

I read this pre-release as an ARC, and not being paid.
10 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2023
What an amazing roller coaster ride!
In a post apocalyptic scenario where the
Main characters are all fighting for survival can they work together to overcome their own problems??
The characters were all complex and showed so much personal growth and the story just built and built! Perfect amount of suspense, steam and action.
Can’t wait for book 2 another great read by an amazing author. I highly recommend ❤️
196 reviews
May 29, 2023
Absolutely amazing! I loved watching the three of them try to figure out how to have a relationship without killing the existing friendship. It was also interesting to see how corruption happens when you end up in a dystopian world
Profile Image for Áine Foley.
281 reviews4 followers
June 17, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, it's certainly not typical of other books in the werewolf/shifter genre. For a start, wolf shifters are being created thanks to a virus, but only men survive and turn. Quinn, the main female character, is the first woman to survive the shift, which attracts the interest of Jason, a veterinarian looking for a cure for the virus. He quickly becomes attracted to Quinn. The only other person who knows about Quinn is his best friend Eric, a senator. Eric is attracted to her too, and Quinn is drawn to both men. Though the book uses the reverse harem trope it takes a while for all the participants to get comfortable with it. I like this because in most books that feature reverse harems, there usually isn't much tension, and those involved are usually eager to jump into the situation without giving it much thought. I feel the trope was well done here, the slow burn made their relationship seem relatable and believable. I don't want to give too much of the plot away but considering the recent epidemic it's a very timely book, which I think will resonate with many. I haven't found many fictional books that have been inspired by it yet, so this does feel fresh and original. It does end on a cliffhanger and while that would usually bother me, I feel like most of the main themes in the book, particularly their relationship dynamics, were somewhat resolved by the end of the book. Kati is a new author to me, but I will definitely be reading the sequel to this book and any other book she publishes in the future. The storyline was strong, and the main characters were likeable. This is an easy 4.5 stars for me.
Profile Image for VirgoLoverofAllBooks.
103 reviews5 followers
June 25, 2023
💥Why Choose
💥MFM
💥PNR/Shifter Romance
💥Dystopian Sci-Fi Twist
💥Enemies to Lovers
💥Ends in a Cliffhanger
💥Strong FMC
💥Slow Burn
💥Possessive/Jealousy
💥Angst/S3ggual T3nsion

It’s 2037 when Lycanthropy a new virus breaks out, once bitten/infected you shift into werewolves, with a twist of no female surviving the virus. Now 2040 the govt has safely quarantined the state of Arizona while life outside continues seemingly normal. Sounds sus to me.

Unbeknownst to them there is a female survivor, Quinn, a strong FMC , on the run, but from what or who exactly?
What secrets is she harboring?

She is found by Dr. Jason Campbell who is both shocked and excited to discover Quinn is the key to their survival, a female who has survived and is living with Lycanthropy.
Soon he starts to fall for her.

Enter Jason’s best friend, Senator Eric Robertson
who is suspicious and doesn’t trust Quinn who is now living with Jason. Both feel an irresistible need and pull towards each other, while still loathing and distrusting each other.

What will become of Jason, Eric and Quinn?
Will they learn to trust each other?
What secrets are they hiding?
What role does the govt play in this?

Friendships will be tested, alliances formed, secrets revealed both from this intriguing trio and the government.

If you enjoy shifter, sci-fi PNR with a twist and all the S3ggual T3nsion and angst this book is for you!!

13 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2023
Received an ARC copy from Booksprout for my honest voluntary review:

Outbreak Zone is a unique werewolf genre story with well written characters and an engaging story. The author provides an original explanation for lycantropy: the Lycanthropus lyssavirus. This virus is responsible for turning infected men into werewolves and decimating the female population as they cannot survive the infection. Our main female character (Quinn) has been the only female to have survived a werewolf bite. As the only surviving female victim of a werewolf attack, Quinn finds herself in danger as her unique circumstances make her a valuable commodity for unscrupulous characters who would use her for their own desires. Quinn ends up in the Arizona cordon, where she meets her men, Jason and Eric. The character development is engaging as we follow their developing relationship in a world full of corruption and their struggle to endure the upheaval brought on by the outbreak. Their reactions to their circumstances and the trauma they face are realistic, which makes them more relatable characters. Overall, I enjoyed the book and will anxiously wait for the next installment of the series.
Profile Image for Taylor.
42 reviews5 followers
June 21, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was a fantastic book and ended on such a cliffhanger, I can’t wait to get my hands on part 2! It had a unique plot about a werewolf virus that has infected the city causing it to be under strict quarantine for years. Quinn is the only known surviving female who has the virus and it’s up to her, and Jason and Eric, two best friends who find her wandering the desert, to figure out how she survived. Can they keep her safe if she could be the key to a possible cure?

It caught my attention from the start and I couldn’t put the book down until I finished. It’s a great read for those who like why choose romance mixed with a supernatural twist.
3,279 reviews20 followers
June 30, 2023

A Dangerous New Arizona with Werewolves

Quinn is on the run, trying to escape Arizona. She’s been attacked, she’s sick with an infection, and she’s a rare female that can turn into a werewolf. She stumbles into Jason, who rescues her and nurses her back to health. Jason’s friend Eric is leery about Quinn’s presence, but when he unveils a society-shattering secret, both Eric and Jason need to protect Quinn. This story is exciting from the very start, with a recognizable yet very different world and characters you can relate to. I loved Quinn - she’s such a cactus, prickly on the outside, but soft on the inside. I’m excited to see what happens next for these three in Danger Zone.

Profile Image for Jeanéva Christie.
Author 2 books111 followers
July 6, 2023
Nice series starter.
This werewolf story is just a bit different. Quinn is on the run after being turned. She's a total anomaly, as the first female werewolf, and therefore her secret is held closely by the man who rescues her in the desert of Arizona. Jason is the local vet researching the lycanthropy virus. He is also a werewolf. In fact, most people in the state have been turned. That is most men. Women tend to get dead if bitten. Then there is Eric, Jason's best friend, a widower, and a local state senator. He has his hands full dealing with corrupt legislators and a burning desire for his best friend's girlfriend. This series has a lot of promise. Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Alimay.
509 reviews7 followers
May 14, 2023
I was excited to be selected to read Outbreak Zone as an ARC. A fresh view on the becoming a werewolf genre and the characters were well written to express this new idea from the author. It was a slow burn relationship but worth the wait. I’d recommend this book to anyone who is likes the supernatural genre but looking for a new perspective. Looking forward to the next in the series as ending will make you want more.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2 reviews
June 5, 2023
Well what can I say. The writing was amazing. The storyline had the power to keep you sucked in completely. Quinn was a strong FL with a sad backstory but I was rooting for her to find happiness from the start. The dystopian backdrop and the virus origins gave a fresh take to the wearwolf genre. Can’t wait for the second book and for any one thinking about reading it, trust me you will not regret that decision
Profile Image for Rachel Stephens.
2,350 reviews42 followers
June 15, 2023
Such and interesting storyline. Combining post apocalyptic, werewolves and more.
There was a bit of mystery, action, angst and steam!!
I liked both Jason and Eric. Jason's probably my favorite so far, but i think it's because we know a little more about him.
I thought Quinn was a great FMC. She is strong, sassy and also understanding.
I can't wait to learn more about each of our characters.
There is a bit of a cliffhanger, so I look forward to book 2!!
17 reviews
June 22, 2023
Outbreak Zone hooked me from page one and kept me invested until the very end! I loved the way Quinn and Jason relationship progressed throughout the book! Then you add Quinn and Eric, let the fun begin!! The subject matter is not one we find in many books at the moment and it could have been ripped from any news headline of today! Kati has a way of sucking you into her worlds and making you part of the adventure, I can’t wait for book 2 in the series!! Fantastic read!
Profile Image for Chloe’s Reading Corner.
90 reviews4 followers
October 8, 2024
Fantastic MFM Dystopian Werewolf Novel

I can’t recommend this book enough! It is brilliant.

Crossing fingers book two will be just as amazing!

Plot: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 (only because I need book two 🤣)
Characters: 🤩🤩🤩🤩
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Writing: ✍️🏼✍️🏼✍️🏼✍️🏼✍️🏼
Overall: 💜💜💜💜💜


Tropes:
Werewolves/Wolf Shifters
Why Choose/MFM
Enemies to Lovers
Heat Cycles
Jealousy Trope
Possessive Male Leads
Dystopian Romance
Paranormal Romance
Secret Identity
Strong Female Lead


17 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2023
Can't wait for the next in series!!!
This is a well written, complicated, thought provoking and romantic story. The idea of a life like these characters must live hits close to home. This will keep a reader pushing thru to the end without a pause.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Serena Holt.
355 reviews3 followers
May 16, 2023
I enjoyed this book. The plot is an interesting twist on a dystopian America with werewolves. I was personally put off by some political rhetoric, but the good writing and story kept me reading. The ending is a cliffhanger, so beware. Reminder to check the trigger warnings. I'll be looking forward to book two. This book is a MFM romance with plenty of spice.
701 reviews6 followers
June 23, 2023
This paranormal werewolf romance is a little different from what I’ve read in the past. An area is quarantined in the southwest. The virus is spreading through bites. All the women that are bitten have died, or have they? Lots of danger, secrets, and of course, HEAT. Can’t wait for the next part of the story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for BurntbyHades.
82 reviews3 followers
November 29, 2023
Ma'am I Need A werewolf.

I loved this. This was so much more than I anticipated. The concept of how werewolves came to be in a modern setting. Kati knew what she was doing.

Adding the delicious twists of potential poly and found family. Need I say more.

Ms McRae, you have a new stalker... I can't wait to see how this series continues
Profile Image for Felicia Seay.
526 reviews4 followers
June 10, 2025
A Good Read

Playing off of recent world events, a second pandemic causes death and lycanthropy to spread. But only in Arizona. LOL. This is a good start to the series and a good read. It has a cliffhanger ending, so it's not really a standalone story. But I'm looking forward to reading the next installment to find out what happens next.
6 reviews
June 19, 2023
This book takes a look at werewolves differently then I’m used to. The post apocalyptic version of the US was really interesting. The characters stories take a little while to get to so it was a little of a slow start for me but once it stated the story really flowed. Great read.
74 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2023
Loving it!

This is definitely leading to a very promising storyline, and very spicy scenes. I can't wait to see what the next book brings. Scary to think this could be a future with the pandemic!
Profile Image for Ash.
184 reviews12 followers
December 22, 2025
Devoured this. Loved that take on werewolf origins. Was refreshing. I'm a sucker for a why choose and enjoyed the dystopian vibes. Definitely worth the read. That cliffy. Can't wait to dive into book two.
41 reviews
November 2, 2023
Interesting Take

I really enjoyed the writing and plot of this werewolf romance. I am totally looking forward to the next one!!
5 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2024
A different take for a werewolf story. A Dystopian setting mixed with a werewolf twist. I absolutely love one of the main ML’s. He is a big hearted and gentle soul! Looking forward to the 2nd book.
Profile Image for Everything Bookish  Blog.
787 reviews32 followers
June 15, 2023
It’s well written. The story is as original as it gets. I’ve never heard of anything quite like it. It meshes some of the themes of the present we live in with lycanthropy. And builds a world that doesn’t feel that distant to the one we’re in now. The chemistry and romance is fire. The paranormal aspects are very gripping. I can’t wait to see the world expand.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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