Repressed Echoes

The Sendaxa Chronicles #1

by Rebecca Hefner

She’s determined to save the world…even if she doesn’t remember it.

World-renowned geneticist Danica Lawson woke up to a world that had been destroyed—by her own hand. She has no recollection of the downfall of society but is determined to repair the damage.

Moreover, the first face she sees is one that’s eerily familiar—and undeniably handsome—even if she doesn’t recognize the sexy soldier with the deep, soothing voice.

As Dani struggles to reverse the destruction, she realizes sinister forces are at play. For, a malevolent threat is sweeping through their dystopian world, and the window to defeat it narrows each day its reign strengthens…

If you love dystopian stories with steamy romance, STEM heroines, sexy silver-fox heroes and a race to save the world, this is your jam! Start the trilogy today!

Genres: Dystopia, Audiobook, Romance, Post Apocalyptic, Fantasy, Suspense, Science Fiction

221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2024

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Hefner grew up in Western NC and now calls the Hudson River of NYC home. A huge Buffy and Star Wars fan, she loves an epic fantasy and a surprise twist (Luke, he IS your father).

Before becoming an author, Rebecca had a successful twelve-year medical device sales career. After launching her own indie publishing company, she is now a full-time author who loves writing strong, complex characters who find their HEAs.

Rebecca can usually be found making dorky and/or embarrassing posts on TikTok and Instagram. Please join her so you can laugh along with her!

You can find all of Rebecca's books here, along with content warnings: https://www.rebeccahefner.com/books

Reviews

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is such a great read! The first book in the Sendaxa Chronicles series by new-to-me author Rebecca Hefner, I was sucked in by the blurb and excited to dive into this world. A post-apocalyptic drama with romance, intrigue and a bit of a dystopian edge, I was hooked from the very beginning, and I loved this story.

Danica Lawson is a brilliant geneticist who inadvertently started an apocalypse when she accidentally created the most addictive, destructive drug known to humankind. Now, following a brutal attack, she is suffering from amnesia and wakes up every morning not remembering the last five years, but with her devoted (but unknown to her) husband, Maverick, by her side. Thankfully she also has her sisters with her, and along with her husband’s best friend, the group of five survive together, trying to help Dani get her memories back, and planning to find a cure and fix all that has been destroyed.

It's a really intriguing set-up. I liked the world-building, the blend of post-apocalyptic with the almost dystopian feel of the break-down of the government and the new, autocratic ruler with evil intentions. And we have our battle-scarred but valiant heroes determined to bring down the bad guys and return the world to rights, all while they’re adjusting to their new reality and fighting hard just to survive.

It's exciting, and Danica is in the middle of it all, trying to piece together her past while coming to terms with her present. You would think that a character waking up every morning with no memory would lead to a lot of repetition in the story, but Hefner writes it well, with chapters written from different perspectives, giving us insight into who Dani is, and showing us her vulnerabilities and confusion, as well has her strengths and determination.

Dwelling on the destruction wouldn’t bring her peace, but mending and repairing it might. Resolved, she vowed to do her best to save the world she’d inadvertently destroyed.

At the same time, we get the most beautiful romance. Maverick is sweet, patient, kind, and endlessly devoted to Danica. He's an ex-military badass (making him invaluable in an apocalypse), but he is a complete softy with the woman that he loves. There are some beautiful moments between the two of them – sweet, fun and sexy - as he works to help Dani regain her memories, and I loved their romance so much.

“It was only you, Dani. Forget falling. I dove over the cliff and never wanted to look back.”

“Who are you to me?”
His broad lips twitched, causing her heart to slam between her ribs.
“One of these days, you’re going to remember, and it will be the happiest day of my life, babe.”

While this book focusses on Danica and Maverick, the multiple perspectives allows some solid build-up for the next books to shift focus to different couples, all battling their own personal demons while fighting to fix the world. So it seems the series will have an overarching storyline, with three distinct love stories, and we’ll get to follow this group through it all. This book has set everything up really well, and I cannot wait for more!

It's a quick read, but it pulled me right in. I loved it. 4.5 stars.

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaking phenomenal read! I cannot wait to see what happens next.

I am going to start this review by stating that Dystopia is not a genre that I read often, in fact it's been YEARS since I have read one, BUT this book has changed that because I will definitely be reading this entire series as soon as it's available. Not only are the Main Characters, husband and wife duo Dani and Maverick, great but so are the secondary and tertiary characters as well.

Dr. Danica Lawson works for Sendaxa and has created EverLife, a drug that is in a sense the fountain of youth and highly addictive. Because this drug is highly addictive Dani needed to create an antidote to help reverse the effects of EverLife, only that isn't what the owner of Sendaxa has planned...and his plans is what turns the world into chaos.

𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewRE



**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
**𝓘 𝓪𝓵𝓼𝓸 𝓹𝓻𝓮-𝓸𝓻𝓭𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓪 𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓭𝓵𝓮 𝓬𝓸𝓹𝔂
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic

[SheLove2Read]

Obviously other readers enjoyed this. I definitely am not among them. The dialog is corny and the relationship between the characters feels forced. DNF.

[Khurram · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a very good book. The book was good all the way through, but from the halfway mark, I could not put it down. A real page turner. I was not sure about a story needing events re-repeated all the time, but everything in this book works.

Dani had the best of intentions. She was going to cure cancer. Unfortunately, we know where good intentions can lead to. Even more unfortunate is that she took the world with her, and she can't remember any of it. Maverick spends the first part of every day reminding his wife not just to trust him but who he is. The second half is spent makkbv plans with her and their family/team on how to save the world. The answers lie in Dani's damaged but highly functional brain. A great cast of characters, each with their own stories.

This is a great start to this new series. Lots of list time to make up for. A great trail of breadcrumbs to follow as well. I am really looking forward to seeing what happens next. Lots of action and stories to come.

[R1vana · Rating 4 out of 5]

tropes-ish?
-dystopian
-love hate relationship
-political conflict (rich people dilemma)
-angsty

Dani is a researcher that made EverLife. She created this cure because that same disease killed her mother. And so this medication is to protract the human life expectancy. But unfortunately, Like any type of expectancy, it will be mishandled. So many are depending on this medication, but greedy rich people got their hands on it. And so, Dani and her little group have decided to try and attempt to get her counteractant back so she can attempt to reproduce it to save lives. Unfortunately, it is not easy. First, she has amnesia. (i know how your feeling!) and has no memories o0f the last five years.
Seriously, when I read that I has to double take because that was definitely not what I was expecting to be her first obstacle.
I am not sure, but it seems that it will be a trilogy. So especially with the ending, I am excited to see what happens along the way!

For the relationship between Maverick and Dani... I need more of them. It was angsty. but I need more of the development together. Their marriage is being tested rn.

Thank you to the author for this arc for an honest review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dystopian read was gripping and so believable as we follow Dani on her extraordinary adventure. World-renowned geneticist Dani finds herself a victim of amnesia after a big bash on the head and wakes to a world that she does not recognise, a world that has come to its knees because of something she created. Determined to find a way to reverse what has happened Dani must join forces with a sexy and mysterious man who seems familiar but whom she can’t quite place, her 2 sisters and a best friend. It’s an incredible read, addictive and full of twists and turns that has you on the edge of your seat, biting your nails to the quick and I look forward to reading more!

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio edition of this book and enjoyed it. The plot was well done with good twists, and the characters are likable. It’s the first book in The Sendaxa Chronicles, and I look forward to the others. I already started the second.

If you like the amnesia trope and dystopian societies, definitely pick this book up. There is some spice, but not heavy or over done. The bad guy may be a little basic, but I think the overall story makes up for it.

[Joni (livebythemoon7) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this audiobook and found myself listening to the second book shortly after finishing. I had to know what happened next. I'm invested.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of The Sendaxa Chronicles series and the main characters are geneticist Dr Dani (Danica) Lawson and Maverick Ward. A few years ago, Dani had been trying to find a cancer vaccine, after having watched her own mother die from the disease, when she was enticed away to work for billionaire Luthor Cromwell at Sendaxa, who wanted her to work on a drug to extend life, over five years ago. In return he would then fully fund her research and development of a drug to cure cancer. Unknown to Dani, Luthor faked the trials on the drug she developed for him, called EverLife, and managed to get it approved by the FDA for general use by everyone. At first it was mainly the rich who wanted to live forever and could afford to pay for it, but the drug was soon available around the world and what those who took it didn’t know, was that it was highly addictive! Luthor had Dani work on an antidote, which he supplied to the rich, but those not in his circle were left a watered down copy of the drug, leaving them addicted still. Society all over the world began to fail as people became addicted and democracy fell by the wayside. This drug Dani created had wiped out billions of lives around the world and in America, even the then president had succumbed to the drug and died, leaving Luthor to grab control. He had nine protected cities built around the country and only those rich enough were allowed in, with even middle classes struggling in this apocalyptic world that remained. Outside of the city walls, there was desperation and lots of dying!

Dani and her sister Raquel have been trying to come up with an antidote for EverLife, and had been moving around to keep away from any Sen Fen forces, who might be searching for Dani. Dani, Maverick, her sisters Raquel and Arianna, as well as former soldier Dom (Dominic) Cavelleri, were surviving on a small farm they had found deserted near Bethesda, on the outskirts of Washington, DC. Dani had been trying to make an antidote for EverLife, but when they tried to go and grab a sample of the antidote that she had hidden in a secure location within the lab where she worked in Bethesda, she was hit over the head and has had severe amnesia for the three months since the attack. Every morning she wakes up thinking she is still working on her cancer vaccine at Columbia University and Maverick has to try and tell her what has happened to the world since then, every single day! They have set up a small lab area and her botanist sister Raquel has been making different teas to help Dani regain her memories and also helping on the antidote. Dani is determined to right the wrongs she feels she is responsible for and all the deaths that occurred because of her drug, but it is Luthor Cromwell who is ultimately responsible and was on a power trip to rule the world! They all hope that Dani can get her memory back, so that she can remember the codes to access the secret antidote stash at the lab, but if she can’t they will just have to blow their way in! Maverick is so patient with Dani as he reveals who she is to him and doesn’t push her to love him back when she can’t even remember meeting him five years before.

They struggle with their plans to sneak into the lab as someone high up in Luthor’s security team manages to locate them and is aware of their plans. Dani has hints written in a journal to herself about whatever memories she does have and some puzzles for herself she has written in Latin, including a warning of betrayal. There is plenty of love between the characters, with Dani and Maverick, Arianna secretly in love with Dom, and Dom having loved Dani for years. Arianna and Dom have been badly damaged from their pasts and find it nearly impossible to show any emotions or believe themselves worthy of love, but this is mainly Dani and Maverick’s story, as the focus is on them and the hope of getting an antidote manufactured to reverse Luthor’s plans. There are some small compounds outside the cities, that may be secure, but trusting people is difficult in this new world, with most addicted and starving. The storyline covers their dangerous mission to infiltrate the lab and what happens shortly afterwards, as a shocking reveal is made about a person close to them. Touching moments with amnesia and the videos made to remind her of who Maverick is and what has happened to the world, with a touch of steam on a good day, but also lots of danger as they have to avoid those looking for them and the unexpected betrayal on their mission. A possible rebellion might help their cause and allow them to stop Luthor’s sick plans for the future. This is a series, so the story ends and you have to wait to find out what happens to them in the next one, but it is already out, so no wait needed and well worth looking forward to.

I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Start to Engrossing Series!

I listened to this author's entire Etherya’s Earth series and found it extremely well done, so I was curious when I found this entire series available on a book review site. I had to check it out! After this first book, I am so glad I did. The author is masterful at crafting complex characters you can't help but root for. Often, they have deep wounds they must overcome to not only find true love but also do what they need to do and achieve their destiny. Her books are always high stakes, with intense action at times. And if you love a steamy romance, she knows how to craft those intimate scenes so they make sense for the characters, not the all-to-standard, and usually disappointing, cookie-cutter ones that predominate the steamy romance market.

As an addiction nurse, I found this book especially fascinating. At its core, the ragtag band of characters is up against an evil pharma company that developed a highly addictive drug that makes people abandon common sense and their lives as they surrender to its power. The author must have done a lot of research into opiates, including fentanyl, as what she depicts is actually quite accurate from what I've seen as I've worked with people struggling with addiction. Kudos to the author for taking the time to not only research but fully embed truth into her story! As someone in the medical profession, I am usually disappointed in the medical aspects of books, so it is a pleasure to see something depicted correctly!

This book has a strong “50 First Dates” vibe. Except, in this case, the scientist heroine has had amnesia for 5 years. Her husband, sisters, and friends have created videos for her to watch each day to get her brought up to speed quickly about who everyone is and what has happened. She was the scientist who unwittingly created the drug above, not realizing the company's intent for its use. So, she and her companions plan to raid the company to get the antidote she created. The company has only offered it in a watered-down version to keep people hooked just enough on the original drug. The heroine wants to synthesize a full-strength version to save people, and ultimately, the world. Because of the massive worldwide effects of the drug, the world has descended into chaos.

I loved the interplay between the heroine scientist and her loving and very patient husband. Every morning when she wakes up, she has forgotten all she learned about them and their situation the day before. Their relationship is within her amnesia window; she doesn't recognize him! But he is just so kind and works so hard to make her comfortable and help her understand everything, including trying to keep her from descending into despair when she realizes her role in what has happened in the world. His deep and abiding love rings through every scene they are together, and it is just heartwarming. One of the heroine sisters is a tough cookie who's been in love silently with one man in the group. She only sees him as someone who has an unrequited love for her sister, so she's hardened her heart to try to ease her pain. This is not their story, but I imagine one of the next two books in this series will be, and I'm really looking forward to it--and hope it is the next one!

Parts of this book are hard to read or listen to. The evil pharma company owner is a true madman and misogynist who treats people, especially women, terribly. If you've ever suffered sexual abuse, you may find some of his scenes triggering.

All in all, I found this to be an incredibly gripping and well-written story, as I would expect from this author! The narration only adds to the well-done tale. The book uses both a male and female narrator, and the story actually goes back and forth between these two narrators within the scenes—not just alternating chapters—a rare occurrence in multiple point-of-view fiction audiobooks, but so pleasant to listen to. So much fun! Highly recommended!

I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.

[CourtneyS · Rating 3 out of 5]

OVERALL:  🌟🌟🌟/5
•Storyline: ⭐️⭐️.5/5
▪︎Spice Level:  🌶🌶/ 5
•Swoon level:🫠🫠/5
•Bookshelf Worthy: 📚📚/5
•Platform: E-Book- Not available on KU
•Recommend: Yes
▪︎Re-read/re-listen: Maybe
•Tropes: Dystopia Romance.

• Thoughts:
Okay, I have been battling how to review this book. It's definitely a book I may need to read again. I can't grasp how I feel. On one hand, it was okay. On the other hand, I wasn't a fan. This review will be me going back and forth. Let's get into it:
I am a sucker for post-apocalyptic, Dystopia type books. Anything with the fall of society and dooms day feels. I love them, and they don't even have to be romance. I am feral for them. **Bonus** you add romance to the mix. Oh dear, night give me the book! I want it now! So naturally, I did that with Repressed Echoes. I went into it with the two most important elements. Romance and Dystopia. I went into it pretty much blind, I knew the MFC had amnesia, and i believe that is due to the cover of the book(which is gorgeous, BTW). I read the dedication, and it states 'for anyone who needed a book mashed up between The Last of US and 50 First Dates' by this point I have hearts in my eyes, and I am determined the author wrote this book for me! Sadly, this is where the excitement also starts to die. Fair warning, It is not zombie apocalyptic. -I mean no worries still in my wheelhouse. The book grabbed my attention. I was immediately curious and wanted to keep reading, but the more I got into it, the more my brain wouldn't stop analyzing.
1. Why is Ari such a dick even with her reasoning. She is a dick!
2. If Dani is so smart, why did she make this drug. I felt her reasoning was slightly weak. She is crazy smart. Yet, you make this drug to prolong death?
3. I am slightlyconfusedas far as the drug and the antidote, I understand, but at the same time. I feel there needs to be more of an explanation of this drug and why Dani would work on besides them backingnher and funding her vaccine for cancer research. I feel it was so briefly explained that it makes the storyline non believable, and maybe that is why I'm struggling. I kept waiting for this drug to be why she referenced the last of us, but it didnt. Maybe the next book will be different? , however!! I am also extremely curious about how this series will play out. I am curious, and I kinda need to know. There was a plot twist that I did not see coming (however, that furthered my confusion and also peeked my curiosity), as you can tell. I am not sure how I feel. There were elements to the book I liked. But there are areas where I am stumped. So now you know why I want to keep reading.

Did you read this? What are your thoughts. Is this a me issue? Lol, I would love to know.

[Cahdii · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧 Audiobook Review🎧
🎤 Duet narration by Ri Paige and Curtis Michael Holland
Spice🌶️: 2.5/5

Wow, the plot twist! I did not see that coming. I actually shrieked.

This is a postapocalyptic dystopian romance, the first book in the Sendaxa Chronicles trilogy. It’s told in third person multi-POV, with characters in their 30s and 40s.

I went into this blind. I’ve never read a dystopian novel I didn’t like so when I saw it’s narrated in duet, I was ready to dive in. And I finished it in a day (it’s a little over seven hours long). The first 60% of the book is a slower pace, which I expect for the first book in a trilogy. The focus is on the world building and getting to know the characters. I loved that we were discovering the world at the same time as Dani, the FMC, (because she has a form of amnesia that resets her memory every morning, caused by an accident).

The multi-POV made it an enjoyable experience, allowing us to see the world through the eyes of multiple characters and understanding their fears and motivations. I’m guessing each book in the trilogy is going to centre around a different couple’s love story but the dystopian plot is going to run through the trilogy.

I like the concept of the heroine being the cause of the world’s destruction (even if by accident) and in saving the world, she also redeems herself. That’s something I haven’t read before.

The romance in this book isn’t very prominent. The couple are already married, but she’s lost her memory of that time so it’s more about her rediscovering her love for him. And I love how patient he is with her. From the beginning you can tell how much he loves her and how much it pains him that she’s in the situation she’s in.

I loved all the characters in this series. My favourite character was Dani’s sister Ariana. She’s a badass army veteran, who’s grumpy and a bit broken, but she loves her sisters dearly and I really want to see her find happiness.

This book isn’t particularly spice, it has a good amount of tension, but only two spicy scenes and the author uses a lot of euphemisms.

Both narrators are new to me, and I really enjoyed their performance. Duet narration is always an immersive experience. The narrators put a lot of emotion into their performance and I enjoyed their voicing of the different characters, and how they portrayed their unique personalities.

I can’t wait to continue the series.

*I received a review copy from Homecooked books. These opinions are entirely my own.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Story & Narration🎧Fascinating SciFi Romance!

Repressed Echoes
Sendaxa Trilogy Book 1
By: Rebecca Hefner
Narrated by: Ri Paige, Curtis Michael Holland

This is an amazing start to the “Sendaxa Trilogy”, a SciFi fantasy, post apocalyptic dystopia romance novel and the story grabs your attention right from the start and captivates it straight to the end. The story features Dr. Danica “Dani” Lawson, her husband Maverick Ward, her two sisters, Raquel and Arianna and Dominick “Dom” Cavelleri, who are on the run from the newly established government led by Luthor Cromwell, a corrupt, greedy man. Dani, a geneticist, was working on a cure for cancer, but Luthor, who ran Sendaxa, recruited her and her sister, Raquel to develop a drug that stopped aging, a drug called “Everlife” and a drug that ruined the world as they knew it. Dani blames herself for all that went wrong and is making it her life mission to make an antidote to reverse what drug did to the minds of those who took it. She, with the help of her loved ones who have her back, is determined to see it through, regardless of all the obstacles they have faced and will face. There are a lot of layers to this story, a story that has the perfect balance of drama, angst, some twists, thrilling and suspenseful moments, heartfelt emotions and romance. The writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Rebecca Hefner, thank you for this amazing story and wild ride.

🎧📚🎧 Ri Paige and Curtis Michael Holland did a fabulous job bringing these characters to life and did so with a complete understanding of who they were portraying, humanizing them with their own distinct voice, a voice that was believable and fitting to their personality, also making it easy to follow along and tell who was who. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling them all. These two made a great narration team, with voices and talent that complement one another and a performance that elevates the already amazing and interesting story to another level. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.

[Tanja Glavnik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

We're back on a post-apocalyptic grind! And since I already had a great experience with Hefner's previous trilogy - Prevent the Past - I was absolutely going to jump on this new bandwagon.

I was not disappointed!

The MCs: Dani and Maverick steal your heart the first time you meet them. Theirs is a story told through memories shared with her because of amnesia, and made more poignant because Mav absolutely adores her and never wavers. In one word, they're beautiful.

The SCs: I'm not a big fan of how Arianna's written, mostly because the character feels like a shoehorn for "no emotions, emotions female, female bad" vibe and trying to encapture very masculine traits as well as making her barely palatable otherwise. Hopefully she softens some in her own book, otherwise we in trouble! Dominic was great, and Raquel and Tristan make up our chaotic heroes.

The villain: I find it telling that his name is a combination of villains from our collective psyche. "Luthor Cromwell" bears striking resemblance to Lex Luthor, and we all know what happened to a Cromwell in the 17th century after he tried to remove the monarchy forever. I feel like this is foreshadowing haha!

The worldbuilding: I can't wait to dig into the District and the black market compounds more. It's surely going to be a ride!

Overall: if you don't get it by the time Dani reads her own note "et tu, Brutus?" then I don't know what to tell you. It's an engaging story with little crumbs sprinkled throughout leading to the showdown, and honestly, where's a crowbar when you need it?

I'm invested in seeing how Dani saves the world, so I'm definitely tuning in to book two! But I'm also not the forgiving type so ... no forgiveness from me for the traitor.

10/10 recommend if you love angst, romance, and save the world kind of vibes with daily amnesia tossed in for good measure!

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧Audio/Ebook review🎧
Duet narration by Ri Paige and Curtis Michael

This book is my second post-apocalyptic romance I’ve read and I find I am becoming a lover of them. There’s something unique about the survival element, and the tension and angst that kind of amped up the romance element. Scientist, Dani is married to Maverick a security expert. But Dani has amnesia and not only doesn’t she remember her husband but any of the war that brough them to this troubled time. She needs to get her memory back as her scientific knowledge is the key to save humanity and right a wrong. Time’s running out so with the help of Mavericks security team and Dani’s sisters, it’s a matter of life and death that she remembers her past.

This narration is in the 3rd person which gives a wide range of point of views from various characters. I really like this for this type of suspense story because it really creates a broader sense of atmosphere and you get a feel for the whole thing. The next book is about Ariana and Dominic and, it really set up their romance to be able to have their third person point of view represented in this book.

I enjoyed this audio and liked that it was a third person. Both of these narrators are new to me, and I thought that they were a great pairing together. Ri Paige did a great job for the wide range of female characters, the three sisters, the perky Rachel, the broody, Ariana, and the main character Dani. Curtis Michael is convincing as Maverick. He portrayed the anxious yet compassionate feelings a husband would have about the situation of his wife amnesia. I personally see Maverick having a bit more of an aggressive voice given the apocalyptic times, and I felt that was lacking. The 3rd person duet style really worked here. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard an audio done that way, but I really, really enjoyed it.

[Bubbles and Audio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Repressed Echoes by Rebecca Hefner is an exciting and well-crafted story that draws you in with its unique take on a world ruined by greed. The world-building is fantastic, and it’s clear a lot of thought went into creating a rich, believable setting. I loved how Hefner put a fresh spin on the dystopian genre, making it feel both familiar and new at the same time.

Danica, the main character, is a strong and compelling female lead. Her struggle with amnesia adds an interesting twist to the story, keeping things suspenseful as she tries to piece together her past. It’s a great way to keep the plot moving and to deepen her character as the story unfolds.

The audiobook version, with its duet narration, is also a highlight. The narrators bring the characters to life, and their performances really add to the tension and emotional moments in the story. The pacing is perfect, keeping the action moving and making it easy to get lost in the world.

One of the best parts of the book are the twists. There are several surprises that keep you guessing and make the story even more interesting. Each twist adds something new to the plot, keeping the stakes high and the story fresh.

Overall, Repressed Echoes is a thrilling, fast-paced read with great world-building and strong characters. The unique take on a dystopian world, combined with the mystery of Danica’s memory loss, makes it a story worth reading. If you like books with surprising twists and strong character development, this one is definitely worth checking out!

[Michelle Fernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Rebecca, for gifting me an audio copy of Repressed Echoes! Wow - what a story! I ate this book up in one day.

This almost reminded me of 50 first dates meets Divergent.

Danica is an incredibly bright geneticist who was working on a vaccine to cure cancer. Unfortunately, she ended up creating Everlife - a highly addictive substance that allows its user to live forever. Unfortunately many who got their hands on this became addicted, and eventually passed away from abusing the drug. Dani did not have bad intentions when she created this substance, but a billionaire named Luther funded the project & is enjoying watching society crumble and die while he and his inner circle profit off of their addictions.

To add more chaos to the mix, Dani has amnesia, and when she wakes up every morning she doesn’t remember where she is, or know what happens and what she created. Each and every day, her kind and loving husband Maverick walks her through what happened, their plan to fix this, and Dani falls for him each and every day.

I’m someone who has spent a lot of time in Bethesda, Maryland near the military, so it was really fun to have that location referenced throughout the book.

I loved the action throughout this story & the character building was chefs kiss. Also, that ending?? Was not expecting that! I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series, and it's scary how this stuff COULD happen.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sci fi dystopian with a “50 First Dates” twist? Yes please! Geneticist Dani Lawson wakes up to a post-apocalyptic world she doesn’t recognize, one where nearly the entire population is addicted to a drug meant to extend human life… a drug she herself designed and has no memory of creating. Now she and her sisters, along with Maverick, the rugged bodyguard who protected her in her lab at Sendaxa, are trying to help her recover her memories so she can figure out a way back into her lab to find the antidote that can save humanity. This had ALL my favorite tropes, y’all! The clock ticking every second on our band of heroes? Check! Sizzling hot chemistry between our two leads? Oh yes! I loved Dani and Maverick together! An urban fantasy plot that was fast paced and never let up? This was so well written, with twists and turns around every corner, heartbreaking backstories for each character (how will I ever wait for April to read book two?) and villains you just want to growl at! There’s the wonderful complex push and pull of family struggles and backstories in this one. Everyone is torn trying to protect their loved ones and there are so many delicious shades of gray and interesting characters that had me devouring this book like crazy. I loved the Fifty First Dates twist, with Dani constantly trying to puzzle out the missing pieces in her head… the only question being if she’ll be able to live with the answers once she eventually does. And oh, that ending! Check this one out! 5/5 stars.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Narrated by Ri Paige and Curtis Michael Holland


📚⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
🎧⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dani and Maverick

• Dystopian • Post Apocalyptic • Romance • Female in STEM • Memory Loss • Angsty • Slow Burn

This is my first Rebecca Hefner book and book 1 in the The Sendaxa Chronicles series.

The blurb caught my attention and I was excited to dig in to this series. This book told the love story of our main characters and the beginning of the end of society through daily recaps, as Dani has amnesia and wakes each day not remembering the last 5 years of her life. While this could have felt repetitive, the author constructed this in such a way that it felt new and fresh to the reader as well.

As Dani explores her new to her surroundings each day, leaves herself notes and videos, and begins to trust those around her, we see the love between her and Maverick; both what it was before the accident, and what it is becoming in this new reality.

The Narrators are wonderful. With only two narrators and multiple POVs, they did excellent work in bringing the characters to life. The longing and pain of Maverick was heard through the narrator in this one; waking up each day knowing your partner doesn't remember you and starting fresh.




I received a copy of the audio from Home Cooked Books and listened to it through BookFunnel. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.


[Favey_Listens · Rating 4 out of 5]

~*~ Audiobook Review ~*~ Repressed Echoes is book 1 in the Sendaxa Chronicles series by new-to-me author Rebecca Hefner. This post-apocalyptic thriller takes us to a world where the government has completely collapsed and the world is in complete disarray after Danika accidentally created the most addictive, destructive substance on earth. In the hands of a ruthless want-to-be dictator in charge of Everlife, Danika’s mistake irreparably changed civilization as we know it. With Danika amnestic for most of the last few years and on the run with her husband, 2 sisters, and a trusted friend they struggle to survive while planning to retrieve the antidote Danika created before sustaining her head injury and losing access to the lab. Her husband, Maverick, has to reintroduce her to her life every morning when she wakes up not remembering their life together. He is a very swoony hero and a wonderful husband and partner. This book is focused on Danika and Maverick, but there are multiple other points of view to introduce other characters to be featured in later books. If you enjoy post-apocalyptic romantic suspense this trilogy is off to a great start.

Ri Paige and Curtis Michael Holland are new narrators for me. I look forward to seeing where they take this series as we learn more about the other characters and their relationships with narration in duet, which adds to the performances. Looking forward to more in this series!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook Review
Overall Story Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 /5)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Narration Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ½ (4.5/5)

Review:
I was excited to read this book from the blurb—a STEM heroine, silver-fox soldier, amnesia, and a post-apocalyptic setting? Yes, please. When the story opened with Dani waking up every morning having forgotten her last five years, I thought it might get repetitive, but it didn’t. Instead, each new day unfolded like another chance to fall in love and rebuild trust. It’s heartbreaking, but also so romantic.

Narration:
Narrators: Ri Paige & Curtis Michael Holland
Both narrators brought this story to life in different ways. Ri Paige captured Danica’s vulnerability, confusion, and determination perfectly—her voice had the right mix of fragility and grit. Curtis Michael Holland gave Maverick so much warmth, strength, and devotion that you really felt his love for Dani. Together, they nailed the emotional balance of a broken but hopeful romance in a broken world.

Would I recommend:
Yes, especially if you love post-apocalyptic romance, found family dynamics, and second-chance love stories with emotional depth. It’s both heartbreaking and hopeful, with just enough spice to heat things up without overshadowing the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erinnnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

***ALC REVIEW***

Plot: 5/5
Narration: 5/5
Spice: 2/5

I've never read anything like this!

If you love dystopian stories with high stakes, emotional depth, and a touch of romance, The Sendaxa Chronicles: Book One is a must-read. Dr. Dani Lawson is a brilliant geneticist, haunted by guilt after the drug she created to extend life ends up destroying the world. Now, with society in ruins and an addictive drug wreaking havoc, Dani and her group are on a mission to fix her mistakes—if only her amnesia doesn’t get in the way.

This book has everything: action, suspense, heartbreaking moments, and a swoon-worthy love story between Dani and Maverick. Maverick’s patience with Dani, who wakes up every day unable to remember him or their mission, will melt your heart. Add in a power-hungry billionaire villain, cryptic journal entries, and a looming betrayal, and you’ve got a page-turner that keeps you hooked.

The world-building is vivid, the characters are layered and relatable, and the twists will leave you wanting more. Good thing the sequel’s already out! Definitely worth picking up if you’re into dystopian romance with plenty of danger and heart.

Thank you HomeCookedBooks for the ALC!

[Isolette or (ICY) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so addicted to this book . I scream to knowing more and can’t wait for more to come. I have read Rebecca Hefner books and love them . But this one I was totally hooked on. I was enjoying every and the characters the story were it tooks place two men in love with one women a sister who love one but know he in love with her sister. This story was totally absolutely addicting from the beginning to the end. The twisted and turns getting so many characters povs as well. Dani is a scientist who wanted to cure cancer and was convince and promised to create Everlife first. Once done the owner Luther company called Sendaxa would have fund to create a cure that kill her mother from cancer. Well everything went wrong the Everlife is a life extending medication that is highly addictive as well the antidote . But their one problem once everything went bad Dani woke up with no memory and she the only one who can help everyone from her mistake. She haves to trust her sisters and Maverick her husband and friend Dominic who also in love with her as well her sisters to remember. I highly recommend this book I give 5/5

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

REPRESSED ECHOES is the first knock-out instalment in The Sendaxa Chronicles. Dani is a scientist looking for a cure for cancer. When Sendaxa offers her unlimited funds and a state-of-the-art laboratory if she'll just do one thing first, she accepts. This leads to the end of the world as she knows it.

What a great start! I mean, seriously, it's brilliant!! The amnesia side of it was incredibly well done, as was the whole story. I can't say as I was surprised by the twist at the end, but I am looking forward to seeing where Rebecca Hefner takes me with it.

One thing that I loved was although this was Dani and Mav's story, I was able to stay with the others too. And I laughed out loud at the Top Gun references. 😄

After such a brilliant beginning, all I can say is bring on the next! I can't wait for Ari and Dom's story! Absolutely fantastic and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 6, 2024

[Margo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dani is a famous geneticist who is trying to discover a cure for the cancer that killed her mother. She is hired by Sendaxa who promised to fund her research if she develops Everlife, a life extending medication that is highly addictive, as well as its antidote. The owner of Sendaxa uses her medication's addictive powers to gain power and control over all of society, including the government.

Dani was hit over the head and developed amnesia and is being cared for by her husband, two sisters (the only people she remembers) and his best friend as they try to help her regain her memory and get the antidote.

There is a BIG surprise towards the end of the story that was very unexpected. This story continues with the next book in this three-part series, and I can't wait to see what happens next. Small parts of the book were a bit slow, especially dealing with her memory loss and daily reintroduction into her history.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beware of Ulterior Motives.
A world where money and power are the driving force to subjugate the population seems too outlandish to consider. Yet the dark web of addictions, social approval and desire to stay young are all that big Pharma needed to exploit to put their plan in action. Hmmmm… so interesting how aspects of fiction are mirroring reality of today…. I really liked the overall plot and very close group of core rebels. Betrayal, respect, integrity, unconditional love and desire to help others are all surfacing themes identified with the rebels. Dani and Maverick are so relatable, with such a hard path ahead of them. How does one solve a problem when memories one day to the next are not maintained? I also enjoyed the other characters Dominic, Arianna, Rachel and even Tristen as they provide depth and added perspective to the story and many of changing details. I am really looking forward to see what happens next as this story continues in the next novel.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lili · Rating 4 out of 5]

The strongest feeling about the plot is that it's chillingly believable, because it is limitless greed that brings wanton destruction and a dictatorship making people dependent and at their basest instincts. It makes me grieve for humanity today, in a world were this alternate possible (but not yet probable) future could still be avoided. But will it be avoided? Will humanity learn from past mistakes?

That's the best thing about this book - the light of hope keeps shining through the desolation, the pain and the horror of famine and …. modern day slavery.

The clues are interspersed nicely, but not too obviously - read it to find the plot twists, a complex apocalyptical world, a hell paved with good intentions and a little band of genuine friends, scarred hearts and a love nestled so deep it can survive anything.

This is a trilogy, so of course a cliffhanger, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tia's BookTok Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook Review: Repressed Echoes by Rebecca Hefner

Rating: ★★★★☆

“Repressed Echoes” presents an intriguing premise, following geneticist Danica Lawson as she navigates a post-apocalyptic world she inadvertently contributed to. The story starts with a strong concept, but I found myself a bit underwhelmed as the pacing felt slow. I wished for more action and that Danica recovered her memories sooner to heighten the stakes and urgency.

However, the narration by Ri Paige and Curtis Michael Holland was exceptional. Their performances brought depth to the characters, enhancing the emotional weight of Danica’s journey. Ri’s portrayal of Danica’s determination and Curtis’s soothing voice for the mysterious soldier created a compelling dynamic that kept me engaged, even during the slower moments.

Despite my concerns about the pacing, I’m still eager to continue the trilogy and hope the next installment picks up the action. The strong narration and captivating premise make this an audiobook worth exploring for fans of dystopian romance!

[A Datwani · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to wrap my head around the story because, I felt, it started in the middle. Actually this plot structure makes sense under the circumstances. Danica has amnesia so the author employs flashbacks and narrated memories to explain what happened to bring the characters to this point. It is dystopian and also thriller-ish, in a way. Addiction to a drug that Danica has a hand in creating has basically wiped out society as we know it. Danica also created an antidote so the story is about Danica and Maverick trying to traverse the terrain of their marriage while Danica doesn't remember being married and getting their hands on the antidote.

The story is interesting but I am not sure if it is my cup of tea. There are other characters whose points of view also appear in the narrative voice. It is definitely setting the stage for the rest of the series. It has the potential to be very interesting!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Book Snob Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, if you haven’t read a Rebecca Hefner book…you seriously need to. I am obsessed with her books, and writing style. They always wrap up a couple, but there is an intriguing ongoing storyline. Absolutely addicting with all the twists and turns, because sh*t is always going south…and at a lightning fast pace. And even though it’s normally about a couple, we get multiple characters pov’s, which I love. They just glue you to the pages, and you only want more.

Dani is a scientist that created EverLife, a drug to lengthen the human lifespan, but it ended up being highly addictive to people that abused it. With so much of the population dead or addicted to the drug, the world is in dystopian chaos with an evil billionaire in charge. She and her small team are trying to get her antidote back so she can try and recreate it to save lives, but with one teeny tiny hiccup…she has amnesia, and can’t remember the last 5 years, oh, and her memory basically resets every morning after she’s slept. Yeah…what a total sh*t show, and so damn addicting.

Safe read with a silver fox hottie, and his brilliant amnesia ridden wife that he is head over heels for. I love their interactions, they are quirky, and just get each other, very refreshing. Fantastic storyline, that will have you saying wtaf, and fantastic characters too. I cannot wait for the next book…and yes, I already looked up that it’s coming out in April, April 2nd to be exact…don’t judge me, you’ll be glad I let you know. And you’re welcome….because it’s so addicting, I just couldn’t put it down….and neither will you.