Scorn is the second book in the Blindspot series. This is definitely a direct continuation of the story, so you’ll need to have read Blindspot first as Scorn picks up right where it left off.
So Scorn continues to explore Jackie and Dimitri’s unconventional relationship, diving deeper into their emotional (and physical) connection. While Blindspot focused more on introducing the characters, their backgrounds, and building a solid plot, Scorn leans more into the romantic and sexual dynamics between the leads, with a lighter subplot running alongside.
Jackie, recruited into the world of covert intelligence by her mentor and father figure, Masters, is being groomed as his second-in-command - until a coup turns everything upside down. She’s suddenly forced to work with the very agents who upended her life. Enter Dimitri. What follows is your classic enemies-to-lovers, but with a spy twist. There’s tension, grief, vulnerability, and yes - stubbornness, banter, Disney love, spice, and some great bi rep. It’s very much a why choose blend with a “reverse grumpy x sunshine” dynamic.
One thing I really appreciated was how the author allowed the characters space to grow, both individually and together. Jackie, as a fuller-figured FMC, is unapologetically herself: sharp, witty, and confident. Dimitri, our MMC, is equal parts broody and soft-hearted. Their chemistry works, and their banter keeps things engaging.
That said, I did feel that the exploration of identity and sexuality, while important, came across as a bit heavy-handed at times - almost as if it was included to tick a box, rather than being fully integrated into the natural flow of the story.
Scorn gives us a deeper look at Jackie and Dimitri’s relationship - their boundaries, vulnerabilities, and desires. It is a solid continuation and leaves the door open for future books in the series.
However, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, I found myself wishing for a bit less spice and a bit more plot to balance things out. Normally I’m all for the spice-first approach, but this one needed a bit more story to carry it through for me.
If you’re into espionage, enemies-to-lovers, darker romance vibes, and why choose dynamics, this series is definitely one to check out.
Thank you to Happily Booked PR & B A Rothney for the opportunity to read and review Scorn. All opnions are my own (3.5 stars)