Glass Rose

Where Roses Rot #1

by Gigi Vale

In the apocalypse, the most dangerous man alive has one weakness: her.

Dr. Sofia Cruz thought she was exposing corporate corruption. Instead, she unleashed hell.

When the virologist's attempt to reveal illegal human experiments triggers a facility-wide outbreak, she finds herself trapped with test subject 7—the man she helped torture for fourteen months.

He should hate her. She should fear him.

Subject 7 has survived. He's learned to endure pain, isolation, even the experiments that turned him into something barely human. And when the virus breaks containment and the world ends, Dr. Sofia Cruz is the only person he'll move heaven and earth to protect. Even if it means choosing her over his own survival.

Some experiments are too dangerous to survive. Others are too powerful to resist.

Explore romance in a post-apocalyptic world. This is a fast-paced standalone with an HFN and Dual POV. Please make sure to check the content warning site.

Genres: Dystopia, Science Fiction

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2025

About the author

🍬😈🌶️ A mix of sweet, dark and spicy

GIGI VALE is an indie author who blends sweet, dark, and spicy elements to craft captivating contemporary romances. She’s been dreaming up stories since her teenage years, but only recently found the courage to share them with the world. Now, she’s on a mission to bring the characters that live rent-free in her mind to life, fulfilling her passion for storytelling one book at a time.

Reviews

[Catheryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really disappointed. This story has a weird setup with her inviting social media influencers to help shine some light on the horrible experiments this lab is doing. But then they accidentally release a zombie virus, only it actually was released a few days ago and is now spreading through town? He is also a super solider that is 'invisible' to zombies, but only in the first part of the book. Not later on...

There were so many plot holes and situations that didn't make sense and took away from the overall story. I was constantly having to remember what happened earlier because timelines seemed to change. I wanted him to have a bit more edge to him, especially since he was tortured for about 14 months. He seemed pretty well adjusted once he was free.

[Makayla Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve rated this book based on the CAWPILE method. This book averaged 4 stars.

CHARACTERS- 10/10

The characters are believable and have their own voices. Written well.

ATMOSPHERE/SETTING- 10/10

Very reminiscent of the walking dead, in a good way.

WRITING STYLE- 10/10

Love the writing style, the words flow easily and made sense, with a very unique voice.

PLOT- 9/10

Love the plot, but I wish it was a little longer. I really think it could’ve benefitted from about 100 more pages.

INTRIGUE- 9/10

Intrigue was high up the whole time, and I was invested.

LOGIC/RELATIONSHIPS- 8/10

The relationship between Gavin and Sofia felt a bit rushed. I would’ve liked more lead up in the first half of the book. Their banter is top tier though.

ENJOYMENT- 10/10

Overall I enjoyed this immensely. I definitely recommend this book.

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

[Rechal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read my fair share of romance—the usual kind, the predictable kind. Boy meets girl, sparks fly, hearts break, hearts heal. But what in the apocalyptic hell was this? This wasn’t romance; this was a storm—a love story that torched its own house just to admire the flames.

I’ll admit, in the beginning, it felt a little rocky—like certain parts were repetitive—but once the story found its rhythm, it really gained momentum, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages.

Sophia Cruz was a virologist at a so-called research center, and before she understood the truth of what was happening there, it was already too late. On the day everything collapsed, she crossed paths with Gavin—the blue-eyed, tattooed man who once was her test subject.

They only met that one day, the day the world broke loose, but their connection was instant, raw, and impossible to ignore. While the world around them was burning and avenging itself, these two found something different: hope. For Gavin, enduring unspeakable trials at the center, Sophia’s voice had been his fragile lifeline. And for Sophia—who had already lost too much—Gavin became that same fragile light to hold on to.

This book, at its core, isn’t just about survival. It’s about how even in the ashes, even when everything is stripped away, love can still find a way to breathe.

And I have to say—Gigi did it again. I’ve loved her Billionaire Romance series, but this one hit on a whole other level. A short, fierce read, but one that lingers long after the last page.

[Kate Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved! The way it all went down was fairly realistic and logical. Heartbreak at various points, anger at one character (imagine all the curse words for this character), and so much love at the main characters.
The pacing was fast and the "training montage" is skipped over, but it is at least mentioned so Sofia isn't completely covered in plot armor. Gavin is just heroic. A dark side is alluded to, but never really seen. Could be cool to better understand his background and what all has changed since the experiments.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this was so good. I love a good zombie story, I always have. Add some romance to the mix and it’s even better. This is the first book of a zombie apocalypse series. The next book is an ARC which I’m reading next. This one sets up the situation and we find out how this all happened. Finding love in an apocalyptic setting? Priceless!

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness I could NOT put this down! The author set the scene so beautifully and I fell in love with all the characters. I will definitely read more by this author. I have it four stars simply because I felt the characters needed more “falling” time or some flashbacks to their interactions so it didn’t feel SO insta-love.

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

[Sandra Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally don't read post apocalyptic books but I just had to read this one. And I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed reading this book and reading about the characters. Sophia is a strong willed virologist that gets stronger throughout the book. She works for a company that develops a virus that turns humans into zombies when they die. When an outbreak happens at the lab, she tries to escape and gets help from an unlikely source. Gavin was used in the lab for experiments. During the outbreak at the lab, he escapes and helps the lab doctor that experimented on him. There are edge of your seat scenes and even some hot, romance scenes.

I love the chemistry between these two characters and how they tend to grow and trust each other. Especially Gavin since he was basically used as a "lab rat" sort of speak. But he has a soft spot for Sophia and she tends to have one for him also. There are other characters in the book that you love but also want to hate. The way some of the characters exit the book makes you question if they will survive or if they are hel.against their will.

Can't wait to read the next book! I received an ARC from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gigi Vale]

So you're wondering what you're getting into with this zombie apocalypse romance?
Let me give it to you straight.

The heroine, Sofia, is a virologist who understands exactly what's happening (and feels guilty as hell about it), and my hero, Gavin, has been turned into something enhanced and dangerous by corporate experiments.

Fair warning: There's explicit content, morally gray choices, and some genuinely heartbreaking moments. Sorry, not sorry. But there's also hope, found family, and an ending that earned its happiness.

The romance is steamy and fast-moving because nothing accelerates "do I trust you with my life?" like actual zombies trying to eat you. If you want six months of pining and slow burn, this isn't it. If you want two damaged people finding each other in the worst circumstances and choosing love anyway?

Welcome to the end of the world.

[TrishSparklerReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Glass Rose” by Gigi Vale
Series: Where Roses Rot Book 1
Genre: Dark Romance
POV: Dual
Rating: 4⭐️
Spice: 2🌶️
Darkness: 5🩶

Highlights:
🖤MMC with super powers
🖤Whistleblower Scientist FMC
🖤Zombies
🖤Evil Bad Guys

Thoughts:
This was such a fun post apocalyptic romance, I loved it. I liked the mix of suspense, zombie fighting and spicy romance. I would consider this a sweet but dark romance set at the end of the world as it implodes with zombies.
🛑Please read all the author warnings as themes and events depicted in this book could be triggering. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Vulgxr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my new favorite zombie apocalypse romance book! I need more of Sofia & Gavin! I loved seeing the virus outbreak firsthand from the virologist instead of it starting elsewhere or off screen. I read this in one sitting!

Thank you to Gigi and booksirens for allowing me to ARC read this for an honest review. Going to read book 2 immediately!

[♡♡~Cyborg-Scifi-Lover~♡♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this was so so good.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series
from Gigi Vale.

[Louise · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am really getting interested in the genre of Zombie Apocalypse Romance?

This book was read in a backward sequence as I read her Book #2 first, but it didn't really make much difference to the storylines as both can be SA, in my opinion.

Sofia, is a virologist who has helped and understands exactly what's happening. Although, she does feel bad about doing so.

Gavin, has been used for their experiments, and has become something more than a normal human.

The romance is steamy and fast-moving, with a 'sort of' HEA for this couple.

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