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Where Roses Rot #1
Glass Rose
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.
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.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2025
79 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Gigi Vale
9 books19 followers🍬😈🌶️ 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 29, 2025
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.
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.
October 8, 2025
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.
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.
September 20, 2025
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.
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.
September 13, 2025
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.
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.
October 9, 2025
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!
September 29, 2025
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.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 28, 2026
2.5*s
It's just above mid I think. There's nothing really... wrong with it, except maybe some FMC unnatural power creep (she's suddenly a capable fighter despite being a soft scientist with no previous combat let alone athletic background? Yeah okay). The characters are all... kind of shallow and tropey. The action is sort of plain and unbelievable since most of the action follows the FMC who is also just not believable as a character, so it's hard to stay engaged. At least the book is relatively short at 200ish pgs so there's no overstaying its welcome. I probably won't read the rest of the series.
It's just above mid I think. There's nothing really... wrong with it, except maybe some FMC unnatural power creep (she's suddenly a capable fighter despite being a soft scientist with no previous combat let alone athletic background? Yeah okay). The characters are all... kind of shallow and tropey. The action is sort of plain and unbelievable since most of the action follows the FMC who is also just not believable as a character, so it's hard to stay engaged. At least the book is relatively short at 200ish pgs so there's no overstaying its welcome. I probably won't read the rest of the series.
December 30, 2025
I love a zombie apocalypse book and I always looking forward to discovering a new one! I discovered this book on Instagram and it sounded like my kind of read, so I grabbed a copy and read it as soon as I could! After reading, I can say that I really enjoyed this book! The plot only took me a few sittings to read and I didn’t want to put it down until I had finished reading! The plot took us from the start of a zombie apocalypse and the characters trying to survive together! I loved the plot and the direction it went in! There was romance in the plot and I loved the way it developed! The characters were sort of thrust into the end of the world and had to rely on each other! The romance allowed for some steamy scenes between the characters as well! There was also some action and suspense in the plot, which added a lot to it and made me enjoy it more! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Sofia was the main female character, and in this book she was involved in how the zombie virus was released into the world! Sofia felt a lot of guilt and I felt for her because she was trying to do something good when it all went wrong! I liked Sofia and she learned a lot in this book and wanted to learn how to defend herself! Gavin was the main male character and love interest of Sofia! I felt for Gavin because he was poked and prodded and made into something not quite human! This didn't really change how Gavin felt about Sofia's involvement and he Gavin was also protective of Sofia and he wanted her to be safe in the new dangerous world! I liked Gavin and he was strong and could look after himself! This book was written from both Sofia and Gavin’s point of views! I was hoping that it was going to be written this way before I started reading and I was really happy that it was! It helped me connect more with both characters and see their feelings for each other grow! It helped me see how they were dealing with the apocalypse as well! It allowed for more things to happen in the plot as well, even though Sofia and Gavin spent pretty much all of the plot together! I now can’t wait to read the next book in this series! I know that it’s going to focus on a new set of characters! I did think that the next book was going to focus on Sofia and Gavin, but the ending of their story was left at the perfect place and summed up their story perfectly! I know that the next book has recently released, so I’ll definitely by making it my next read soon! The cover for this book is also absolutely perfect for it! It drew me to the book and made me check out the synopsis! I love how well it suits the book and the cover models represent Sofia and Gavin!
September 15, 2025
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.
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.
March 5, 2026
This was ok. The world and zombies and setting were great, it just really suffered from pacing.
The pacing was SO strange and didn’t really fit into my very generous “suspension of disbelief” threshold. Way too much happened that first day. And the way the relationship progressed just didn’t really feel like it made sense when paired with the timeline.
The idea of him being a test subject is really cool, I just don’t think it was executed very well. The relationship felt rushed. His special abilities didn’t feel consistent. I never felt like there was a real explanation for why he loved her so much right from the very first moment. And the whole concept of him being a test subject kind of felt like an afterthought by the end.
All that being said, it still did a good job of keeping me entertained. And the worldbuilding has me intrigued, but not enough to pursue.
There is open door spice, but not a ton. Romance is a quicker burn, but the spice itself is very slow.
The pacing was SO strange and didn’t really fit into my very generous “suspension of disbelief” threshold. Way too much happened that first day. And the way the relationship progressed just didn’t really feel like it made sense when paired with the timeline.
The idea of him being a test subject is really cool, I just don’t think it was executed very well. The relationship felt rushed. His special abilities didn’t feel consistent. I never felt like there was a real explanation for why he loved her so much right from the very first moment. And the whole concept of him being a test subject kind of felt like an afterthought by the end.
All that being said, it still did a good job of keeping me entertained. And the worldbuilding has me intrigued, but not enough to pursue.
There is open door spice, but not a ton. Romance is a quicker burn, but the spice itself is very slow.
September 14, 2025
“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.
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.
March 17, 2026
2.5 stars. I really liked the idea of this book, but I didn’t really care for or connect with either of the mc’s. The doctor just didn’t act very “doctory” at all. The way she was acting when they were out in the woods when she wouldn’t stop talking to him? And talking about their sexy times to the other doctor? Just odd. I love both steamy and zombie books but when they are combined? Cmon, who in their right mind is going to be lusting after someone or thinking about sex while they are in the middle of the zombie apocalypse? I mean I get maybe letting off steam when you’re in a safe place…hoping I’ll enjoy book 2 more.
February 5, 2026
OMG! The way this book sucked me in from page one! The tension from the very first page has me drawn to keep flipping pages to find it what was going to happen next! I couldn't get about! I love a zombie apocalypse book and love how this one is written. I felt the pain for the mmc Gavin. What he went though and survived ripped at my heart. I also felt for the fmc Sofia. What are had to do man, I cried for her because I could never if I was in the same position. I can't wait to read the next book!
December 5, 2025
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!
Thank you to Gigi and booksirens for allowing me to ARC read this for an honest review. Going to read book 2 immediately!
March 14, 2026
3.5 rounded up.
I liked this. I like the new scientific ideas and lore around the zombies. I like that there was zombie action in the zombie book and it didnt just focus on the relationship once it was established. Could use some editing. Some sentences I had to read a few times because they didnt make sense at first or to me felt like they were unfinished or the words were out of order.
I liked this. I like the new scientific ideas and lore around the zombies. I like that there was zombie action in the zombie book and it didnt just focus on the relationship once it was established. Could use some editing. Some sentences I had to read a few times because they didnt make sense at first or to me felt like they were unfinished or the words were out of order.
March 30, 2026
great combo of romance, apocalypse and spice
Not a long read, but it has all the things needed for an apocalypse romance. Great MMC, strong FMC, zombies and a good plot and well written storyline. My only wish is that it was longer.
Not a long read, but it has all the things needed for an apocalypse romance. Great MMC, strong FMC, zombies and a good plot and well written storyline. My only wish is that it was longer.
November 4, 2025
Omg this was so so good.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series
from Gigi Vale.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series
from Gigi Vale.
January 10, 2026
DNF 33%
January 24, 2026
I didn’t get past the first few chapters; I wasn't intrigued enough to continue reading this book.
February 10, 2026
this was really fun
February 28, 2026
Really Good
I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and the storyline. Wish it was a bit longer but still good!
I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and the storyline. Wish it was a bit longer but still good!
March 29, 2026
I enjoyed this up until about the 40% mark and then it just lost me. The relationship was too fast and strange for me.
March 13, 2026
3.5/4⭐️
February 12, 2026
I finished this book in a day! I was so obsessed.
I’m a die hard apocalypse/dystopian fan and adding a touch of romance in is exactly what I need!
The plot really touched on the apocalypse part of the story and included the right amount of romance and spice.
Very different than other books I’ve read! Quick and easy but memorable.
I’m a die hard apocalypse/dystopian fan and adding a touch of romance in is exactly what I need!
The plot really touched on the apocalypse part of the story and included the right amount of romance and spice.
Very different than other books I’ve read! Quick and easy but memorable.
March 9, 2026
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.
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.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews