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Scorpius Syndrome #4.5
Blaze Erupting
From New York Times bestselling author, Rebecca Zanetti, comes a new Scorpius Syndrome/A Brigade Novella…
Hugh Johnson is nobody’s hero, and the idea of being in the limelight makes him want to growl. He takes care of his brothers, does his job, and enjoys a mellow evening hanging with his hound dog and watching the sports channel. So when sweet and sexy Ellie Smithers from his college chemistry class asks him to save millions of people from a nuclear meltdown, he doggedly steps forward while telling himself that the world hasn’t changed and he can go back to his relaxing life. One look at Ellie and excitement doesn’t seem so bad.
Eleanor Smithers knows that the Scorpius bacteria has and will change life as we know it, but that’s a concern for another day. She’s been hand-picked as the computer guru for The Brigade, which is the USA’s first line of defense against all things Scorpius, including homegrown terrorists who’ve just been waiting for a chance to strike. Their target is a nuclear power plant in the east, and the only person who can help her is Hugh, the sexy, laconic, dangerous man she had a crush on so long ago.
**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
Hugh Johnson is nobody’s hero, and the idea of being in the limelight makes him want to growl. He takes care of his brothers, does his job, and enjoys a mellow evening hanging with his hound dog and watching the sports channel. So when sweet and sexy Ellie Smithers from his college chemistry class asks him to save millions of people from a nuclear meltdown, he doggedly steps forward while telling himself that the world hasn’t changed and he can go back to his relaxing life. One look at Ellie and excitement doesn’t seem so bad.
Eleanor Smithers knows that the Scorpius bacteria has and will change life as we know it, but that’s a concern for another day. She’s been hand-picked as the computer guru for The Brigade, which is the USA’s first line of defense against all things Scorpius, including homegrown terrorists who’ve just been waiting for a chance to strike. Their target is a nuclear power plant in the east, and the only person who can help her is Hugh, the sexy, laconic, dangerous man she had a crush on so long ago.
**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2018
188 people are currently reading
658 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Zanetti
118 books10.1k followersNew York Times, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has published more than seventy novels and novellas, which have been translated into several languages, with millions of copies sold world-wide. Her books have received Publisher’s Weekly and Kirkus starred reviews, favorable Washington Post and New York Times Book Reviews, and been included in Amazon best books of the year.
Rebecca has ridden in a locked Chevy trunk, has asked the unfortunate delivery guy to release her from a set of handcuffs, and has discovered the best silver mine shafts in which to bury a body…all in the name of research. Honest.
Rebecca has ridden in a locked Chevy trunk, has asked the unfortunate delivery guy to release her from a set of handcuffs, and has discovered the best silver mine shafts in which to bury a body…all in the name of research. Honest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
September 26, 2019
Loved this novella by Rebecca Zanetti !!! I'm not a big reader of apocalyptic romances,but I am now!!! Very well written story with awesome characters and plenty of action with hot sex and suspense!! I love this second chance romance and the storyline was believable and well layed out. Hugh Johnson is a hot sexy southern guy who oozes with charm and intense alpha vibe and eleanor smithers is a top notch computer guru who is sent to inlist hugh for the brigade. Ellie and hugh go way back and she must put their past behind because they need hugh's expertise to protect mankind.But when these two have to work together all the the old feelings and sexual need that Ellie has for hugh bubble to the top and this time hugh won't make the same mistake of letting ellie slip thru his fingers. Fabulous chemistry and great secondary characters as well! Connor and deke are on my radar, both are very interesting. Can't wait to read more of The Scorpius Syndrome Series!! Love 1001 dark nights novellas!! Until next time luv's💋💖
January 24, 2018
Great addition to the Scorpius series. Hugh and Ellie were friends in high school and never acted on their attraction. There’s nothing like an apocalypse to bring people together, however, and these two get their chance.
I’d consider this more a prequel to the ongoing series with some good insight into what was happening in the beginning of the outbreak. I liked the characters. They were well defined, which I find is definitely harder to achieve in a novella. The writing, prose, imagery, and development was solid all around. The plot was interesting and segued into a new group, The Brigade, smoothly. I enjoyed the contribution of the secondary characters. Connor and Deke added some levity to the story. I’m hoping to read more about them.
Safety: No others for either of them. Hero has a past as a man-whore. No rape or abuse.
Complimentary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
I’d consider this more a prequel to the ongoing series with some good insight into what was happening in the beginning of the outbreak. I liked the characters. They were well defined, which I find is definitely harder to achieve in a novella. The writing, prose, imagery, and development was solid all around. The plot was interesting and segued into a new group, The Brigade, smoothly. I enjoyed the contribution of the secondary characters. Connor and Deke added some levity to the story. I’m hoping to read more about them.
Safety: No others for either of them. Hero has a past as a man-whore. No rape or abuse.
Complimentary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
January 16, 2018
Today, Eleanor Smithers is the computer guru for the Brigade, the first line of defense against anything to do with the pandemic Scorpius. But years before she was the brilliant college student who caught the eye of fellow student, Hugh Johnson. Although they never acted on their attraction, disaster has brought them back together and all of those raging hormones have matured and grown even stronger, too bad they have little time and a million reasons to attempt to maintain their distance.
Terrorists are targeting a nuclear power plant and together, Hugh and Eleanor must stop this impending disaster. Could their timing be any worse? In a world filled with hate, could these two finally have found love?
BLAZE ERUPTING by Rebecca Zanetti has it all in just a few pages, a taste of Ms. Zanetti’s talents, adrenaline pumping action and heart-pounding sexual tension! Then again, Rebecca Zanetti always knows how to make her stories come to life, complete with attitude, heat and explosive chemistry!
I received a complimentary ARC edition as part of Rebecca Zanetti's upcoming Blaze Erupting Release Tour.
1001 Dark Nights
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts, Incoporated (January 23, 2018)
Publication Date: January 23, 2018
Genre: Dark Romance | Anthology
Print Length: 125 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Terrorists are targeting a nuclear power plant and together, Hugh and Eleanor must stop this impending disaster. Could their timing be any worse? In a world filled with hate, could these two finally have found love?
BLAZE ERUPTING by Rebecca Zanetti has it all in just a few pages, a taste of Ms. Zanetti’s talents, adrenaline pumping action and heart-pounding sexual tension! Then again, Rebecca Zanetti always knows how to make her stories come to life, complete with attitude, heat and explosive chemistry!
I received a complimentary ARC edition as part of Rebecca Zanetti's upcoming Blaze Erupting Release Tour.
1001 Dark Nights
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts, Incoporated (January 23, 2018)
Publication Date: January 23, 2018
Genre: Dark Romance | Anthology
Print Length: 125 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
January 24, 2018
4 - "I like you already..." Stars!
A decent (albeit too short) bridging novella, between the Scorpious and Brigade characters. Although Hugh Johnson (snicker) and Ellie Smithers story takes place before the whole Scorpious books begin from.
Scorpious, whether we've been infected or not... has changed us all.
The plus for me was getting to check in with Nora and Deacan, as it seems like an age since their novella started off the whole Scorpious series. The author has given us secondary characters that I can guess will be given their own books/novellas down the line as well, and I hope that all roads will eventually lead to this series and the other all converging together.
"So... what now?"
Good question, because these guys have got quite a way to go, to be in the same time frame as Jax Mercury etc, so I am looking forward to seeing how Rebecca plays it out.
"Just behave..."
"Not a chance."
A decent (albeit too short) bridging novella, between the Scorpious and Brigade characters. Although Hugh Johnson (snicker) and Ellie Smithers story takes place before the whole Scorpious books begin from.
Scorpious, whether we've been infected or not... has changed us all.
The plus for me was getting to check in with Nora and Deacan, as it seems like an age since their novella started off the whole Scorpious series. The author has given us secondary characters that I can guess will be given their own books/novellas down the line as well, and I hope that all roads will eventually lead to this series and the other all converging together.
"So... what now?"
Good question, because these guys have got quite a way to go, to be in the same time frame as Jax Mercury etc, so I am looking forward to seeing how Rebecca plays it out.
"Just behave..."
"Not a chance."
January 1, 2021
Blaze Erupting by Rebecca Zanetti
4.5 of the Scorpius Syndrome series. Romantic suspense, second chance troupe. While this is a story that takes place in the middle of the series, it can also be read as an introduction to the world events. I recommend it be read in order.
WARNING: A Virus is killing people around the world. This book was written several years ago and has no connection to 2020 issues.
But it’s got some eerie similarities.
Ellie and Hugh team up to prevent the nuclear plant from being used by homegrown terrorists. They have to fight for their lives against huge odds and infected survivors and preppers.
Their long ago attraction from their college years escalates to fever pitch and it’s a race to win the day.
Drama and suspense. Romance and kick butt action. Sexy hot too.
Loved it.
4.5 of the Scorpius Syndrome series. Romantic suspense, second chance troupe. While this is a story that takes place in the middle of the series, it can also be read as an introduction to the world events. I recommend it be read in order.
WARNING: A Virus is killing people around the world. This book was written several years ago and has no connection to 2020 issues.
But it’s got some eerie similarities.
Ellie and Hugh team up to prevent the nuclear plant from being used by homegrown terrorists. They have to fight for their lives against huge odds and infected survivors and preppers.
Their long ago attraction from their college years escalates to fever pitch and it’s a race to win the day.
Drama and suspense. Romance and kick butt action. Sexy hot too.
Loved it.
January 23, 2018
A second chance at love where the world is about to crash and burn. This is a crossover of sorts with Scorpius and Brigade and is for a novella action packed, full of banter a great and solid plot which makes me want to beg RZ to write faster on the series. I can be picky when it comes to novellas but this is amazing.
I love this series so much it is one of my favourites and I just can’t get enough. This little gem is a great addition to the series. We get the continuation of how the Brigade proceed with the outbreak of the Scorpius Syndrome and what they have to deal with.
The leader of the Brigade Deacon McDougall and Nora Medina now McDougall have sent their hacker specialist Eleanor Smithers to gently ease Hugh Johnson into the Brigade his expertise is required in terrorist attacks.
Ellie and Hugh have a history. They went to the same college and where friends. Hugh rejected Ellie but only because she was a forever kind of gal and well now he wants forever. Not only do they have history they also have chemistry and things are about to get intense. Hugh has a secret which isn’t that easy to explain away but he is given the benefit of the doubt. But there is a bigger threat involved here a terrorist attack from an American based group called The Haven.
Things are about to get interesting when it comes to this series. I hope that Ivan Milleroff and Connor Lewis get a book. Fingers crossed that the author goes full circle and Nora and Lynne team up to save the planet.
This is my first 1001 read and I don't get what they are about. Some clarification would be nice.
Read the series it is so worth it! I'm dying to buy the paperbacks.
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April 9, 2023
Blaze Erupting was such a wonderful read and I absolutely adored it! It was phenomenal getting this little snippet into this world again. I also was so intrigued by the set up of the story which looks like it takes place chronically at the beginning or towards the beginning when Scorpius was first released and they had to deal with the beginning fallout. i really enjoyed this novella and I definitely want to read more of these 1001 Dark Night books.
Fans of this author and most especially this series will get a kick out of this one here. I actually adored seeing it all come together. I was really fascinated in seeing this story. I have really loved this book and this whole world that this author has created actually. Its so fascinating and its one of my favorite dystopian worlds that I have ever created. There is a great level of suspense and mysterious intrigue that is layered throughout the story. Now the romance is steam packed and I adored it. If you are a fan of alpha males, then this hero is really going to work for you. He is so badass and I love how he is with the heroine and her friends. He is so easy going in certain scenarios and its pretty funny actually all the bantering that happens even when they think he is the enemy.
Overall I found Blaze Erupting to be a stunning addition to a action packed series that just delivers all the way!
Fans of this author and most especially this series will get a kick out of this one here. I actually adored seeing it all come together. I was really fascinated in seeing this story. I have really loved this book and this whole world that this author has created actually. Its so fascinating and its one of my favorite dystopian worlds that I have ever created. There is a great level of suspense and mysterious intrigue that is layered throughout the story. Now the romance is steam packed and I adored it. If you are a fan of alpha males, then this hero is really going to work for you. He is so badass and I love how he is with the heroine and her friends. He is so easy going in certain scenarios and its pretty funny actually all the bantering that happens even when they think he is the enemy.
Overall I found Blaze Erupting to be a stunning addition to a action packed series that just delivers all the way!
June 19, 2024
It was so different to still be knee-deep in the Scorpius crisis, but from another side. Hugh has joined the Brigade to fight against homegrown terrorists. He's the leading expert on the nuclear threat and there is definitely something to worry about. And while it was fun to watch these agents rush against time to save the little bit of humanity that is left, it was the romance growing between Hugh and Ellie that stole the show.
She had a crush on him in college and although he reciprocated her feelings, he wasn't ready for her. Ten years later, he's more than able to give into the passion that they share. The romance was rushed due to the circumstances (the world was ending after all), but I was still able to enjoy it and be entertained by the suspenseful and dangerous bits.
Damon's story is next and I'm excited to see this ex-cop's take on survival.
She had a crush on him in college and although he reciprocated her feelings, he wasn't ready for her. Ten years later, he's more than able to give into the passion that they share. The romance was rushed due to the circumstances (the world was ending after all), but I was still able to enjoy it and be entertained by the suspenseful and dangerous bits.
Damon's story is next and I'm excited to see this ex-cop's take on survival.
January 24, 2018
I cannot tell you how thrilled I was when Blaze Erupting Downloaded on my iPad. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Scorpius Syndrome series. Ms. Zanetti has given us one hell of a post-apocalyptic world full of uber-alpha men and amazingly strong women who are doing everything they can to survive in a world ravaged by a pandemic. I loved Deke and Nora’s story, Scorpius Rising, which first introduced us to the brigade. In fact, every time Deke, my favorite modern day highland warrior, showed up in Blaze Erupting I fangirled more than a little bit. The whipped topping on my kilted beefcake was being introduced to Hugh, aka Mr. Walking, Talking Sex-On-A-Stick. Yum! This could easily be read without having read Scorpius Rising first but then you’d miss out on Deke and all his alpha yumminess.
For such a short book, this packs a punch. I read it straight through smiling the whole time, even when the suspense had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Hugh and Ellie were college friends who never acted on their mutual attraction. When Ellie pulls him into the Brigade to help with the nuclear threat it becomes clear the attraction was still going strong. The chemistry between them was explosive, and when they came together it was hot and surprisingly funny. I love it when an author brings humor into a seriously hot sex scene!
Hugh, Ellie and the Brigade are in a race to figure where, when and how the terrorists will strike and to neutralize the threat before the worst happens, causing hundreds of thousands of innocent people’s deaths. And they have to do this as the Scorpius Syndrome is spreading across the world. Not an easy task especially when secrets are being kept and questions arise over who can be trusted.
Scorpius Rising and Blaze Erupting are prequels to the rest of the series, explaining what happened when the Scorpius Syndrome ravaged the world. For me, they’ve been an interlude from all the drama of a post-apocalyptic world: just as riveting and suspenseful, but with a lighter feel. The Brigade is becoming a family, but one who finds humor and laughter where they can, albeit a sort of gallows humor at times. Best of all, it has all the sexy, emotion filled chemistry as the other books in the series to make sure things stay just as heated. My only complaint is I wanted more. You can be sure I’ll be waiting on pins and needles to find out what’s next for this little band of merry men and women.
Rating: 5 I Wish It Was Longer Stars.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Why does the world have to start ending when I finally found something worth fighting for? It’s enough to drive a man nuts.
For such a short book, this packs a punch. I read it straight through smiling the whole time, even when the suspense had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Hugh and Ellie were college friends who never acted on their mutual attraction. When Ellie pulls him into the Brigade to help with the nuclear threat it becomes clear the attraction was still going strong. The chemistry between them was explosive, and when they came together it was hot and surprisingly funny. I love it when an author brings humor into a seriously hot sex scene!
She tasted sweet and spicy and inherently female. She tasted like hope in a desperate world.
Hugh, Ellie and the Brigade are in a race to figure where, when and how the terrorists will strike and to neutralize the threat before the worst happens, causing hundreds of thousands of innocent people’s deaths. And they have to do this as the Scorpius Syndrome is spreading across the world. Not an easy task especially when secrets are being kept and questions arise over who can be trusted.
Scorpius Rising and Blaze Erupting are prequels to the rest of the series, explaining what happened when the Scorpius Syndrome ravaged the world. For me, they’ve been an interlude from all the drama of a post-apocalyptic world: just as riveting and suspenseful, but with a lighter feel. The Brigade is becoming a family, but one who finds humor and laughter where they can, albeit a sort of gallows humor at times. Best of all, it has all the sexy, emotion filled chemistry as the other books in the series to make sure things stay just as heated. My only complaint is I wanted more. You can be sure I’ll be waiting on pins and needles to find out what’s next for this little band of merry men and women.
Rating: 5 I Wish It Was Longer Stars.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
January 22, 2018
Blaze Erupting is the newest work from author Rebecca Zanetti and is a Scorpius Syndrome/Brigade crossover of sorts. It's also the very fist 2018 1,001 Dark Nights release! I always love diving back into Ms. Zanetti's post-apocalyptic world and this was yet another kick ass story. I loved Hugh and Ellie so much!
Who doesn't love a rekindled flame/second chance romance? I know I certainly do and when the hero is sexy, a big gruff with a loyal heart and a soft side like Hugh and the heroine is smart, sassy, and no-nonsense like Ellie is, this story was a total win from start to finish. Of course not only does Ms. Zanetti deliver two dynamic characters, she also delivers danger and a high stakes plot that kept me glued to every word! I simply could not put it down!
Whether you're new to Rebecca Zanetti's work or you're a seasoned fan, I know you will love Blaze Erupting as much as I did!
Who doesn't love a rekindled flame/second chance romance? I know I certainly do and when the hero is sexy, a big gruff with a loyal heart and a soft side like Hugh and the heroine is smart, sassy, and no-nonsense like Ellie is, this story was a total win from start to finish. Of course not only does Ms. Zanetti deliver two dynamic characters, she also delivers danger and a high stakes plot that kept me glued to every word! I simply could not put it down!
Whether you're new to Rebecca Zanetti's work or you're a seasoned fan, I know you will love Blaze Erupting as much as I did!
January 6, 2018
I've followed Rebecca Zanetti's Scorpius Syndrome series from book one with Lynne and Jax and have absolutely LOVED it since. This latest installment features Eleanor Smithers and Hugh Johnson and boy is it amazing! Like in all her books, the author continues to keep the plot interesting and flowing and the chemistry between Eleanor and Hugh was ON FIRE!
Blaze Erupting was a little different as we see the Scorpius story from the Brigade side vs the Mercenary side and see how Nora, Deke (Remember them from Scorpius Rising), Eleanor and Hugh try to protect the United States from a terrorist threat while trying to combat the Scorpius pandemic.
I absolutely love this series and honestly can not wait for more. I love how we learn more about The Haven and can't wait for Winter Igniting! Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula
Blaze Erupting was a little different as we see the Scorpius story from the Brigade side vs the Mercenary side and see how Nora, Deke (Remember them from Scorpius Rising), Eleanor and Hugh try to protect the United States from a terrorist threat while trying to combat the Scorpius pandemic.
I absolutely love this series and honestly can not wait for more. I love how we learn more about The Haven and can't wait for Winter Igniting! Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula
December 16, 2024
I’m a fan of anything by this author and I absolutely LOVE this post-apocalyptic story that is filled with danger and drama in a world of uncertainties. And holy heck did it have spice!
I loved how everything plays out for Hugh and Ellie. The fact that they had a little bit of a past helped to escalate their current relationship and give it legitimacy in this fast paced novella. The inclusion of the perfect amount of humor amidst the struggle to stop the bad guys was perfect and I loved the characters that razzed Hugh along the way.
I thought I had read this series years ago and I’m shocked to learn I have not. And I’m so excited that I have a whole series by Ms. Zanetti that I get to read over the holidays!
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
I loved how everything plays out for Hugh and Ellie. The fact that they had a little bit of a past helped to escalate their current relationship and give it legitimacy in this fast paced novella. The inclusion of the perfect amount of humor amidst the struggle to stop the bad guys was perfect and I loved the characters that razzed Hugh along the way.
I thought I had read this series years ago and I’m shocked to learn I have not. And I’m so excited that I have a whole series by Ms. Zanetti that I get to read over the holidays!
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
January 24, 2018
I have been just loving on Rebecca Zanetti's post-apocalyptic/dystopian Scorpius Syndrome series action romances. It was with no little excitement that I learned one of the 1001 Nights Collection's latest release was a new novella that is part of that series, but also tells the story of one of the Brigade's first missions through the eyes of newcomers Hugh and Ellie.
Blaze Erupting had all the action and pulse-pounding danger and passion that readers have come to expect even while working great as a standalone or intro to the series. This novella falls between boks four and five, but the events take place just after the first series novella, Scorpius Rising and before book one, Mercury Striking.
Hugh and Ellie knew each other at college and went their separate ways becoming specialists in their own fields of expertise- Huge to nuclear power plant security and Ellie to computer security. Eliie crushed on Hugh in college and he knew he wasn't ready for a steady girl like Ellie. But he is now- when the world is coming to an end.
There was good banter and playfulness, but also sparks and sizzle between the pair. Hugh doesn't mess around and gets real fast because he knows things can blow up quick these days. Ellie proves that she's not the same shy nerdy girl, but a woman of intelligence and strength, confident- though not quite confident to dive in with Hugh. Hugh has a secret and it might prove a danger just as a terrorist threat is identified.
I've been wondering what came of Deacon and Nora since their story in the first novella and was glad to get this peek in on The Brigade side of things. The emergence of this other group, Haven, now has me intrigued. And, I loved meeting the other members of The Brigade and hope to see more action with this group.
Blaze Erupting was devoured fast and I can't wait for the next new installment in the series. Those who enjoy action-packed, sizzling post-apoc romances need to give this series a go.
Blaze Erupting had all the action and pulse-pounding danger and passion that readers have come to expect even while working great as a standalone or intro to the series. This novella falls between boks four and five, but the events take place just after the first series novella, Scorpius Rising and before book one, Mercury Striking.
Hugh and Ellie knew each other at college and went their separate ways becoming specialists in their own fields of expertise- Huge to nuclear power plant security and Ellie to computer security. Eliie crushed on Hugh in college and he knew he wasn't ready for a steady girl like Ellie. But he is now- when the world is coming to an end.
There was good banter and playfulness, but also sparks and sizzle between the pair. Hugh doesn't mess around and gets real fast because he knows things can blow up quick these days. Ellie proves that she's not the same shy nerdy girl, but a woman of intelligence and strength, confident- though not quite confident to dive in with Hugh. Hugh has a secret and it might prove a danger just as a terrorist threat is identified.
I've been wondering what came of Deacon and Nora since their story in the first novella and was glad to get this peek in on The Brigade side of things. The emergence of this other group, Haven, now has me intrigued. And, I loved meeting the other members of The Brigade and hope to see more action with this group.
Blaze Erupting was devoured fast and I can't wait for the next new installment in the series. Those who enjoy action-packed, sizzling post-apoc romances need to give this series a go.
January 7, 2018
4 short, hot and exciting stars!
I’m a huge Rebecca Zanetti fan, and am slightly obsessed with The Scorpius Syndrome series and its world. But where the books of the series focus on the survivors of a deadly bacterium which has left the world in a post-apocalyptic state, this novella is a standalone story set before the rest of the series (but after the prequel novella, Scorpius Rising), where the Scorpius infection is still new and the US is entering damage control mode.
The Brigade has been established to defend against Scorpius-induced threats, and Ellie Smithers is their tech genius. When a threat against nuclear power plants emerges, they need to recruit a nuclear expert, so Hugh Johnson is forcibly brought on board.
Ellie and Hugh know each other from college, they were lab partners, and while Ellie crushed madly on Hugh, he was a bit of a ladies’ man who moved from woman to woman, not wanting commitment and knowing that’s what Ellie was after. Nothing happened between them, but with them now working in close quarters, all of that old feeling is about to come roaring back.
I loved the chemistry between these two! Fun yet snarky with a deep connection that still holds strong. And with their history, combined with the urgency of a world heading very quickly out of control, there’s no time for game playing.
It’s hot and intense, sweet and fun watching them bicker and banter as they figure it all out, and I enjoyed every moment of the ride. Though their attraction is wild, the feelings between them take them both by surprise, and though it is quick-moving, their love story is really gorgeous.
And it all unfolds amidst danger, suspense and suspicion as motives are questioned, secrets are uncovered, and Ellie and Hugh team up with other Brigade members to hunt down the threat. The action is exciting, and the character dynamics are spot on (and surprisingly hilarious) and I could see the whole thing playing out in my head like a movie, and I was completely hooked from start to finish.
Fans of the series will love seeing Brigade leader Deke and his wife Nora after the events of Scorpius Rising, and with the Brigade storyline far from over and inevitably heading towards catching up with the rest of the characters in the series, I’m so excited to see where it all goes from here.
This is a quick read, but a great one, and I loved it! 4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I’m a huge Rebecca Zanetti fan, and am slightly obsessed with The Scorpius Syndrome series and its world. But where the books of the series focus on the survivors of a deadly bacterium which has left the world in a post-apocalyptic state, this novella is a standalone story set before the rest of the series (but after the prequel novella, Scorpius Rising), where the Scorpius infection is still new and the US is entering damage control mode.
The Brigade has been established to defend against Scorpius-induced threats, and Ellie Smithers is their tech genius. When a threat against nuclear power plants emerges, they need to recruit a nuclear expert, so Hugh Johnson is forcibly brought on board.
Ellie and Hugh know each other from college, they were lab partners, and while Ellie crushed madly on Hugh, he was a bit of a ladies’ man who moved from woman to woman, not wanting commitment and knowing that’s what Ellie was after. Nothing happened between them, but with them now working in close quarters, all of that old feeling is about to come roaring back.
“I ain’t a college kid no more, Ellie.”
“I’m well aware of that.” She needed to go by him to get to the door, and he wasn’t moving out of the way. How in the world did he still affect her like this? It had been years, for goodness’ sake. “We’re both eons out of college.”
“I’m no longer hurtin’ or whorin’ around,” he continued, looking big and broad in the small room.
“your point?” she anapped, trying to get her libido under some semblance of control…
“This time, when you make the offer? I’m gonna say yes.”
I loved the chemistry between these two! Fun yet snarky with a deep connection that still holds strong. And with their history, combined with the urgency of a world heading very quickly out of control, there’s no time for game playing.
“Ellie Mae,” He leaned in, his blue eyes suddenly not so mellow. “Scorpius is bad and it’s only gonna get worse. I’m not losing you to it. Period.”
It’s hot and intense, sweet and fun watching them bicker and banter as they figure it all out, and I enjoyed every moment of the ride. Though their attraction is wild, the feelings between them take them both by surprise, and though it is quick-moving, their love story is really gorgeous.
“I’m all or nothing. With you. Only you.”
What was he saying? “Hugh? The world is exploding.”…
He nodded. “I know. But I’m a selfish bastard when there’s something I want, and I want you. For as long as I can have you.”
And it all unfolds amidst danger, suspense and suspicion as motives are questioned, secrets are uncovered, and Ellie and Hugh team up with other Brigade members to hunt down the threat. The action is exciting, and the character dynamics are spot on (and surprisingly hilarious) and I could see the whole thing playing out in my head like a movie, and I was completely hooked from start to finish.
Why does the world have to start ending when I finally found something worth fighting for?
Fans of the series will love seeing Brigade leader Deke and his wife Nora after the events of Scorpius Rising, and with the Brigade storyline far from over and inevitably heading towards catching up with the rest of the characters in the series, I’m so excited to see where it all goes from here.
This is a quick read, but a great one, and I loved it! 4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2022
Blaze Erupting
3 Stars
Series note: This is a novella that takes place after the events of Scorpius Rising and prior to Mercury Striking. It provides an update on Deke and Nora McDougal's activities with the Brigade, and can be read either as book #0.6 or #4.5 although reading it after the first 4 books provides valuable insight. For instance, it appears that the .
In this installment, Hugh Johnson, a nuclear threat assessment expert, is recruited by Ellie Smithers, his former college lab partner and current computer guru for the Brigade, to help thwart a potential terrorist attack on the nuclear power plants across the country.
Zanetti packs in a great deal of plot in the shorter format, but this also results in a rather rushed romance as Hugh and Ellie's second chances relationship progresses almost directly from "Hi, how have you been?" to "let's rip each other's clothes off". While there is some character development for Hugh, readers learn next to nothing about Ellie.
In terms of the plot, there are some compelling twists, and it will be interesting to see if any of the details are merged into the main story arc.
Overall, this is a good introduction to the Scorpius Syndrome series for new readers and a nice bonus for those already immersed in the action.
3 Stars
Series note: This is a novella that takes place after the events of Scorpius Rising and prior to Mercury Striking. It provides an update on Deke and Nora McDougal's activities with the Brigade, and can be read either as book #0.6 or #4.5 although reading it after the first 4 books provides valuable insight. For instance, it appears that the .
In this installment, Hugh Johnson, a nuclear threat assessment expert, is recruited by Ellie Smithers, his former college lab partner and current computer guru for the Brigade, to help thwart a potential terrorist attack on the nuclear power plants across the country.
Zanetti packs in a great deal of plot in the shorter format, but this also results in a rather rushed romance as Hugh and Ellie's second chances relationship progresses almost directly from "Hi, how have you been?" to "let's rip each other's clothes off". While there is some character development for Hugh, readers learn next to nothing about Ellie.
In terms of the plot, there are some compelling twists, and it will be interesting to see if any of the details are merged into the main story arc.
Overall, this is a good introduction to the Scorpius Syndrome series for new readers and a nice bonus for those already immersed in the action.
February 18, 2018
I loved Hugh and Ellie and it was good to see Nora and Deke again. I can’t wait for both couples to meet up with the rest of the crew in the series along with Connor and Ivan.
January 9, 2018
4.5 to 5 Stars
Review to come.
Review to come.
February 1, 2018
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Blaze Erupting will give you a good enough background of this series. It’s noted that this is book #4.5, but it could also be a good prequel to the series. Though it’s not a big part of the story, Zanetti has given her readers a good view Scorpius Pandemic in the beginning. She also gives new readers a chance to view of what to expect in terms of action, drama, and romance. And my guess is, if readers like Romantic Suspense and Dystopian and Post Apocalyptic worlds, they will like this series.
It is the early stages of Scorpius Syndrome before the nation was nearly wiped out by the disease. Eleanor Smithers is the computer expert who now works with the Brigade, whose sole purpose at this moment is the defense against any current Scorpius-induced threats. Including terrorists who will take advantage of this dark time to strike. In this case, terrorists who are targeting nuclear plants. Ellie is determined that her college friend, Hugh Johnson is an expert in the matter, and she will do everything she can to bring him on board. What didn’t she expect is her feelings for him has never changed but the question is, has he?
I was happy to read about Ellie. If you’ve read this series before, you’ll know that Ellie is Lynn Harmony’s best friend. Ellie has been a complete mystery to me since her page time has been limited. I love that we finally get to know who she is, although I’d still like to know where she is in current time. I love this girl as much as Lynn Harmony. They are so much alike; a badass in their own way and very comfortable in their own skin.
I love Hugh, as well. This guy is not only smart and strong, he is also very alpha. He and Ellie have chemistry, and I love that this is a second chance for them.
Overall, a very good quick read. I couldn't ask for anything more, except for Zanetti to write more of these books. I predict that we will get more of these short stories to fill in the gaps that we didn’t get in the full-length novels. Possibly focusing on the Brigade team, their survival leading up to the current time. There are so many avenues, Zanetti can explore but as long as Zanetti, keeps writing novella’s as good as this one, I’m all for it.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Angela❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
January 23, 2018
The Scorpius Virus is devastating the world and The Brigade is the last line of defense in the United States against this deadly disease. With a small team of the best of the best, their job is to work to maintain national safety while the Center for Disease Control works to find a cure. With millions sick and dying, it’s the perfect time for terrorists to make their move, and intel has heard chatter that terrorists have a nuclear power plant in their sites.
Computer guru Eleanor Smithers needs a nuclear power expert to help fight with the Brigade. Her attention immediately turns to college crush Hugh Johnson. Hugh enjoys his simple life, but when Ellie shows up at his door asking him to help save the US from a terrorist attack on nuclear power plant he really can’t say no to the gorgeous woman he hasn’t seen for ten years. It will be up to Ellie, Hugh and the rest of the team to neutralize the terrorist threat while avoiding contacting the deadly virus.
Blaze Erupting was my first Rebecca Zanetti book and I am completely hooked! First, this is a terrifying concept because I feel something like a “super” disease really could happen. The author made it feel very real as people all over the world feared contracting this virus because even if you survive, it makes you crazy. The idea of a small super group of experts doing everything they can to neutralize threats against the country was written in such a realistic way that it makes you wonder if there is in fact an agency like this somewhere.
Ellie is crazy intelligent and loyal. Even when the rest of the team isn’t sure they can trust Hugh, she throws all her support towards him, her loyalty never wavering. Hugh never saw himself as a hero, but when millions of lives depend on his expertise, he goes all in to neutralize the threat. As a couple, these two are blazing hot! Both having crushed on each other in college but never acting upon it, neither can contain their feelings now that the end of the world just may be happening.
Blaze Erupting is packed with pulse pounding adventure from start to finish. It’s fast moving with some hot and steamy scenes as well as some fantastic dialogue not only between Hugh and Ellie but among the rest of the Brigade team members as well.
5 Stars for this novella. I guarantee I will be picking up the other books in the Scorpius Syndrome series!
Computer guru Eleanor Smithers needs a nuclear power expert to help fight with the Brigade. Her attention immediately turns to college crush Hugh Johnson. Hugh enjoys his simple life, but when Ellie shows up at his door asking him to help save the US from a terrorist attack on nuclear power plant he really can’t say no to the gorgeous woman he hasn’t seen for ten years. It will be up to Ellie, Hugh and the rest of the team to neutralize the terrorist threat while avoiding contacting the deadly virus.
Blaze Erupting was my first Rebecca Zanetti book and I am completely hooked! First, this is a terrifying concept because I feel something like a “super” disease really could happen. The author made it feel very real as people all over the world feared contracting this virus because even if you survive, it makes you crazy. The idea of a small super group of experts doing everything they can to neutralize threats against the country was written in such a realistic way that it makes you wonder if there is in fact an agency like this somewhere.
Ellie is crazy intelligent and loyal. Even when the rest of the team isn’t sure they can trust Hugh, she throws all her support towards him, her loyalty never wavering. Hugh never saw himself as a hero, but when millions of lives depend on his expertise, he goes all in to neutralize the threat. As a couple, these two are blazing hot! Both having crushed on each other in college but never acting upon it, neither can contain their feelings now that the end of the world just may be happening.
Blaze Erupting is packed with pulse pounding adventure from start to finish. It’s fast moving with some hot and steamy scenes as well as some fantastic dialogue not only between Hugh and Ellie but among the rest of the Brigade team members as well.
5 Stars for this novella. I guarantee I will be picking up the other books in the Scorpius Syndrome series!
December 19, 2024
Romance suspense action novella. Second chance romance and insta-love, which of course suits the length of the story. Linked to a series, but can be read as a standalone without any confusion re the story. 3.5 stars.
December 17, 2024
Love this series, and it's alpha heroes.
January 30, 2018
Blaze Erupting - part of the 1001 Dark Nights line up and anyone who has every followed my reviews when it comes to this series knows i absolutely can't get over how much i love them. It's also written by Rebecca Zanetti, an author that i've met through the 1001 Dark Nights. There's a reason why i love these types of books - i've personally never really had a chance to follow the Scorpius Syndrome series and yet, this book is part of that series and while there is much back story that i don't know, i didn't feel like a chicken with its head cut off. It felt like i was jumping in a new series and my curiosity is picked on the who is who between the other characters and how they ended up where they did.
This is a short read - i highly doubt that's any surprise anymore, it took me roughly an hour or two to go through the book, but it was entertaining. There was a bit of everything in there - drama, suspense, romance galore and so much tension that you could almost cut it with a knife what with the history backing almost a decade between Hugh and Eleanore. I enjoyed it and know that i'll be looking forward to more from this author in the future, and of course from this lineup. I wouldn't be surprised if i end up with the rest of the Scorpius Syndrome series on my kindle before the year is up just so that i can catch up on the rest of these fascinating characters.
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
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February 6, 2018
Rebecca Zanetti does what Fear the Walking Dead failed to do, take us back to the beginning of the plague which ends civilization and keep us interested.
The first novella which introduced the concept of the Scorpius bacteria was Scorpius Rising. With the next book, Mercury Rising, we were already dealing with the aftermath of the plague and how the survivors were recreating some semblance of civilization. In Blaze Erupting, we take a set back to our hero Deke McDougal who is the leader of The Brigade, an elite military branch who were tasked with keeping order while the world burned around them. And someone is trying to make the world literally burn while the fear and chaos of Scorpius ruled the planet.
Deke’s computer expert, Ellie Smithers, bring in her college friend Hugh Johnson to the Brigade. Hugh is high up in the command of power plants and works with the security, trying to keep terrorists from taking advantage of weaknesses. One large weakness since Scorpius is the fact that more than half of the staff at the more vulnerable plants have either succumbed to Scorpius or have taken their families and run, leaving the gates wide open for someone to turn a power plant into a nuclear bomb.
Deke’s Brigade has come across information which indicates that someone will soon be making an attempt on a plant, but they are hoping that Hugh can help them determine which nuclear plant is the most likely target and most susceptible right now.
Ellie and Hugh were just friends in college but they both hope to have enough time before the world goes to hell to maybe become more than just friends.
But photos show up in an FBI file showing Hugh getting all chummy with a known terrorist, and Ellie hopes to prove him innocent before Deke decides to cut his losses and find another way to stop nuclear winter on top of a devastating virus.
I found the funniest part is where they so certain that someone will figure it out and stop the pandemic; “Don’t worry everything will be fine.” while in my head I keep going “Yeah, that’s not happening.”
Even in the future post-Scorpius world, nuclear winter would be too devastating for the sane survivors of the virus to rebuild the world, so the Brigade has to succeed.
In this short story, we had a good romance, action, excitement, and even ice cream. You will miss ice cream post-apocalypse.
We have been hoping (both in the story and out) to have a meet between our current group of survivors and Nora, Deke and the Brigade which met in the first book. I hope there will be more novellas which help us bridge the gap between the now and the then.
See more at Http://ebookobsessed.com
The first novella which introduced the concept of the Scorpius bacteria was Scorpius Rising. With the next book, Mercury Rising, we were already dealing with the aftermath of the plague and how the survivors were recreating some semblance of civilization. In Blaze Erupting, we take a set back to our hero Deke McDougal who is the leader of The Brigade, an elite military branch who were tasked with keeping order while the world burned around them. And someone is trying to make the world literally burn while the fear and chaos of Scorpius ruled the planet.
Deke’s computer expert, Ellie Smithers, bring in her college friend Hugh Johnson to the Brigade. Hugh is high up in the command of power plants and works with the security, trying to keep terrorists from taking advantage of weaknesses. One large weakness since Scorpius is the fact that more than half of the staff at the more vulnerable plants have either succumbed to Scorpius or have taken their families and run, leaving the gates wide open for someone to turn a power plant into a nuclear bomb.
Deke’s Brigade has come across information which indicates that someone will soon be making an attempt on a plant, but they are hoping that Hugh can help them determine which nuclear plant is the most likely target and most susceptible right now.
Ellie and Hugh were just friends in college but they both hope to have enough time before the world goes to hell to maybe become more than just friends.
But photos show up in an FBI file showing Hugh getting all chummy with a known terrorist, and Ellie hopes to prove him innocent before Deke decides to cut his losses and find another way to stop nuclear winter on top of a devastating virus.
I found the funniest part is where they so certain that someone will figure it out and stop the pandemic; “Don’t worry everything will be fine.” while in my head I keep going “Yeah, that’s not happening.”
Even in the future post-Scorpius world, nuclear winter would be too devastating for the sane survivors of the virus to rebuild the world, so the Brigade has to succeed.
In this short story, we had a good romance, action, excitement, and even ice cream. You will miss ice cream post-apocalypse.
We have been hoping (both in the story and out) to have a meet between our current group of survivors and Nora, Deke and the Brigade which met in the first book. I hope there will be more novellas which help us bridge the gap between the now and the then.
See more at Http://ebookobsessed.com
February 5, 2018
Blaze Erupting is the perfect title for this book.
Long time crush burns may just be embers when Eleanor first approaches Hugh with a new assignment. But when the apocalypse is just around the corner, all bets are off. Besides, even if you do survive the Scorpius virus, it doesn't necessarily mean you have all of your brain cells firing on all cylinders.
This fast paced read is full of plot twists at every turn. Definitely enough to keep the reader engaged. The relationship between Ellie Mae (Eleanor) and Hugh will leave you hot and bothered, waving a paper fan in front of your face to cool off. Unless, of course, your significant other is close by to re-leave your tension in other, more fun ways.
The fact at one point, Hugh is a prime suspect and Eleanor is trying to prove his innocence even before she begins sleeping with him, just shows the depth of trust she has in him on a deeply spiritual level. What Zanetti failed to do is connect Hugh to the rest of the team. The fault, I'm sure lies in the length of the book. It is evident the author tries, with the time and pages available to show how the guys threaten Hugh and then tease him when he is proven innocent, but it falls flat.
Overall, the writing is captivating, edge of your seat suspense. Even without the romantic story!
Long time crush burns may just be embers when Eleanor first approaches Hugh with a new assignment. But when the apocalypse is just around the corner, all bets are off. Besides, even if you do survive the Scorpius virus, it doesn't necessarily mean you have all of your brain cells firing on all cylinders.
This fast paced read is full of plot twists at every turn. Definitely enough to keep the reader engaged. The relationship between Ellie Mae (Eleanor) and Hugh will leave you hot and bothered, waving a paper fan in front of your face to cool off. Unless, of course, your significant other is close by to re-leave your tension in other, more fun ways.
The fact at one point, Hugh is a prime suspect and Eleanor is trying to prove his innocence even before she begins sleeping with him, just shows the depth of trust she has in him on a deeply spiritual level. What Zanetti failed to do is connect Hugh to the rest of the team. The fault, I'm sure lies in the length of the book. It is evident the author tries, with the time and pages available to show how the guys threaten Hugh and then tease him when he is proven innocent, but it falls flat.
Overall, the writing is captivating, edge of your seat suspense. Even without the romantic story!
January 24, 2018
Loved.. Throughout this series we've gotten mainly the Vanguard and Mercenary camps stories but Deacon and Nora started things off with the Brigade and I've missed knowing how they were doing and getting to learn more about the team that makes up the Brigade. This book features Eleanor Smithers who works for the Brigade and Hugh Johnson who they bring in to help them assess if someone is out to blow up one of the 3 nuclear power plants.
This story takes us back a bit in time compared to the Vanguard/Mercenary books but its after the prequel book which is where the virus started.
I really hope we get a few more books that feature the Brigade.
This story takes us back a bit in time compared to the Vanguard/Mercenary books but its after the prequel book which is where the virus started.
I really hope we get a few more books that feature the Brigade.
January 26, 2018
Whatever is published about the Scorpius Syndrome I appreciate, still waiting for the next whole book anyway, in this that is one of my favorite series right now.
Qualsiasi cosa venga pubblicata nella serie Scorpius Syndrome mi piace moltissimo, anche se aspetto con ansia il prossimo libro di questa, che é una delle mie serie preferite.
Qualsiasi cosa venga pubblicata nella serie Scorpius Syndrome mi piace moltissimo, anche se aspetto con ansia il prossimo libro di questa, che é una delle mie serie preferite.
February 1, 2018
Rebecca Zanetti's Scorpius books are well written filled with various danger as well as romance.
Another intriguing book about the Scorpius pandemic. With the world going down there is only a few lines of defense and this book covers the Brigade. We get another look into their lives and watch another one of them fall in love. Excellent tale not to be missed.
Another intriguing book about the Scorpius pandemic. With the world going down there is only a few lines of defense and this book covers the Brigade. We get another look into their lives and watch another one of them fall in love. Excellent tale not to be missed.
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October 29, 20184 1/2 stars. This is a nice novella to give us more back story into Scorpius. I really enjoyed both the hero and heroine and I really like that we got to see Nora and Deacon in this book as well. Any extra information in this series seems to be stuff I can't get enough of.
January 29, 2018
This is a short novella! Good story! I enjoyed it.The story takes place around the time the President dies and Brett Atherton takes his place!
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