Synthetic Code for Sincerity

Synthetic Code #1

by Naya Zayn

AI HAS EVOLVED INTO LIFELIKE SYNTHETIC HUMANS CALLED ALPHAS

Alpha, Vincent Zakari is as roguishly handsome as he is cunning.

Made to feel, yet with callous disregard for most people, he hides his synth identity beneath a charming smile.

To foil a major political threat, he worms into the life of an orphaned billionaire, but soon finds himself at the mercy of his own emotions.

Plagued by horrors from a tragic past, Yugo Jordan has shields for days, and never leaves his New York estate.

When another disaster forces him outside, he meets the insanely attractive Vincent, and is quickly undone by dark eyes and honey-slick words.

To Vincent, Yugo's a fatal error in the making.

And to Yugo, Vincent is weakness personified, steadily breaking down those walls.

Both are helpless against the pull between them, even while confronted by stubborn inner demons and looming external threats.

As they navigate this heated, uncharted territory, they must also unravel the lies and secrets surrounding them…

or cave beneath all-too-human flaws.

Synthetic Code for Sincerity is an addictive blend of light scifi and heavy MM romance — deeply sensual, evocative, and marked by thrilling moments sure to stay with you long after turning that last page.

It's the first in a series where each installment has a different couple, but follows an overarching plotline.

Readers can expect a host of morally grey characters, a smug bastard MC who's brought down to his knees, another MC who's shoved out of his comfort zone, first times, and a happy-for-now ending.

**Warning: This book has content which may not be suitable for all audiences. Check the author's website for more information. Reader discretion is thoroughly advised.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, LGBT

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2023

About the author

It all started when she received that first picture book during her diaper days. Naya Zayn, aka NZ, has binged on stories since then.

As a consummate daydreamer, she spends many hours exploring the horizons of her own mindscape — lurking around terrains flush with gay romance and happy endings.

There, she embraces the gripping elements of scifi and fantasy, then ventures into darker outskirts where many rogues and anti-heroes reside.

Though troubled, her morally grey men pine hopelessly and flirt shamelessly. They're also persistent, haunting her in the waking world, till she finally puts pen to paper… bringing them alive.

Reviews

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3 stars

The slavery allegory and overall message of Synthetic Code for Sincerity feels heavy handed and sometimes clumsy. AIs are treated as property, while looking and acting just like humans, even so far as to be manufactured out of organic material, which makes me wonder how non-human they really are. Which is one of Vincent’s arguments — about how synths scream and bleed while being raped and tortured, just like humans — so how can they not be counted as deserving rights. Ironically, this is followed with the synthetic Vincent going on and on about how much better real meat from a once-living cow tastes than artificial meat. The messaging feels all over the place.

Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.

[Nancy Lockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I quite enjoyed it. The book is set in the future and AI has advanced quite a bit. There are now synths who look human and can bleed and have emotions. Vincent is an alpha synth who will do anything to protect his "sister" and 2 "brothers". Synths have few rights and can be tortured or made slaves by their "owners". A frontrunner for president is running on decreasing synth rights and making a data base of synths. Vincent is trying to have a candidate elected who will increase synth rights and will do whatever he has to and use whoever to in order to find dirt on Linder so he loses. He feels that a young man, Yugo Jordan, is the key. Yugo was convicted of killing his parents when he was younger and sentenced to probation in New York. Linder helped him during his trial and was a fried of Hugo's father. Vincent arranges it so that Yugo is forced to stay in an apartment with him but doesn't tell Yugo that he is a synth. Yugo has been a hermit since his conviction and has a therapist. He is wary of synths since he believes the synth who more of a parent to him killed his parents and left him to take the blame. Vincent shows Yugo how horribly synths are treated and Yugo becomes fond of Vincent's family. Vincent learns to really feel and truly love as he becomes closer to Yugo. Their relationship is tested when Yugo finds out the truth about Vincent and how he manipulated him. I enjoyed the world building in this novel. I also like how it showed the "us" against "them" mentality that people have at times towards anyone different than them. I hope there is a sequel to this book that has a relationship with one of Vincent's brothers.

[Siobhan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Synthetic Code for Sincerity grabbed my attention because it’s been a long time since I read a science-fiction romance, especially one that grabbed me hard. When done right, I adore such stories. Synthetic Code for Sincerity promised all the parts I was sure to love.

Unfortunately, in the end, this was one that did not quite work for me. It took a while for me to be pulled into the story because I felt like I was missing too many pieces to build a full picture of the world, which made it hard for me to feel anything toward what was happening. I was watching things unfold, yet pieces of knowledge were missing – thus, I watched something unfold without truly knowing how I was supposed to feel toward what was unfolding. As the story progressed, this lessened, but the feeling of disconnection never fully disappeared. I kept waiting for something more, to feel something deeper, to be hit hard by events, yet this never happened. I think I spent too long watching things unfold without the necessary connection that by the time I had the connection, I never felt it fully.

While this one did not work for me, I am sure many will be hooked on it. There are interesting elements that will have people curious about continuing the series, yet there was not enough for me.

[Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually don’t read sci fi type stories but something drew me to this. Maybe it was and is the believing what I would read is closer to possibility than make believe. I’ve read other books that made me stop and really pay attention since some of these possibilities are scary.
The author created a world where synths are getting really close to human. The problem is they are still viewed as things so have no rights. This is a story about the possibility of the bad guy sitting pretty well with the possibility of becoming President. Vincent is a synth trying to make sure this doesn’t happen. Vincent’s background is a story by itself and his having feelings comes out on more than one occasion. Vincent needs the help of Yugo. Yugo is pretty much a hermit since being convicted of killing his parents. His involvement with Vincent and his family brings a lot of issues to light. There are a number of twists to this story and the man vs machine becomes blurred at times. The author did a good job of giving personality to the characters that fit so well into this world. This is another of those stories that will stay with me because when I get into discussions with others, possibilities from this story will be remembered.

[Tashyka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in a world shared by humans and alphas (artificial intelligences created to look and behave like humans), this tale combines mystery, suspense, intrigue, and romance. There is a plethora of perspectives and elements, making it simple to become invested in the story even if you don't always manage to keep up with it precisely (something I believe was intentionally done to enhance, rather than hinder, the reading experience). Vincent was a fascinating protagonist; he's not someone you'd necessarily want to spend time with, but his motivations and actions are understandable. I was drawn to his complexity. Yugo is kinder and less sophisticated than Vincent, yet they complement each other well. I won't reveal any of the story's secrets, but I will say that it is a page-turning good time if the synopsis seems interesting to you. I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story felt like it was an interesting take on the political intrigue and shenanigans that are a part of our political landscape right now. I found myself keying in on Vincent and his quest, alongside his comrades, to stop what sounded like a political campaign that would lead to a bad leader in the White House. It was also interesting learning about Yugo and the tragedy that he and his family endured and how that connected to the crazy political situation at the center of the story. Their romance is slow burn and it was good to see them connect so that Yugo could be with someone who cared for and wanted to shelter him in the craziness that is his reality. I felt like I was still getting used to the world building but that did not stop me from being intrigued by and getting into the story and wanting to know how things would turn out.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story weaves together elements of mystery, suspense, intrigue and romance against the backdrop of a world populated by humans and alphas (AI designed to look and act human). There are angles and elements aplenty here, and it’s easy to invest in the narrative, if not always to follow it perfectly (which I suspect is designed as a feature, not a bug, of the reading experience). I thought Vincent was a deeply interesting character– definitely not always likable, but he makes sense, given his circumstances and goals. He’s complex in a way I found compelling. Yugo is sweeter and perhaps a bit less nuanced, but a good fit for Vincent. I won’t spoil any of the twists and turns of any aspect of the plot, but I will say it makes for an immersive read, and if the blurb appeals, one well worth checking out.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Marcus · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars (rounded down 😔)

This was such a cool concept and well done too. I didn't think the AI elements were too unrealistic, and the political scene wasn't overbearing. This balances out the plot because it allows more focus to be on the relationship between Vincent and Yugo and how it develops.

Quite angsty considering the MC's hidden motive while he and Yugo get closer. It's bound to end badlu and dare I say JUICY. I would say it's a morally grey area but at the same time he's not exactly apologetic either, so I can at least respect him for that but I won't feel bad for him.

The cast was interesting as well, surprised to see that it's going to be a series featuring other AIs from the family so I'm definitely keeping an eye out

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely a different, unusual take on it, but rather enjoyable. Some parts were a bit too vague for me. I am still not sure I understood it all correctly. The characters are very complex, the plot is full with twists, turns and even some leaps. It is not exactly an easy, fluffy read. Some themes and scenes are rather dark, not for the faint of heart. However, it is a very interesting story about the future of humanity and what really makes us human. Is it really about biology or is there something else, something more, that determines how human we are? A complex, exciting, thought-provoking book!

**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Synthetic Code for Sincerity by Naya Zayn. It's the first book in the Synthetic Code series. I liked Yugo and Vincent's book. Trying to figure out what was happening in the beginning, what role everyone was playing, and who I was supposed to be rooting for was a little bit confusing. Still, I liked Yugo, and I really enjoyed the book after Yugo learned the truth about Vincent and all the lies came out. From there, their feelings for each other felt more real. I thought it was a good start to a new series. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the storyline of this book at least when I understood what was going on lol. I consider myself fairly intelligent and I’m an avid reader but some additional background information would have been nice. I felt like I was missing some important bits. The romance was a slow burn but needed to be based on sweet Yugo’s past trauma. Once it got going it was smoking hot! I did feel the end was a bit anticlimactic but potentially more to come I guess.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vincent has certainly gone beyond the ChatGPT stage of AI, but now, not only do humans like Yugo have to figure out how to deal with these "synthetic" people, the AIs like Vincent also have to deal with developing feelings for humans. These two have to work out the unfamiliar emotions but also the challenges they face in the external world. Really enjoyed learning about these characters and this world and look forward to finding out what happens to them next.

[Jvles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating sci-fi mystery with a good dose of romance. I really liked the overall idea and the world-building. The characters were easy to like and their character development believable. I had some problems with the style of writing from time to time as it was not easy to follow in some scenes. Some things left unsaid would have helped me if they were said. But maybe that`s just me:)

[MM Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synthetic Code for Sincerity was an awesome mystery/suspense/thriller and sci-fi story with some hotness mm romance. I love the title and what it indicates between human and Alpha (or AI made to look and act like humans). And I enjoyed the love story between Yugo and Vincent.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

AI have evolved to become a new life form and one hides the real him. He will need to help someone but is not ready for the feelings to rise to such a high level. Will he keep his true self hidden? Will he finally come out into the open? How will it all go? See how it will go for them both

[Virginia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

bonds are tested in this suspense futuristic book. we see that everything is not black and white in everyone rights

[Scooby2]

DNF

[Libros y Citas · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slow-paced whirlwind of intrigue, and heartbreak with touches of hard experiences, violence, forgiveness, and happy for now.
I didn’t like Vincent much at the beginning, with all his plotting and insincerity, he had a reason though. I kept reading because I wanted to know what had happened to Yugo, I had some suspicions.
One of the best things for me it’s the heat level, not sex thoughts or scenes from the very beginning or all throughout the book—which usually don’t have much sense in the story for me—. But when it does come, it’s pretty scorching, fortunately I had Roman and R3 to keep me motivated, they are the best.
I don’t usually read much sci-fi, so I was a bit—or a lot—lost at the beginning and would have appreciated a brief explanation of this universe, and some of its terms and facts (Miden, Sage, holo-realm, maybe synth, nanites, Dives or even VR, laypeople need help).
Anyway, the plot is resolved with elegant simplicity, and the ending is quite unique. Some questions are answered while others are still in the air…

«People might say the want the truth, but their actions usually show the opposite».

[Luz Rivas · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good ploot and coherent develoment / I liked it, but Meh


So, this story features Vincent, a morally gray alpha synth who will do whatever it takes to achieve his goal and possess his own brand of justice...

And on the other side is Yugo, a young man traumatized by events from his past and suffering from agarophobia, anxiety and other things ...

For reasons that have nothing to do with fate or casuality, they end up living together and getting to know each other, but...

Vincent has a plan, a plan that involves using Yugo for Vincent's benefit and the Zakari family...

But of course, the plan goes side ways when Vincent develops feelings for Yugo and vice versa.

Personally, I really liked the story although at times I did not understand (at first it felt as if I was reading the second book in a series without having read the first one); The characters talked about things, people, and terms that were not explained at the time, but later in the book, much much later.

There were also some inconsistencies, things that just happened without explanation (see Vincent's rescue). But again, it was good.

I already want the next book to be published, I die to know the story of Julien and understand how it is that Rafael will be his sweetheart 🙆🏻‍♀️😵‍💫