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Mad World #2
Promised Land
No Rabids, no crime, and no nonsense.
So claims Brother Larry, the enigmatic leader of Promised Land, an agrarian community where Cipher, Joshua, and their found family of survivors can finally lay down arms and find a moment of respite. But the rules in Promised Land don’t sit well with Cipher, namely the no-locked-doors policy that seems to be met with wholehearted acceptance by what Brother Larry affectionately calls “the Fellowship.”
When Brother Larry decides to take Cipher on as his apprentice, it offers Cipher the opportunity to conduct his own reconnaissance. While Joshua and the others are slowly seduced by three square meals a day and the normalcy of everyday life, Cipher channels his paranoia into discovering all that he can about Promised Land. What does it take to keep the townspeople in line? Who is this mysterious Council pulling all the strings?
And while Joshua begins to blossom in their newfound home, Cipher finds himself falling back into his old bad habits of self-isolation and addiction. If fear and adrenaline are what have kept him alive so far, how can he assimilate into a peaceful society and still keep his family safe?
PROMISED LAND is a zombie-esque dystopian for those who crave survivalist stories with a dollop of angst and dash of spice. This new adult MM romance is the second book of the MAD WORLD trilogy which will follow the same couple until they reach their hard-won happy ending.
Content warnings for recreational drug use and addiction; non-consensual drugging; religious extremism; government-encouraged procreation; depictions of birth; sexual harassment, threat, and assault; kidnapping; violence and gore.
So claims Brother Larry, the enigmatic leader of Promised Land, an agrarian community where Cipher, Joshua, and their found family of survivors can finally lay down arms and find a moment of respite. But the rules in Promised Land don’t sit well with Cipher, namely the no-locked-doors policy that seems to be met with wholehearted acceptance by what Brother Larry affectionately calls “the Fellowship.”
When Brother Larry decides to take Cipher on as his apprentice, it offers Cipher the opportunity to conduct his own reconnaissance. While Joshua and the others are slowly seduced by three square meals a day and the normalcy of everyday life, Cipher channels his paranoia into discovering all that he can about Promised Land. What does it take to keep the townspeople in line? Who is this mysterious Council pulling all the strings?
And while Joshua begins to blossom in their newfound home, Cipher finds himself falling back into his old bad habits of self-isolation and addiction. If fear and adrenaline are what have kept him alive so far, how can he assimilate into a peaceful society and still keep his family safe?
PROMISED LAND is a zombie-esque dystopian for those who crave survivalist stories with a dollop of angst and dash of spice. This new adult MM romance is the second book of the MAD WORLD trilogy which will follow the same couple until they reach their hard-won happy ending.
Content warnings for recreational drug use and addiction; non-consensual drugging; religious extremism; government-encouraged procreation; depictions of birth; sexual harassment, threat, and assault; kidnapping; violence and gore.
278 pages, ebook
First published August 17, 2023
25 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Laura Lascarso
30 books502 followersMM+ AUTHOR | Romance so good it hurts
Laura Lascarso wants you to stay up way past your bedtime reading her stories. She aims to inspire more questions than answers in her fiction and believes in the power of storytelling to heal and transform a society.
When not writing, Laura can be found screaming “finish” on the soccer fields, rewatching Avatar: The Last Airbender, and trying to convince politicians to act on climate change. She lives in North Florida with her darling husband and two kids. She loves hearing from readers, and she’d be delighted to hear from you.
Join her Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/LaurasLounge
Sign up for her newsletter at www.lauralascarso.com
Laura Lascarso wants you to stay up way past your bedtime reading her stories. She aims to inspire more questions than answers in her fiction and believes in the power of storytelling to heal and transform a society.
When not writing, Laura can be found screaming “finish” on the soccer fields, rewatching Avatar: The Last Airbender, and trying to convince politicians to act on climate change. She lives in North Florida with her darling husband and two kids. She loves hearing from readers, and she’d be delighted to hear from you.
Join her Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/LaurasLounge
Sign up for her newsletter at www.lauralascarso.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 29, 2023
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“There are no Rabids, Brother Cipher, thanks to our Health and Safety Committee who work around the clock to serve and protect us every day.”
“No Rabids, no crime, and no nonsense,” I said, repeating the words Brother Larry had said to Macon and me the day we’d first met the man behind the curtain.
“That’s right,” she said, nodding brightly.
Bullshit.”
Nothing is as idyllic or safe as it promises to be in when Cipher and Kitten and the rest of the Assholes (yes, this is, indeed, their band of misfits' name! 😆) try to find comfort and sanctuary in the Promised Land. It's not only the Rabids that they have to fear - it's humanity, itself, that proves once again, that they can still be as ruthless and cruel as the very zombies that's plaguing their chance for survival in this Mad World.
I'm a sucker for well-edited writing, and this one was a bona fide treat of a pleasant reading experience. Told again in dual POV, Cipher and Kitten experience a lot of intimate firsts that were so very endearing, but also went through a lot of angst-driven pain, that inadvertently, strengthened not only their bond, but made them individually stronger, too. 🧡🧡
“Not anymore. Because you’re good. You’re just… a wonderful person. You have so much to give and some days, I feel like I have nothing left to give and no hope for the future, and then I see your face and your beautiful smile, and I’m hopeful again.”
It was so much fun seeing Kitten's no-filter naïveté of a mouth run away with him, and Cipher's horrified reactions to each of his well-meaning remarks were equally hilarious. He may be a brat, 'but as it turns out, {he} has a thing for brats.', so they were perfect together! 🫠 🫠 🫠 I loved seeing Kitten become more confident as a person - so very passionate about the things that matter to him.
Whether it's learning a new trade or a new skill in the bedroom, he puts his heart into everything he does, which makes him all the more endearing to me. His trust and well-being were truly put to the test this time, which was even more painful to watch. Urgh, Jeremiah - what an absolute vile of a person - he so got what he deserved! SO, to see him shine in strength in the moments that mattered made me so very proud of him. 🥺🥺
“Bringing you with us was the best decision I ever made,” he murmured, then kissed me again with such tenderness that it made me so wobbly inside.
To want someone so much, you’d do anything, risk anything, to keep them… Sometimes it felt as if my emotions were too big for me to hold.”
Cipher, 'the Promised Land bad boy' continues to charm and amuse me; like an Oreo cookie, he's tough on the outside, but so very soft and gooey from the inside. A young man, who's determined to be the strongest of leaders for his gang of misfits, and one who has the biggest heart. 'Cipher was rarely sentimental, but when he was,, Kitten was helpless to his tender mercies. Wary to no end, trusting no one with our without reason, he stayed loyally steadfast to one truth - his undying devotion and affection for Kitten. 🥲 🥲
He would raze Hell for him if he had to, and he was put to the test in the most awful of ways here. Brother Larry was another corruptible leader that made me squirm at his slimy words and actions. Like, seriously - the man was lying through his teeth from the start, and I felt no remorse for his outcome! 😤 But, seeing that no matter how hard Cipher felt at times lost and in the shadows, the instance his love was threatened, he rose to the challenge that made my heart silently hope that everything would be okay. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
“The distances between galaxies, on average, grows with time. And that’s it. There's no center, there's no edge, it just keeps expanding…”
Life and death and the birth of galaxies, all miracles to behold. I turned and whispered to Cipher, the shell of his ear just beyond my lips, “That’s how I feel about you. There is no center and no end, and it just grows and grows.”
He gave me the look he sometimes did, as if he were in pain. I wished that I could eat up all of his sadness, just gobble it down like a starving black hole.
“I’m not sure there would be anything left if you did,” he said softly.
I touched my fingertip to the corner of his eye and collected a single, sparkling tear. “I’d still love you.”
🥹 🥹 🥹
Cipher and Kitten - together - they are golden! Their relationship is one that is based on mutual love and respect and they were so ridiculously sweet and adorable together - even their sexy times were a great mood of tender and teasing. So swoon-worthy wonderful! 🤌🏻🤌🏻 That scene when they talked about what love is was the icing on the cake! And the ending - ah, everything came round-about in such a great way.
There is just an honest affection of love and kindness between the two - genuine want and care that made me smile so very much at all the little interactions we got to see. 🥰 🥰 Though, there were times when Kitten felts Cipher wasn't being open with him, and he was worried that he's shutting him out - losing himself in the place - he never abandoned his faith in him. He tries his hardest to hold on to him even more - reassuring him that he's there for him - no matter what.
“I was thinking about something you said,” he continued.
“Uh oh. What?”
“About love being like your favorite song. I want you to know, you can play our song as often as you’d like. You can call on me, Kitten, any time, and I’ll come running --- Every day that I’ve known you, I’ve fallen more in love with you. You’re my favorite song, my love song.”
I hugged him tightly and kissed the side of his head while murmuring into his ear, “You’re actually very sweet, aren’t you?”
He chuffed a little laugh. “Don’t tell the others. It would ruin my reputation.”
I kissed his hair, soft as silk, and whispered, “I’ll be your love song, Nikkō, and you can be mine.”
Even with the post-apocalyptic vibes, Laura Lascarso created a great balance between the heavy and dark moments and the soft, intimate moments of affections shared between the group; it was really nice catching up with the other losers, as well. Cipher and Kitten's team still are determinedly steadfast and loyal with each other, and I liked that they got to explore some of their own talents in their new vicinity. The writing was sharp and consistent and the tempo of the story-line well-paced and fluid - never once did the plot shift or derail into unnecessary waters, which I certainly appreciated. And it makes me eagerly await to see if these assholes will safely reach their home sweet home when their epic journey concludes. 👍🏻 👍🏻
“There are no Rabids, Brother Cipher, thanks to our Health and Safety Committee who work around the clock to serve and protect us every day.”
“No Rabids, no crime, and no nonsense,” I said, repeating the words Brother Larry had said to Macon and me the day we’d first met the man behind the curtain.
“That’s right,” she said, nodding brightly.
Bullshit.”
Nothing is as idyllic or safe as it promises to be in when Cipher and Kitten and the rest of the Assholes (yes, this is, indeed, their band of misfits' name! 😆) try to find comfort and sanctuary in the Promised Land. It's not only the Rabids that they have to fear - it's humanity, itself, that proves once again, that they can still be as ruthless and cruel as the very zombies that's plaguing their chance for survival in this Mad World.
I'm a sucker for well-edited writing, and this one was a bona fide treat of a pleasant reading experience. Told again in dual POV, Cipher and Kitten experience a lot of intimate firsts that were so very endearing, but also went through a lot of angst-driven pain, that inadvertently, strengthened not only their bond, but made them individually stronger, too. 🧡🧡
“Not anymore. Because you’re good. You’re just… a wonderful person. You have so much to give and some days, I feel like I have nothing left to give and no hope for the future, and then I see your face and your beautiful smile, and I’m hopeful again.”
It was so much fun seeing Kitten's no-filter naïveté of a mouth run away with him, and Cipher's horrified reactions to each of his well-meaning remarks were equally hilarious. He may be a brat, 'but as it turns out, {he} has a thing for brats.', so they were perfect together! 🫠 🫠 🫠 I loved seeing Kitten become more confident as a person - so very passionate about the things that matter to him.
Whether it's learning a new trade or a new skill in the bedroom, he puts his heart into everything he does, which makes him all the more endearing to me. His trust and well-being were truly put to the test this time, which was even more painful to watch. Urgh, Jeremiah - what an absolute vile of a person - he so got what he deserved! SO, to see him shine in strength in the moments that mattered made me so very proud of him. 🥺🥺
“Bringing you with us was the best decision I ever made,” he murmured, then kissed me again with such tenderness that it made me so wobbly inside.
To want someone so much, you’d do anything, risk anything, to keep them… Sometimes it felt as if my emotions were too big for me to hold.”
Cipher, 'the Promised Land bad boy' continues to charm and amuse me; like an Oreo cookie, he's tough on the outside, but so very soft and gooey from the inside. A young man, who's determined to be the strongest of leaders for his gang of misfits, and one who has the biggest heart. 'Cipher was rarely sentimental, but when he was,, Kitten was helpless to his tender mercies. Wary to no end, trusting no one with our without reason, he stayed loyally steadfast to one truth - his undying devotion and affection for Kitten. 🥲 🥲
He would raze Hell for him if he had to, and he was put to the test in the most awful of ways here. Brother Larry was another corruptible leader that made me squirm at his slimy words and actions. Like, seriously - the man was lying through his teeth from the start, and I felt no remorse for his outcome! 😤 But, seeing that no matter how hard Cipher felt at times lost and in the shadows, the instance his love was threatened, he rose to the challenge that made my heart silently hope that everything would be okay. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
“The distances between galaxies, on average, grows with time. And that’s it. There's no center, there's no edge, it just keeps expanding…”
Life and death and the birth of galaxies, all miracles to behold. I turned and whispered to Cipher, the shell of his ear just beyond my lips, “That’s how I feel about you. There is no center and no end, and it just grows and grows.”
He gave me the look he sometimes did, as if he were in pain. I wished that I could eat up all of his sadness, just gobble it down like a starving black hole.
“I’m not sure there would be anything left if you did,” he said softly.
I touched my fingertip to the corner of his eye and collected a single, sparkling tear. “I’d still love you.”
🥹 🥹 🥹
Cipher and Kitten - together - they are golden! Their relationship is one that is based on mutual love and respect and they were so ridiculously sweet and adorable together - even their sexy times were a great mood of tender and teasing. So swoon-worthy wonderful! 🤌🏻🤌🏻 That scene when they talked about what love is was the icing on the cake! And the ending - ah, everything came round-about in such a great way.
There is just an honest affection of love and kindness between the two - genuine want and care that made me smile so very much at all the little interactions we got to see. 🥰 🥰 Though, there were times when Kitten felts Cipher wasn't being open with him, and he was worried that he's shutting him out - losing himself in the place - he never abandoned his faith in him. He tries his hardest to hold on to him even more - reassuring him that he's there for him - no matter what.
“I was thinking about something you said,” he continued.
“Uh oh. What?”
“About love being like your favorite song. I want you to know, you can play our song as often as you’d like. You can call on me, Kitten, any time, and I’ll come running --- Every day that I’ve known you, I’ve fallen more in love with you. You’re my favorite song, my love song.”
I hugged him tightly and kissed the side of his head while murmuring into his ear, “You’re actually very sweet, aren’t you?”
He chuffed a little laugh. “Don’t tell the others. It would ruin my reputation.”
I kissed his hair, soft as silk, and whispered, “I’ll be your love song, Nikkō, and you can be mine.”
Even with the post-apocalyptic vibes, Laura Lascarso created a great balance between the heavy and dark moments and the soft, intimate moments of affections shared between the group; it was really nice catching up with the other losers, as well. Cipher and Kitten's team still are determinedly steadfast and loyal with each other, and I liked that they got to explore some of their own talents in their new vicinity. The writing was sharp and consistent and the tempo of the story-line well-paced and fluid - never once did the plot shift or derail into unnecessary waters, which I certainly appreciated. And it makes me eagerly await to see if these assholes will safely reach their home sweet home when their epic journey concludes. 👍🏻 👍🏻
August 29, 2023
Awwwwwww what a good second installment of this series.
Quieter than the first volume, set entirely in one place with no rabids, no crime and no bullshit, our gang struggles between hope and unrest. They seem to have found a place in which they could thrive, but not everything shiny is made of gold...
I loved Cipher even more than in book 1, if possible. He's even more vulnerable here. I appreciated so much the insight into his own mind, the struggle of an unwilling killer, and his fear of not beeing needed anymore now that in Promised Land the gang doesn't need protection from the rabids 24/7. Poor sweet Cipher. I loved the description of how growing up during this new era of the world had shaped these teens, the trauma and the lack of social skills they show, it felt very realistic (as a teacher, I have some experience of what extreme social circumstances e.g. lockdowns! can create on a young mind).
The strain on Cipher and Kitten's relationship also felt motivated, not just there for drama's sake. I still don't love Kitten, though. I try to see him through Cipher's eyes, I swear. I try to see him as this beacon of joy and purity and affection and determination but I swear I fail. He only stands up as whiny and immature, to me. And I realise why he might be immature. But he's way too whiny for my taste. Still, the way he loves Cipher when he needs it is his major redeeming quality. So yeah.
I also found way less parallels with the Fallocaust in this volume, which made me happy. I'm glad the story it's taking its own road now. Still Kitten is as insufferable as Killian sometimes, but hey.
The plot was well built, even though I wish we could have trusted brother Larry before taking the trust away. I never did like him, he was sus from the get-go, so I never truly felt the shock and betrayal I wish I would have felt. Since in the end we realise Cipher has started to trust the old man, I also wish some more time was spent on them bonding, and on Larry manipulating Cipher. There were hints, but not much more. I think the novel would have been way stronger if this aspect had been delved into with a little more depth.
Sexy times were sexy but for some reasons, I just wish Cipher let someone take care of him for once iygm
I care about these guys, so I will be waiting 2024 to read the third book. As always Laura Lascarso does not disappoint me, she has a way with her characters, they are so endearing.
so long now till 2024
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author herself (thank you!) in exchange for my personal opinion. My opinion is genuine, and is mine alone.
Quieter than the first volume, set entirely in one place with no rabids, no crime and no bullshit, our gang struggles between hope and unrest. They seem to have found a place in which they could thrive, but not everything shiny is made of gold...
I loved Cipher even more than in book 1, if possible. He's even more vulnerable here. I appreciated so much the insight into his own mind, the struggle of an unwilling killer, and his fear of not beeing needed anymore now that in Promised Land the gang doesn't need protection from the rabids 24/7. Poor sweet Cipher. I loved the description of how growing up during this new era of the world had shaped these teens, the trauma and the lack of social skills they show, it felt very realistic (as a teacher, I have some experience of what extreme social circumstances e.g. lockdowns! can create on a young mind).
The strain on Cipher and Kitten's relationship also felt motivated, not just there for drama's sake. I still don't love Kitten, though. I try to see him through Cipher's eyes, I swear. I try to see him as this beacon of joy and purity and affection and determination but I swear I fail. He only stands up as whiny and immature, to me. And I realise why he might be immature. But he's way too whiny for my taste. Still, the way he loves Cipher when he needs it is his major redeeming quality. So yeah.
I also found way less parallels with the Fallocaust in this volume, which made me happy. I'm glad the story it's taking its own road now. Still Kitten is as insufferable as Killian sometimes, but hey.
The plot was well built, even though I wish we could have trusted brother Larry before taking the trust away. I never did like him, he was sus from the get-go, so I never truly felt the shock and betrayal I wish I would have felt. Since in the end we realise Cipher has started to trust the old man, I also wish some more time was spent on them bonding, and on Larry manipulating Cipher. There were hints, but not much more. I think the novel would have been way stronger if this aspect had been delved into with a little more depth.
Sexy times were sexy but for some reasons, I just wish Cipher let someone take care of him for once iygm
I care about these guys, so I will be waiting 2024 to read the third book. As always Laura Lascarso does not disappoint me, she has a way with her characters, they are so endearing.
so long now till 2024
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author herself (thank you!) in exchange for my personal opinion. My opinion is genuine, and is mine alone.
August 25, 2023
"Promised Land" reprend l'intrigue de la fin du premier tome, à savoir l'arrivée de toute notre bande à Promised Land. Une terre, où une certaine communauté vit en paix et en harmonie. Cipher, étant égal à lui-même, émet quelques doutes sur leur organisation, notamment sur leur chef dénommé Brother Larry...
J'ai vraiment aimé retrouver Kitten, Cipher et toute leur grande famille dans ce nouvel opus.
Que j'aime aussi le petit couple formé par Kitten et Cipher. La naïveté de Kitten m’émouvra toujours je crois... Un petit couple qui continue à faire son bonhomme de chemin, où les sentiments sont plus facilement exprimés, où certains désirs laissent place à des questionnements lors des moments intimes. Et bien d'autres choses aussi... L'auteur aborde des réflexions de l'âge de nos protagonistes, et elle le fait vraiment bien. J'aime la façon qu'a Kitten de calmer, canaliser son Cipher, et inversement, Cipher lui permet d'avoir plus confiance en lui et ne cesse de lui démontrer la force qui se dégage de lui. Ils se complètent bien en fait ^^
A côté de tout ça, la vie à Promised Land offre des opportunités à nos héros, des responsabilités pour chacun d'entre eux, notamment Kitten, qui a soif d'apprendre, de faire les choses bien. Cipher prend aussi sa place au sein de la communauté, prend confiance en lui et en Brother Larry.
Mais ces nouvelles tâches vont prendre plus d'ampleur, et surtout vont dépasser des limites à ne pas franchir. Des limites par l’intermédiaire duquel l'auteur va aborder un certain nombre de thèmes assez durs.
Un second tome que j'ai dévoré en fait. C'est vraiment une saga que je prends plaisir à lire, j'aime les personnages et l'univers, certes noir, dans lequel ils survivent. Leur petit groupe, du moins, la belle famille qu'ils forment ensemble est belle à voir, ils s'épaulent, s’entraident et développent de belles valeurs.
J'ai vraiment aimé retrouver Kitten, Cipher et toute leur grande famille dans ce nouvel opus.
Que j'aime aussi le petit couple formé par Kitten et Cipher. La naïveté de Kitten m’émouvra toujours je crois... Un petit couple qui continue à faire son bonhomme de chemin, où les sentiments sont plus facilement exprimés, où certains désirs laissent place à des questionnements lors des moments intimes. Et bien d'autres choses aussi... L'auteur aborde des réflexions de l'âge de nos protagonistes, et elle le fait vraiment bien. J'aime la façon qu'a Kitten de calmer, canaliser son Cipher, et inversement, Cipher lui permet d'avoir plus confiance en lui et ne cesse de lui démontrer la force qui se dégage de lui. Ils se complètent bien en fait ^^
A côté de tout ça, la vie à Promised Land offre des opportunités à nos héros, des responsabilités pour chacun d'entre eux, notamment Kitten, qui a soif d'apprendre, de faire les choses bien. Cipher prend aussi sa place au sein de la communauté, prend confiance en lui et en Brother Larry.
Mais ces nouvelles tâches vont prendre plus d'ampleur, et surtout vont dépasser des limites à ne pas franchir. Des limites par l’intermédiaire duquel l'auteur va aborder un certain nombre de thèmes assez durs.
Un second tome que j'ai dévoré en fait. C'est vraiment une saga que je prends plaisir à lire, j'aime les personnages et l'univers, certes noir, dans lequel ils survivent. Leur petit groupe, du moins, la belle famille qu'ils forment ensemble est belle à voir, ils s'épaulent, s’entraident et développent de belles valeurs.
April 23, 2025
The second book starts where the first one left off.
The group is in the Promised Land and it is just a fuck up like every dystopian reader expects.
It seems fine on the outside. They get housing and jobs and find a place in the community.
But it gets clear pretty early on that they basically accidentally joined a cult… Go to church, reproduce, etc.
And they also don’t completely trust the peace.
The side characters are not that present in this book, which feels natural as it centers more around Kitten and Cipher. Not only on their relationship but also on them individually.
They both go through so much, mentally and physically in the book. They got stronger, but also got hurt. I’m especially sad for Cipher as he thought he found someone he could trust and it all shattered…
But it was amazing to see how their relationship got stronger and that they worked in normal-ish life. And Cipher finally gives in and lets Kitten explore his filthy side.
Of course eventually something bad happened and Kitten needed saving.
Some scenes were quite explicit and heavy and I took me by surprise. It fit in the setting as a whole though.
I’m just glad they got out of the ‘Promised Land’ alive…
The group is in the Promised Land and it is just a fuck up like every dystopian reader expects.
It seems fine on the outside. They get housing and jobs and find a place in the community.
But it gets clear pretty early on that they basically accidentally joined a cult… Go to church, reproduce, etc.
And they also don’t completely trust the peace.
The side characters are not that present in this book, which feels natural as it centers more around Kitten and Cipher. Not only on their relationship but also on them individually.
They both go through so much, mentally and physically in the book. They got stronger, but also got hurt. I’m especially sad for Cipher as he thought he found someone he could trust and it all shattered…
But it was amazing to see how their relationship got stronger and that they worked in normal-ish life. And Cipher finally gives in and lets Kitten explore his filthy side.
Of course eventually something bad happened and Kitten needed saving.
Some scenes were quite explicit and heavy and I took me by surprise. It fit in the setting as a whole though.
I’m just glad they got out of the ‘Promised Land’ alive…
Every day that I’ve known you, I’ve fallen more in love with you. You’re my favorite song, my love song.
April 22, 2025
The grass is not always greener on the other side. Finally getting to the Promise Land, Cipher and Joshua think their travels are over.
As soon as they met Brother Larry, Cipher already had pressure on him to do the right thing to keep his family safe, even though the whole set up caused Cipher's spider senses to tingle. From the moment I was introduced to Brother Larry there was an instant dislike, whilst he came across as caring and understanding, it wasn't long for his true colours starting to come out.
That being said it gave the majority of the group time to rest and learn more about themselves. Seeing Joshua use his love of learning to good use and find something perfect for his sympathetic nature, I was so pleased to see him flourish but it was so hard for Cipher, he felt lost, and his walls slowly went back up, isolating himself from the rest. Whilst Cipher was struggling, he did find out that he was good with his hands and wielding a hammer like a pro and there were some tender moments between Cipher and Joshua and some laugh out load moments with Kitten's struggles to filter.
Whilst this is set in one place there were still a level of tension whilst reading it, but I wasn't expecting what happened to happen but it does lead nicely into book 3.
As soon as they met Brother Larry, Cipher already had pressure on him to do the right thing to keep his family safe, even though the whole set up caused Cipher's spider senses to tingle. From the moment I was introduced to Brother Larry there was an instant dislike, whilst he came across as caring and understanding, it wasn't long for his true colours starting to come out.
That being said it gave the majority of the group time to rest and learn more about themselves. Seeing Joshua use his love of learning to good use and find something perfect for his sympathetic nature, I was so pleased to see him flourish but it was so hard for Cipher, he felt lost, and his walls slowly went back up, isolating himself from the rest. Whilst Cipher was struggling, he did find out that he was good with his hands and wielding a hammer like a pro and there were some tender moments between Cipher and Joshua and some laugh out load moments with Kitten's struggles to filter.
Whilst this is set in one place there were still a level of tension whilst reading it, but I wasn't expecting what happened to happen but it does lead nicely into book 3.
August 21, 2023
Book 2 in this fantastic series, and I was really looking forward to it!
This is not your typical romance, it’s a zombie apocalypse after all. And everything we expect with this as a factor is bound to happen.
I loved getting to read more about both Kitten and Cipher. And their little found family 💛 Love Ciphers grumpiness, and Kittens sweetness 💛
The story hooked me in from the start, and I just love the way Laura tells a story. And the beautiful language she uses while describing stuff, or for writing love declarations. She has some drizzle of snark and humour, and I really appreciate that!
The main characters are young, and they go through a lot of firsts together. Love the love between them 💛 It’s not packed with sex scenes, and I don’t mind that it’s not. It would feel all wrong in this one, and seeing how they live, their age and other circumstances. But they are there, and they are erotically hot! Give them 10 years, and I bet they definitely would put on a sizzling hot show.
This part of the story has lots of moments that gives hope, and of course we have to wait until book 3 to see how it all comes together 💛
This is not your typical romance, it’s a zombie apocalypse after all. And everything we expect with this as a factor is bound to happen.
I loved getting to read more about both Kitten and Cipher. And their little found family 💛 Love Ciphers grumpiness, and Kittens sweetness 💛
The story hooked me in from the start, and I just love the way Laura tells a story. And the beautiful language she uses while describing stuff, or for writing love declarations. She has some drizzle of snark and humour, and I really appreciate that!
The main characters are young, and they go through a lot of firsts together. Love the love between them 💛 It’s not packed with sex scenes, and I don’t mind that it’s not. It would feel all wrong in this one, and seeing how they live, their age and other circumstances. But they are there, and they are erotically hot! Give them 10 years, and I bet they definitely would put on a sizzling hot show.
This part of the story has lots of moments that gives hope, and of course we have to wait until book 3 to see how it all comes together 💛
August 24, 2023
Another amazing story in the Mad World trilogy!
We are back with Cipher, Kitten and the rest of the A$$holes in a whole new world. They’ve arrived at Promised Land, a community claiming safety, protection, housing, food, an no rabids. Cipher isn’t sure he can trust these people, but he’s willing to try for Kitten and his family. They’re given jobs, have a home, and seem to be doing well. But the longer they spend there, the more Cipher knows something is off. He keeps going because everyone seems so at ease, but when things go really wrong Cipher can’t keep pretending.
There’s so much going on in this story!! There’s changes to Cipher and Kitten’s relationship, not all of them good. Kitten’s innocence and Cipher’s cynicism seem to clash, as well as Cipher’s protectiveness. Kitten is struggling with how Cipher doesn’t treat him as an equal, and it makes him frustrated. Cipher is also hiding things, and it leaves Kitten feeling adrift and unwanted.
There’s also developments in their intimacy between them, and Kitten is seriously adorable. I love his mix of naïveté and passion; he’s wonderfully endearing and I totally get why Cipher loves him! These two are so different but they work perfectly together. Cipher makes Kitten more vigilant and confident, while Kitten makes Cipher softer and sweeter. They are so good together!!
-Post apocalypse (zombie like virus sweeps the county)
-Endearing first times
-Grumpy/sunshine
-Trust no one
-Found family
We are back with Cipher, Kitten and the rest of the A$$holes in a whole new world. They’ve arrived at Promised Land, a community claiming safety, protection, housing, food, an no rabids. Cipher isn’t sure he can trust these people, but he’s willing to try for Kitten and his family. They’re given jobs, have a home, and seem to be doing well. But the longer they spend there, the more Cipher knows something is off. He keeps going because everyone seems so at ease, but when things go really wrong Cipher can’t keep pretending.
There’s so much going on in this story!! There’s changes to Cipher and Kitten’s relationship, not all of them good. Kitten’s innocence and Cipher’s cynicism seem to clash, as well as Cipher’s protectiveness. Kitten is struggling with how Cipher doesn’t treat him as an equal, and it makes him frustrated. Cipher is also hiding things, and it leaves Kitten feeling adrift and unwanted.
There’s also developments in their intimacy between them, and Kitten is seriously adorable. I love his mix of naïveté and passion; he’s wonderfully endearing and I totally get why Cipher loves him! These two are so different but they work perfectly together. Cipher makes Kitten more vigilant and confident, while Kitten makes Cipher softer and sweeter. They are so good together!!
-Post apocalypse (zombie like virus sweeps the county)
-Endearing first times
-Grumpy/sunshine
-Trust no one
-Found family
April 1, 2025
Promised Land: A Zombie MM Romance (Mad World Book 2) by Laura Lascarso
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Oh My God, as soon as I finished the first book on this series and ran and got the second book. This Zombie MM Romance continues in Promise Land. In this book we see Cipher & Kitten and the rest of the gang finally arriving to PROMISE LAND. We see how our favorite zombie fighters adapt to a “world” where there’s no virus, and everyone follows the rules. I enjoyed reading this book. We get to see how our favorite characters deal with trauma, new opportunities, and overall a “peaceful life”. Also the steamy moments in this book were everything and more. Laura did an amazing job of giving us steamy/sexy moments, without making the overall allstory feel just about the sexy moments. The transition between the first and second book was just perfect. This is a must read book, this is not a standalone read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Oh My God, as soon as I finished the first book on this series and ran and got the second book. This Zombie MM Romance continues in Promise Land. In this book we see Cipher & Kitten and the rest of the gang finally arriving to PROMISE LAND. We see how our favorite zombie fighters adapt to a “world” where there’s no virus, and everyone follows the rules. I enjoyed reading this book. We get to see how our favorite characters deal with trauma, new opportunities, and overall a “peaceful life”. Also the steamy moments in this book were everything and more. Laura did an amazing job of giving us steamy/sexy moments, without making the overall allstory feel just about the sexy moments. The transition between the first and second book was just perfect. This is a must read book, this is not a standalone read.
August 21, 2023
Our Assholes finally made it to Promised Land and are trying to acclimate to their new surroundings. They have to find jobs and contribute to their new community. While they may be safe from Rabids, new dangers are lurking beneath this "too good to be true" town.
Not to mention, with new responsibilities to take on, Cipher finds himself distancing himself from his friends, Kitten, and fighting a new battle with drugs.
I loved the first book, but this one was so full of feels, and the suspense at the end kept me reading page after page.
Cipher and Kitten's love is so pure that I'm both dreading and anticipating the final book.
Not to mention, with new responsibilities to take on, Cipher finds himself distancing himself from his friends, Kitten, and fighting a new battle with drugs.
I loved the first book, but this one was so full of feels, and the suspense at the end kept me reading page after page.
Cipher and Kitten's love is so pure that I'm both dreading and anticipating the final book.
September 4, 2023
This series must be read in order as this one picks up right where the first ends. I love these characters and we get to see them settle into life at Promised Land. Kitten settles into learning about delivery babies while Cipher gains some carpentry skills. However, not all is as it seems in the idyllic town. We get a bit less of the zombies in this story but the focus in more on the people and the budding communities. Kitten and Cipher's relationship definitely gets tested and I loved how Kitten made it known how much an equal relationship means to him. I can't wait to continue their journey with the next in this series!
October 26, 2025
ME GUSTÓ MÁS QUE EL PRIMERO
Siento que este libro me dio justo lo que necesitaba: más profundidad, más emociones y más de Cipher y Kitten. Me encantó ver cómo se exploran sus inseguridades, sus preocupaciones y la forma en que, a pesar de todo, siguen eligiéndose el uno al otro.
Hubo momentos duros y crueles que me shockearon , pero también otros que me recordaron por qué me gusta tanto esta pareja. El ritmo fue más calmado, con menos acción y más enfoque en su crecimiento, y eso no me desagradó.
En fin, el final me dejó llena de preguntas y con la necesidad urgente de saber qué será de ellos.
:)
🌶️🌶️
Siento que este libro me dio justo lo que necesitaba: más profundidad, más emociones y más de Cipher y Kitten. Me encantó ver cómo se exploran sus inseguridades, sus preocupaciones y la forma en que, a pesar de todo, siguen eligiéndose el uno al otro.
Hubo momentos duros y crueles que me shockearon , pero también otros que me recordaron por qué me gusta tanto esta pareja. El ritmo fue más calmado, con menos acción y más enfoque en su crecimiento, y eso no me desagradó.
En fin, el final me dejó llena de preguntas y con la necesidad urgente de saber qué será de ellos.
:)
🌶️🌶️
August 26, 2023
Arriving at the promised land, everyone breathes a sigh of relief as they are promised a new home with no rabids.
Cipher is still wary though and on guard as he feels all is not as it seems to be.
This places strain on his relationship with Kitten and life becomes different from what they expected.
A story that if full of post apocalypse themes, grumpy/sunshine characters, some intimate times and a story arc that leaves you excited for the next book in the trilogy.
Cipher is still wary though and on guard as he feels all is not as it seems to be.
This places strain on his relationship with Kitten and life becomes different from what they expected.
A story that if full of post apocalypse themes, grumpy/sunshine characters, some intimate times and a story arc that leaves you excited for the next book in the trilogy.
March 1, 2024
I didn't find Cipher and Joshua/Kitten too cute in this book. They've definitely grown on me and I found their banter pretty funny. The rest of the "Assholes" weren't much of a focus although I did find out a little more about each of them. Brother Larry was a shady mf and I was glad he got what was coming to him and surprised to find out who dealt the retribution. Looking forward to the next book and hope it's coming out soon.
April 8, 2025
Promised Land
OH....... WOW.......... Absolutely loved Promised Land its book 2 in the series and I was hooked from the start could not put it down Cipher Kitten and their found family of misfits have finally reached promised Land a place of protection and safety no rabids everything looks okay but is it Cipher isn't to sure he can trust them but he does it for his family but he knows something is not right at promised Land can't wait for next one.
OH....... WOW.......... Absolutely loved Promised Land its book 2 in the series and I was hooked from the start could not put it down Cipher Kitten and their found family of misfits have finally reached promised Land a place of protection and safety no rabids everything looks okay but is it Cipher isn't to sure he can trust them but he does it for his family but he knows something is not right at promised Land can't wait for next one.
August 25, 2023
YᗴՏՏՏՏ ᖴOᖇ ᗷOOK TᗯO ᘜOOᗪᑎᗴՏՏ
OMG, such a great read!!
Cipher, Kitten, and the A$$holes are in for more adventure and revelations in the 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘥.
Unfortunately {as Cipher suspected} everything is NOT peachy keen.
I love reading the sweetness between Kitten & Cipher. The A$$holes are all imperfectly perfect and I’m beyond ready for book three!!
OMG, such a great read!!
Cipher, Kitten, and the A$$holes are in for more adventure and revelations in the 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘥.
Unfortunately {as Cipher suspected} everything is NOT peachy keen.
I love reading the sweetness between Kitten & Cipher. The A$$holes are all imperfectly perfect and I’m beyond ready for book three!!
September 21, 2023
This second "Promised Land" is way better than I could imagine! It's rough and not afraid to be so, in many scenes. The characters have their own personality and like in real life, they act and think accordingly. There are also moments of sweet love and time for delusions. All these make this book really different and interesting, even if you're not into zombie apocalypse.
5⭐
5⭐
February 23, 2024
I was hooked by this series immediately and am chomping at the bit for a third installation. Love this ode to found family, the world building, and of course love prevailing through the darkest of times. Give me more!
December 30, 2024
Solid Bridging Book.
I’m leaning into 4 stars, just, for this book because the beginning and the end were good. The middle got bogged down on the day-to-day of Promised Land, the minutiae of living there and going to their jobs there, which made the world building solid within the compound but the action slow.
I’m leaning into 4 stars, just, for this book because the beginning and the end were good. The middle got bogged down on the day-to-day of Promised Land, the minutiae of living there and going to their jobs there, which made the world building solid within the compound but the action slow.
October 22, 2024
Easy reading and I'm looking forward to reading book #3 when it comes out.
April 7, 2025
So crazy good, onto the next book
Read
June 14, 20253.75*
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