In the Ashes: A Post-Apocalyptic Romance

by Vada Ryan

In the year since the eruption I've been alone in the world except for my dying mother and my sister's ex-boyfriend, Cole. But now my mother is gone, and Cole tells me what I already it's not safe for us to stay in my old house anymore. He says I deserve to be somewhere safe, with the only family I have left. But he doesn't realize the only thing I need to feel safe now is him. Which means I have to convince him I want to stay together. Before it's too late and I lose him forever.

Genres: Novella, Dystopia, Apocalyptic, Post Apocalyptic, Survival, Romance, Short Stories

37 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2023

About the author

Vada Ryan is a romance reader and writer who can’t get enough of happy endings, even at the end of the world. When she’s not writing or devouring new romance, you can find her exploring the outdoors with her family.

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Reviews

[Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5* Shockingly good for such a tiny story!

Post-apocalypse romance
He loved my sister first
Motorcycle club
World changing eruption
HFN

There’s not much world building here, so you have to fit the pieces together yourself.

Since the eruption it gets cold at night, even in early June, and it’s getting dark enough now that my jacket is no longer enough to handle the wind as we ride.

Recommended for fans of short fiction and post-apocalyptic romances.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book isn’t bad but short . It must be more longer.

[Vee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was aware this was short, but it was way shorter than I expected, like 30 minutes tops. It was a cute little story though. I think it’s a good palette cleanser between reads.

If this was a longer book I would have equally enjoyed it, as I was invested quite quickly. The FMC vaguely reminded me of the heroine in Seeking Asylum. The same nice girl attitude, but don’t p1ss her off, she has limits.

I don’t have much to say on this because it was so short, but I love all post-apocalypse books, so it was definitely for me.

No zombies though, but it was one less thing for the characters to worry about🥲🧟‍♀️

I’m probably at a broken record at this point, (as I mention it in a lot of other reviews), but if you like this you will probably also like Willow Would definitely recommend it 🙂

[Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

In the Ashes: A Post-Apocalyptic Romane was enjoyable but way too short. In fact, I think it's a shame that this author didn't take the time to add a full story to this book. This is one of my favorite genre's and finding a good story and writing is very difficult.

[Catheryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another novella that I wish was a novel!

This was an entertaining novella. Vada Ryan did a great job at world building in 37 pages. The romance was sweet and a touch spicy. I would love to read the full length novel of this story.

[bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

short and steamy ❤️‍🔥 I just wish it was a little longer.

[taylor ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆]

Thought this was a full length book looked down and was already 50% in😭 not very enjoyable.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 / 5 stars

A sweet spicy romance in a post-apocalyptic world, sign me up. So much story for only being 37 pages, my one and only wish was a full length version, or even more stories written in this world.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story opens in Kansas City, Missouri.

Nora McKenzie, 23, has been crushing on Cole (apparently ageless) for a long time. They’ve bonded even more while taking care of Nora’s ailing mother.

Nora’s mother just died. Cole dated Nora’s sister. He’s a member of the Northland Motorcycle Club.

It’s been one year since The Eruption. (whatever that is) There’s lots of ash everywhere.

Safe haven at another MC house. Nora’s friend Rowan and the others are very welcoming.

Cole’s plan is to dump Nora off in Arkansas. There, she can stay with her sister Hallie and Hallie’s husband. But Nora wants to stay with Cole.

Cole’s “length” is mentioned a few times too many. Also, why does Cole pull out every time? No oral reciprocity is quite unfortunate…This author has some explaining to do.

Not crazy about the non-communication. The apocalypse doesn’t really seem the time to get all stubborn and shit.

The Feelings Dump, and the L-Bombs, while not unwelcome, do basically come out of left field.

Overall, feels fairly cursory.

[Breanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick little treat!

I love these short stories! They’re perfect for reading on a lunch break or while waiting in your car for your kids. Nora and Cole have been pining for each other for a while. Yet, he’s her sister ex. These two finally have a moment to share in beer true feelings in this post-apocalyptic new world…

Short and sweet!

[Ka'Lynn Paz · Rating 2 out of 5]

37 pages....not what i would consider a book...or even a romance, short story. It was okay for what it gave. no real drama and no real character development. Even the sex was a list of actions and less about passion. in not sure if im missing something or maybe another book to go with it but its basically... empty.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad for a quick little post-apocalyptic romance short story. Would love to read and delve deeper/know more of the world and these characters. Found myself quickly getting invested in the mc’s and then it was over lol. But overall pretty decent for a short story; hard to find many post-apocalyptic romances these days.

[Pene|ope • Reading Slump, Send Help · Rating 4 out of 5]

37 pages of post-apocalyptic romance. Just a brief little story showing the happy parts that I really want made into a full length novel. On to the next one!
Edit: Never mind. The next one is about the sister and that gives me the ick.

[B. Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this so much! So short, but by the end, I was rooting for this couple!! Immediately bought Book 2.

[Summer Cheree Keeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!

Great story, you can actually believe. Short love story with great characters. Couldn't put this book down. Cole is perfect dreamy guy

[Simi ☁️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very solid 3⭐️

This was short and sweet, not a whole lot of background and almost technically insta-love, but still very cute and enjoyable

[Brigid Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very cute and sweet, remarkably heartfelt romance for such a short story. Difficult to get the reader to care about a couple in under 40 pages, but Ryan manages nicely.

[Cat Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story,

However, very, very short.

On another note, having to type in 12 words to leave a review is a rather silly annoyance.

[Ditchwater Sal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is remarkably well-fleshed out for a 40 page story!

[Cristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to others.

[Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too short

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun post-apocalyptic romance in my quest to devour every title in the category. Short and sweet read.

[Rebecca Lucena]

dnf 36%

[BereniceFrench · Rating 2 out of 5]

Way too short to be a real story of any kind. And it's not even really pnp as there isn't that much sex considering.

[Raquel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one! It was too short though. would love to have this as a full length book!