Mine to Protect

Wasteland Temptations #2

by E.V. Olsen

New day. New feelings. New threats.

I've survived alone since I was twelve.

Never knowing intimacy or love.

Until Rex awoke feelings in me I don't understand.

The brash, controlling dominant is my first everything.

I remain defiant, clinging to my independence, even if I'm possessive of him.

But when sickness strikes him down,

Fear of losing him consumes me.

Just as Carrionites descend, hungry for blood.

Now it's up to me to protect the man I ache for.

Though I don't understand how to love,

I'll shield him with everything I am.

No matter the threats encroaching,

I will keep him safe or die trying.

It’s my turn to protect the man who claimed me at all costs.

A steamy short M/M dark and angsty romance, featuring an OTT hero, an age-gap romance, and a touch of suspense.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Novella, Dystopia, LGBT, Dark, Dark Romance

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 17, 2023

About the author

I'm a romance author who loves Over The Top alpha males who are possessive and ​completely obsessed with their person or mate. Nothing will get in their way from claiming what's theirs. I enjoy writing darker type romances whether in the contemporary world, PNR worlds, or even post-apocalyptic worlds.

Reviews

[Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5* The journey continues in the second of the two books series! Both are short stories, very quick and easy reads.

Book one was Rex’s pov, this book is Devon’s pov.

I grunt and take it, barely listening to his latest lecture. I love pissing off the bastard, and with the way he’s growling, I must've pissed him off real good this time.

Short post-apocalypse
Gay/mm romance
Age gap (38/18)
Orgasm denial
Lite bdsm
Praise kink
Darker story

“Baby boy, need you to stop feeling so insecure in bed. Don’t feel like anything’s wrong with you. You’re fuckin’ perfect.”

Way more world and character building in this second book.

*Book one and two have the same characters. Book three, due out in February 2024, has two new characters, same world.

[Drusilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Please note that my bad mood may have a negative effect.

I have to admit that I'm quite bored with this series now. What began so promisingly is just smut in a distopian world. The smut is really good and the disturbing relationship the two characters have is really my thing and absolutely fantastically written.
Still ... there's nothing to it. I mean background ... plot ... a few tiny explanations to make it interesting ... anything???
I'm done with this series. Reading these few pages was difficult enough in my slumpy state, I don't think it would help much if I tortured myself through any more.

[Megan [At The Cottage] · Rating 4 out of 5]

MM Romance
Smutty Smutfest
4 Stars ⭐️


I loved this so much more than book one! This is a duet people so go back and read Mine To Claim before starting this. It’s 42 pages so it takes no time. 🤭 This takes place 3 months after the last time we saw Rex and Devon and while book one was from Rex’s POV, this one was all Devon and I loved the change up because it somehow gave this short smutty book more depth. Devon was badass in this story compared to the first one and this “Walking Dead” type world may not have zombies but there are some other creepy people roaming around for him to deal with. I loved how protective and possessive he was about Rex and the sex scenes in this one were even better than the first. 🥵 I’m excited for the next one which will feature a new couple but still be in this world. This appears to be a new author and I am looking forward to reading them more in the future.

[⋆｡°✮ Lucy InTheSky ✮°｡⋆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yep, liked it.
I definitely did.
Why do we only get short novellas though? I really liked this world and both MMCs, but their story is so damn short, I want more, can I get more??



🟠 Devon's POV
🟡 Their first kiss
🟢 Both possessive
🟣 Finding real love
🌶️ Great sex; in this installment both vers
🔵 The storytelling after my own heart (use of the word "fuck" is abundant in both novellas)
🟡 Love both covers

Devon and Rex are travelling together, they're moving along picking up supplies along the way and they're also hooking up, full time.
The sex is amazing and Rex sees Devon as his own - I know that much from the first book - but in this novella we get Devon's POV and yeah, the feeling's not really mutual. Devon's not that attached, nor emotional about it. He's just having sex and trying to survive, case closed.

"Still, focusing on the words written into the skull and snake image is better than listening to him ramble about how I'm "his" or some shit again. As if his claim over me is gonna soften me somehow. Fuck that."



Rex gets sick and Devon has to fight off a couple of cannibals that are looting the abandoned cities, but gets really hurt. He manages to kill them and protect him and Rex, but he's in very bad shape, so somehow these two make it out alive and even if they're sick, they never forget to have sex. Nope, doesn't matter what's going on, their sex life is not lacking, let me tell you. It's hot and it's also getting deep, so by the end of the story they both profess their love for each other.

"The idea of life without him is too painful to even think about, and I know, even if he tells me to fuck off, I won't. I'll always follow the bastard. It's like he's a flickering flame and I'm the stupid fucking moth that's forever drawn toward its deadly heat."



The story is short but packed with passion and interesting developments, the only problem is that it had so much damn potential it's a bloody shame it's so short - and that it's finished, the end, we're not getting any more. I have so many questions and was so much for them going even deeper, but aparently we're not getting that.


Looking forward to the next installment.

[Jane aka Coughy019 (Safety info included) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: age gap
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: spanking, praise, orgasm denial
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: takes place in a post-apocalypse type of Earth, violence and murder, doing s***** things to survive, dubcon, unsafe sex

3.5 stars but I'm judging it with very low standards because one it's a novella and two it's only really meant to be a smutty little thing.

This book continues the story of Devon an 18 year old brat and Rex a 38 year old ex-military guy. After Devon bartered sex for food in the previous book, neither of them wanted to keep it as a one-time thing. They are now wandering together trying to survive in kind of a post-apocalyptic world where there are these cannibals roaming. Things are complicated a bit when one of them gets sick. And Devon has some Hang-Ups.

Funny, they don't have a lot of supplies but they managed to have plenty lube. Also, not sure Rex having a sex dream about his ex/friend was necessary to include just based on how few pages there were in this book

There's a bit more meat to this because it's got more pages than the first one. But still not a lot of depth. Novella standards apply!

Some notable moments:

""I ain’t your fucking teddy bear." He just chuckles, the bastard, and hitches his leg over mine. "No, you're my psychotic little shit." Dammit. I ain’t into all the cuddling, especially since the asshole clings to me like a freaking octopus all night, every night. But I can’t deny how I like the way my skin tingles everywhere we connect."

"No matter how much I try to deny it, I like the way he makes me feel cared for. Wanted. Safe. I curl up into him, but this time . . . this time it’s for more than just warmth."


*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.

**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.

[Moraa (vacation hiatus)]

DNF @ 11%

I enjoyed the first one but I’m not a fan of the writing style in this one.

[Achim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it possible to be hungry for more but still be okay with what I got? After the smut fest which was the first book we get a bit more background now. We still don't know what happened to society to collapse. We only can assume that it happened not so far in the past, probably not even a decade but nevertheless it was so devastating that food production came to a stand-still and the remaining population resorted to scavenging or even into cannibalism. Think of the zombie apocalypse without zombies and while such an encounter was just a far away danger now it becomes real and Devon has to face it alone because this time it's him to protect what's his.

So with the narrator change there comes also a change on the view on life. Rex's only concern is surviving, so emotional connections are supposed to be temporary, an exchange of body fluids, a night of passion and then life goes on but when he recognized that Devon complements him, nothing keeps him from changing his lone-wolf attitude. So while he's s strong, confident and grounded, Devon is only hardened on the outside. There's no surprise that a story from his point of view deals with more than carnal pleasure. There is still the homophobic voice of his late father in his head. There is still the need to proof himself fighting with his greed for praise, the craving for human touch and the new obsession with sex and if that makes him a prickly brat, so be it. It takes Rex getting sick for Devon to really fight his demons and fight for the man he came to love.

So yes, it's possible to be okay with a short story while being hungry for more.

[JonathanSamuelReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

The covers make me feel things. Still in my post apocalyptic ✨smut fest✨

[bookishninaa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Was it necessary to be 2 books? No! This could have been easily in 1 book. But i still read it and What that says about me?
Cheap ass books that got me reading it like a teenager. In my defense i am under the flu medication and it feels like a fever dream.

[Aida · Rating 2 out of 5]

پایان: ۱۴۰۲/۱۱/۲۱
از جلد اول بهتر شد. یکم جهان‌سازی بلاخره انجام داد و بیشتر به صحنه‌های احساسی رسید ولی بازم نمیتونه نمره‌ی بالایی از من بگیره.

[❀Marbe❀ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devon & Rex
Rating: 3.6 ⭐

- First Times
- Age Gap
- MM Dark Romance
- Praise Kink
- OTT Alpha
- Instalove

This is the second installment in this series and it's another short and steamy read. In this one we get Devon's POV as the couple are navigating the wastelands for about three months now. We get to see Devon get all stabby and be the assassin twink I was waiting to see! Rex has started to get under Devon's skin and he's becoming just as obsessive with him. All of these new feelings are scaring the crap out of Devon and he's not sure how to handle them, but when Rex gets sick, he will do anything he has to in order to protect Rex. You get a lot in this less than 40 page story and it works to make you want to see what comes next for these two. It will be interesting to see what happens next when they get to Mac's, a old soldier buddy and past lover of Rex.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Verse: Yes
HEA: HFN

[Shonee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars
It's weird that Rex would grumble about expired NyQuil when they're in a frozen wasteland with freaking CANNIBALS nearby, but it could just be me.

[Miasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two and from Devon POV and I think I love it more than Rex’s even though Rex’s POV is just as amazing.

Devon and Rex are traveling to another town, when Rex falls sick and Devon pretty much looses it. But Devon doesn’t let Rex getting sick stop him from killing to protect Rex. Afterwards Devon finally caves to his feelings and what is and fully submits to Rex.

I read this as an audiobook and it was absolutely fucking delicious. Alexander Cendese is new to me narrator and I enjoyed every minute of it. The defiance, the panic, fierceness, protectiveness, submission, and possessive is clearly defined and it was delicious.

[patrícia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Better than the first but still not memorable.

[Christina Sturgill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5 🌟
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️
Characters: Rex and Devon

Great conclusion to their story. I really like that we got it from Devon's POV.

[A. gale · Rating 3 out of 5]

the angst 🤌
the spice 🤌
the hurt/comfort 🤌

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

11 chapters 😅. At least it’s an improvement from the last book.

[Kayli Rayn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the spicy wish it was a full novel and not just 2 short stories bc I kinda started to love the characters. Wish there was more.

[LC · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review contains SLIGHT spoilers. 3.5 Stars

You MUST read book 1 before this book!

In the first book we meet Devon through Rex’s POV and in this book we get to learn more about Devon through Devon's POV. I liked getting to know Devon a little more, but I do feel like it fell short. He has a traumatic past and when he finally opens up to Rex it’s just kind of… glossed over. He’s like, “hey, I was abused as a kid, but it’s whatever” and then they never talk about it again. Given Rex is supposed to be a OTT protective alpha, I find it hard to believe he’d just drop it. 🤷🏼‍♀️ Especially now that their "relationship"(?) has been on-going for months and they're (some-what) committed to each other (it's kind of a forced proximity/no-other-options/dubcon type thing).

It’s a quick read (though a little longer than the first book) with more story than spice, but don’t you fret, there’s still a good bit of spice. The final intimate scene was a good change of pace as well.

The smut is smutty, and they do go at it quite a bit, but it’s not superrrr spicy. It’s pretty tame for this being a “dark” romance. I love how in a post-apocalyptic world where food is scarce and resources are limited they seem to have an endless supply of lube 😂

The author does a good job of concluding all conflicts and unanswered questions with as minimal information as possible. Which is par for the course considering this is a novella, but it’s also disappointing because, DAMN! I could use another 100+ pages of these two.

My biggest ick with this book was Rex moaning Mac's name while having a "fever dream". Is that really how the author wanted to introduce Mac to Devon? By making Devon feel like Rex is still into someone else? Kind of goes against the whole premise of the story, but okay... It also makes me wonder what will happen when/if Rex and Mac reunite? Yeah, Rex has Devon now, but Rex thought about Mac A LOT in the first book, even went so far as to compare their 🍆. And then Rex did the BARE MININUM to reassure Devon and Devon let it go as if he hadn't just almost sacrificed his life for Rex all the while Rex was having sex dreams about his ex. Yeah, no. Not okay. I would have lost my shit if I was Devon. Rex would have had to grovel- last man on earth or not- Devon should have SOME standards.

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 5 out of 5]

old post reposted


I haven't posted much in a while, because I've been reading a lot of serials, collections, and episodes (and a lot of taboo stuff that I enjoyed, but didn't want to necessarily share).
But this series? It was odd at first, but also pretty damn good.

This series is called Wasteland Temptations by E.V. Olsen.

Imagine if the universe didn't bounce back from COVID, if people died and kept dying. If the world literally shut down. The electricity stopped working (no one there to pay for it, run it, ect). Not many people alive. At. All. There are people who lived but let their psychopathic ways thrive, and they spend their times looting and killing; there are people who "lived" but have a brain-like virus that turned them to cannibals (kinda zombie like creatures, but they're not 'dead'). The few people alive either live the nomad life, going from one village/town/city to the next, pillaging to survive OR they hunker down in one village/town/city and live off the land.

The first two books cover Rex and Devon ("Mine to Claim" and "Mine to Protect", respective POVs). And the second two books cover Mac and Cal ("His to Break" and "His to Lead", respective POVs). All four books are less than 75 pages and take no time at all to read. They're all very dark romances (spice wise, age-gap wise, and universe wise (it is a post-apocolyic world)), so mind the trigger below.

We're still waiting on at least two more books to finish out the series, as well as answer some questions from the fourth one.

Not going to lie, this book/series kept popping up as a targetted add, and I kept ignoring it until I figured the book-gods must be telling me something. ;)

Going to go see what other gems E.V. has for me to read (while ignoring the goals I had for this week).

Trigger Warnings: dubcon, sub-drop, violence, murder, talks of suicide, cannibalism, and more

#minetoclaim #minetoprotect #histobreak #histolead #evolsen #wastelandtemptations #wastelandtemptationsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

[Jammie Bebout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mine to Protect is the second audiobook in E.V. Olsen’s Wasteland Temptations series, and I think I loved this one even more than the first book. This is the continuation of Rex and Devon’s story, which picks up three months after the end of the first book, Mine to Claim. While Mine to Claim was written from Rex’s POV, Mine to Protect is written from Devon’s POV. I have to admit, after the first book, I liked Devon. But I’m not sure I was wholly invested in his character (at least, not as much as Rex). But after listening to this audiobook, I am now at the “Take all my money” level of investment with that beautiful brat! We get a lot more of his back story, which accounts for his brattiness in large part. Although I’m pretty sure some of it just comes natural. Good thing Rex thoroughly enjoys keeping his brat in line. This story was definitely spicy, but it also really pulled at my heart strings as Devon goes above and beyond to protect Rex when he falls ill. By this point, he’s decided that Rex belongs to him, and absolutely nothing (not even sickness) and no one is going to take Rex from him. He refuses to leave his side unless it’s to eliminate a threat or search for medicine. There’s definitely a heart of gold under all that brattiness, and it was a true joy to see it shine. I am truly loving this dystopian romance and can’t wait for the next audiobook in the series.

The solo narration for this story is provided by Alexander Cendese, and he is absolute perfection as Devon. Not that he doesn’t also voice Rex beautifully… because he does. But since the majority of the book is Devon, that’s where he’s really allowed to shine. His emotional and impassioned performance perfectly captures Devon’s bratty attitude along with his confusion, joy, and fear regarding his intense longing for Rex. Alexander also flawlessly captures the childhood trauma that causes Devon to want to run from his feelings for Rex while at the same time wanting to keep him as close as possible. This beautifully-written novella is further elevated by this outstanding narration, making this a can’t-miss title for any lover of MM romance audio.

[Morgana · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEH, CHE DIRE!
"Mine to Protect" è il seguito di "Mine to Claim", una novella di 36 pagine che sembrava una semplice fantasia iniziata e conclusa in un futuro post-apocalittico. Invece, l'autor* ci blessa con questa seconda parte in cui, signore e signori, c'è una trama che regge!
Sono commossa e piacevolmente sorpresa!
Di nuovo, si tratta di un libro breve, appena 70 pagine, ma decisamente più elaborato che il primo della serie, con un'analisi del passato e dei sentimenti dei personaggi che mi ha fatto venir voglia di saperne di più.
Ora, occhio: non è una costruzione al pari di "A Marvellous Light" e nemmeno dark quanto "Between the Devil and the Sea", ma nel suo piccolo si difende bene! Lo spicy è più construito, con una dinamica Dom/Sub niente male (per quanto comunque molto leggera e appena elaborata) e adoro questo bratty behaviour di Devon, puccio lui😍
Però, il motivo per cui ho dato ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 è sicuramente la scena in cui Devon, per proteggere Rex, uccide i loro aggressori e poi cade in una spirale perché è stato marchiato. Bellissimo, super carino e mi è spaiciuto che non ci sia stato tempo di approfondire la cosa!
Purtroppo la mia prova gratuita di KindleUnlimited finirà prima dell'uscita del terzo volume a Febbraio, quindi la mia lettura si ferma qui, ma voi che siete là fuori e leggete questa recensione, non fatevi fermare!
DITEMI POI COME VA A FINIRE!

[Moni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mine to Protect and Mine to Claim (the previous book of the duo) need to be reviewed as one continuous story as they belong to one couple, young Devon and army veteran Rex, as they make their way through a post-apocalyptic wasteland that they share with not zombies but good old-fashioned human predators. This book (Mine to Protect) is from Devon's POV.

I don’t think their meeting can be called a meet cute when Devon is trying to rob some food off of the older, definitely much more experienced Rex. When the ambush doesn’t work, Devon offers up his body to Rex who first has no idea just how inexperienced the pretty 18-year-old is. Their night awakes unexpected feelings in both of them … to the point where they team up for the road. Rex gets very protective of Devon pretty much immediately but when their journey takes a dangerous turn it is Devon who has to fight with all he has to make sure they make it out alive. These two books are super short, barely over 100 pages together, heavy on erotica but still tell a full story. I liked Olsen’s writing style, it’s enjoyable and flows. She paints an interesting picture of this new world without too many details. I’m looking forward to finding out what happened to Mac, Rex’s old friend, in the next two instalments of the series.

Apocalyptic Setting
Insta Attraction
Possessiveness
Virgin MC
Hurt/Comfort
Age Gap
Light BDSM

Please check the TW for sensitive content!

[Kellie Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

CAPTIVATING!!!
*ALC Review*

I absolutely love love love loved this beautiful book from start to finish. This spectacular book will always have a special place in my heart because he captured a piece of my heart. EV Olson you have become one of my new favorite authors because you have a way of writing that captures my heart and doesn’t let go.

This book was so riveting and I didn’t know what was gonna happen next. This beautiful book is a continuation of Rex’s and Devon’s story. So much stuff happens that it had a combination of suspense that had my heart pounding, and I love that I would absolutely love to have in my own life.

I think the one thing I loved more than anything is that Devon realized what Rex meant to him. It took him alone time to realize it because of this, he will always have an extra special place in my heart. Devon grows up so fast in this book and he is willing to do absolutely anything for Rex.

If you absolutely love, love a story where you will do absolutely anything for your person, this book is for you. I was so riveted with this book from start to finish. This is beautiful book captured a piece of my heart made me hot and bothered, at times broke my heart and so many other feelings.

[Luis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mine to Protect was an incredible follow-up to Mine to Claim. This time, we get to experience the story from Devon's POV, which gave us a deeper understanding of his emotions and how he truly feels about Rex. I think I enjoyed this one even more than the first book—it was packed (kind of.) with action, especially the intense scenes with the cannibals, which added a thrilling edge to the plot.

There were moments in this book that hit me right in the feels. There were actually a few sad parts that almost brought me to tears (I’m very emotional, so that says a lot!). Seeing the vulnerability in both Rex and Devon made their relationship feel even more real and complicated, and I loved how their bond grew in this installment.

These two novellas were such a ride, and I really wish there was more to their story. The characters, the tension, the action, and the emotional moments were all just fantastic.

[Erica Brink · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are finally starting to see the relationship develop between Devon and Rex. And I am loving it! I love how they will do anything to protect each other. We get to see a little bit more of the post apocalyptic world they are living in and learn more about Devon’s past.

Rex is so freaking strong. The alpha of their duo. He knows what he needs to do to survive and fights to stay in control. But when he gets sick, Devon forces Rex to take a break and recover. Then Devon takes control. I loved their push & pull.

Devon is so feisty, but so sweet. He loves being a brat and pushing Rex’s buttons. He tries to hide it, but he’s falling hard for Rex. I loved seeing the vulnerable side of him. He will do anything to protect Rex, including putting himself in danger just to made sure Rex is safe.

“𝒩ℴ 𝓂𝒶𝓉𝓉ℯ𝓇 𝒽ℴ𝓌 𝓂𝓊𝒸𝒽 ℐ 𝓉𝓇𝓎 𝓉ℴ 𝒹ℯ𝓃𝓎 𝒾𝓉, ℐ 𝓁𝒾𝓀ℯ 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝓌𝒶𝓎 𝒽ℯ 𝓂𝒶𝓀ℯ𝓈 𝓂ℯ 𝒻ℯℯ𝓁 𝒸𝒶𝓇ℯ𝒹 𝒻ℴ𝓇. 𝒲𝒶𝓃𝓉ℯ𝒹. 𝒮𝒶𝒻ℯ. ℐ 𝒸𝓊𝓇𝓁 𝓊𝓅 𝒾𝓃𝓉ℴ 𝒽𝒾𝓂, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓉𝒾𝓂ℯ… 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓉𝒾𝓂ℯ 𝒾𝓉’𝓈 𝒻ℴ𝓇 𝓂ℴ𝓇ℯ 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓇𝓂𝓉𝒽.”

The audio for this book is really good. Alexander Cendese does an amazing job narrating Devon. You can feel his fear and his desire. This is the first time I’ve listened to him and will definitely listen to him again.

Mine To Protect is book 2 in the Wasteland Temptations series. This 4 book series of novellas is dark, fun, & dirty. They are quick reads with LOTS of spice. EV Olsen has created an interesting post apocalyptic world. I’m excited to see where she takes it.

🖤 Dark Romance
🖤 Novella
🖤 Post Apocalyptic
🖤 MM
🖤 Age Gap
🖤 Forced Proximity

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was kind of a strange one, set in what must be a post-apocalyptic world, told from the POV of Dev, a younger survivor traveling with Rex, an older and more experienced man and Dev’s partner. They are traveling on foot (not sure if heading to a particular destination), always on the lookout for Carrionites, apparently cannibalistic other survivors. Rex protects and cares for Dev, but when Rex gets sick, Dev assumes the role, ready to protect Rex at all costs.
Short and steamy read with a story to get into and a few stressful, anxious moments with Dev as he scouts locations. I was left wanting to know more about these two, their backgrounds, and where they were going and why. Not my typical read, but it did catch my interest.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Being away from Rex feels like dying.'

'I whimper and nuzzle into his neck, thinking I might actually want to belong to him. And that is both terrifying and perfect all at once.'

I loved the first book, Mine to Claim, and it was also my first from this author. It was short and the way it ended, I wished for more. So I was so excited to read the second book. Great world building. I love the post apocalyptic setting and Rex and Devon's continuing journey together. Three months have passed since the last book. I love that this one is from Dev's point of view, while the previous book was from Rex's. Devon's a lot snarkier now- denying what he wants but loves when Rex sees through him.

“Thought you liked me all mutinous. Isn’t that what you said?”

When sickness and danger find them....

This book made me so tense! lol I cannot wait until book three! 5 stars.

[Anne Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author to me and I’m really glad that I gave this short read ago. It’s really about surviving you’ve got two men that at the beginning of this book, you really think it’s not wholly consensual and your heart really goes out to Devon, but as the story goes on you, realise how important Rex is to him and really, and truly they need each other to survive in this world.

So many emotions reading this book. My heart really went out to Devon. The passion between these two is off the charts. There’s no doubt about that, but what really got me was the connection that they had. I will be looking out for the next book from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.