The Fearless: A zombie apocalypse romance

When the World Fell #2

by Elle Richards

Book two in the WHEN THE WORLD FELL series


Cruz

Taking a chance on a stranger in a world like ours can go either way, but assuming the worst of someone is always your best bet.

I've been let down too many times by people who wanted to take my possessions or my life, and trusting an unknown these days comes with too many risks. Lower your guard for a minute, and it could all be over—especially when you throw in roaming corpses with their insatiable hunger for human flesh.

There's no danger with Liv, though. Something about her feels like home and putting my life in her hands comes as naturally to me as breathing. I trust her; I rely on her, and after less than a week in her company, I'm falling for her.

We've outrun a gang, escaped the city she called home for the past ten years, and now we're heading into unfamiliar territory.

We're driving from one side of the state to the other in search of a house she's only ever seen in a magazine spread. It feels like an unattainable goal with too many speed bumps along the way, but I'll go anywhere as long as she's with me.

I'll fight for her. I'll die for her. But most of all, I'll do whatever it takes to live for her.

I want to turn this into something, make a life for the two of us in a world where that just shouldn't be possible anymore.

I'm sure we'll meet new people on our journey—I'm counting on it—but no matter how many others join us, Liv will always be my number one.

Genres: Zombies, Romance, Dystopia, Apocalyptic, Post Apocalyptic, Survival, Novella

179 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 30, 2024

About the author

Elle Richards has been a fan of end-of-the-world, post-apocalyptic stories for the longest time, and she loves romance. Put them together, and you have her When the World Fell series.

During her free time, she enjoys hiking, drawing, renovating, and Googling cast members while she's watching TV shows and movies.

She lives in Victoria, Australia, with her husband, her two children, and three dogs.

You can find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellerichard...

Reviews

[Carla Bulian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never a slow burn was so waited! It was a great continuation of the story. I loved it!
It’s worth reading.

[Beth Harris]

Really awesome zombie romance....

I love this story so much I'm disappointed that I have to wait for part three lol.......btw I loved the steamy romance in part 2.....keep it up girl ❤️

[Simi ☁️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I’ve got mixed feelings. 3/2.7⭐️

My initial reaction after finishing this book was “what the actual f*ck?!” Because why is it over?

This series reads like episodes of a TV show. Where you’re gripped (almost) the whole time and then it abruptly ends. Either with everything conveniently ending well and all loose ends neatly tied, or with a cliffhanger-esque sensation that, while no one is in immediate danger, we know this isn’t the end of their story.

And some people maybe like this, but I find it so incredibly grating. Why are they barely accomplishing two things before the book is over?! How am I two books in and we’ve barely seen any real character progression? How is this an apocalypse-romance and in two books our main (and only) couple has barely kissed?!?

Idk. I actually like the plot, it’s very TWD. But I can’t stand the jarring experience of reading a story 180 pages at a time. Both of these could have been one book and it still wouldn’t be finished 🤦🏾‍♀️

[Catheryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the first, but still fantastic!

Now our favorite duo is picking up some friends to take to their destination. This book definitely had more action in it. But we also got to see Liv and Cruz become closer as a couple. I'm loving this series so far and can't wait for the next book!

[Dani Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t think you guys fully comprehend how much I would thrive in a zombie apocalypse.



When I say thrive I mean suck but still.

[Sherron · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhhh it was so good!!! Great continuation and I love the character development. I love how the author writes; I can picture the scene and characters with detail in her writing but the story never drags on. I feel like I picked up this series at the right time, it has definitely gotten me out of my reading slump and I don’t have to wait for book 3!
.5🌶️

[Anne in VA · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Still enjoying this, but wouldn't really call this a "romance".

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

All I'm gonna say is, Cruz.. *swoon*

[Reads_Must · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fearless
When the World Fell #2
Sci-Fi
Elle Richards
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

• ꜱᴜʀᴠɪᴠᴀʟ • ꜰɪɢʜᴛɪɴɢ • ᴛʜʀᴇᴀᴛꜱ •

I enjoyed reading this sequel. It continued straight after the end of the previous book, which helped me to keep up with the plot.

I liked how new characters were introduced in this book, both good and bad, and the interactions between everyone seemed genuine and realistic.

The chemistry between Liv and Cruz was intense. They were both scared to admit their feelings because they had only known each other for a short time, but I'm glad they eventually did.

I really liked the little details of real-life survival. It's obvious that the author did quite a lot of research on different things relating to prepping and surviving an apocalypse.

I didn't realise that the next book would be released in 2025, and I don't know how I'll be able to wait that long 😂.

[Serena Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

’No pensé que quedara gente como tú… Pero ahí estabas cuando más te necesitaba.’





•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.



The Fearless de Elle Richards Serie When the World Fell libro 2

Argumento:

Cruz

Arriesgarse con una desconocida en un mundo como el nuestro puede ser para ambos lados, pero asumir lo peor de alguien siempre es la mejor opción. Me han decepcionado demasiadas veces personas que querían quitarme mis posesiones o mi vida, y confiar en un desconocido hoy en día conlleva demasiados riesgos. Baja la guardia por un minuto, y todo podría terminar, especialmente cuando agregas cadáveres errantes con su insaciable hambre de carne humana.

Sin embargo, no hay peligro con Liv. Algo en ella se siente como un hogar y poner mi vida en sus manos es tan natural para mí como respirar. Confío en ella; dependo de ella, y después de menos de una semana en su compañía, me estoy enamorando de ella. Hemos dejado atrás a una pandilla, escapado de la ciudad que llamó hogar durante los últimos diez años, y ahora nos dirigimos a territorio desconocido.

Estamos conduciendo de un lado a otro del estado en busca de una casa que solo ha visto en una página de revista. Parece una meta inalcanzable con demasiados obstáculos en el camino, pero iré a cualquier parte con tal de que ella esté conmigo. Lucharé por ella. Moriré por ella. Pero sobre todo, haré lo que sea necesario para vivir por ella.

Quiero convertir esto en algo, construir una vida para los dos en un mundo donde eso ya no debería ser posible.

Estoy seguro de que conoceremos gente nueva en nuestro viaje —cuento con ello—, pero no importa cuántos se unan a nosotros, Liv siempre será mi número uno.



Mi humilde opinión:

En Fearless, Liv y Cruz continúan su camino para llegar a Bridgehill. Encuentran varios peligros por delante además de la horda de zombis, conocen a Dawn y su hijo Jonah, después a los hermanos Remy y Gabe, personas como ellos que se unen a su grupo para buscar un lugar seguro.

Liv de verdad era increíble como heroína, no solo aprendió sobre la supervivencia sino a defenderse utilizando el tanto que le heredo su amigo, sino también tenia una enorme sensibilidad y corazón a pesar de que el mundo estaba en ruinas. Cruz también, él y Liv estaban en sintonía y protegían a otro.

Me dio mucha pena la muerte de Dawn, yo sabia que no iba a durar y justo cuando pense que lo estaba haciendo bien murió, me pareció injusto!

Espero que todos puedan encontrar un nuevo hogar, me pregunto si será Bridgehill, como deseaba Liv desde el comienzo o terminara en desilusión. Ya quiero saber como termina todo…

[Kathleen Lanman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent short post-apocalyptic story. It’s the middle of a trilogy so there is not much time spent in world building and there’s no closure in the ending. New characters are introduced which is nice, but there was almost no time spent getting to know them except for Dawn. Poor Dawn. From the jump she’s characterized as a screw up due to unmedicated anxiety. Somehow she’s the problem whenever things go bad, although they try to reassure her that her skills are essential for survival once they land. We learn almost nothing of Jonah or the twins.

Their unrelenting bad luck continues as they’re apparently hit by a freaking hurricane. I had to roll my eyes at the silliness of the zombies piling up like debris 🙄 they were literally in the middle of nowhere. Where all these zombies blowing in from? It reminded me of a particularly silly scene in Z Nation where a giant ball of zombies grows and grows and rolls through the whole episode (google it. It’s worth a laugh)

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/CBiAkDm0nOM/hq...

[Amanda Wojcik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into The Fearless having an idea of what Liv and Cruz might plan to do in terms of the next steps of their survival and how it unfolded in the book did not disappoint. The Slow Burn kicked up a notch or two while still leaving me wanting for more in the very best way. This book was loaded with action, loss and just the right amount of speculation about human nature. I struggled with putting this book down to the point that I was doing my work out at the gym while reading and flipping pages on Kindle. Was it the exercise that got my heart rate up or was it Cruz? We may never know... I am hyped as heck for book 3!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Journey Continues

Liv and Cruz are determined to find a safer place to live during the apocalypse. As they battle zombies, desperate humans, mother nature, and exhaustion, they begin to meet people who fit into their group. The journey is full of trials, mistakes, and even loss. No spoilers, I enjoyed this second book but I still feel like the female characters become too demure around the men. I find it a bit frustrating to be honest, but still enjoy the story enough that I rated it a five and will read the next book. I guess it is the romance aspect of the book, and as I explained in my first review I usually avoid romance series in this genre.

[Brelladrex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it more than the first one but still stuck at 4 stars.

I love that we are introduced to some decent people for once! I loved Dawn but was a little disappointed at how they made her act almost like a scared child the whole time. I also wish that we had more of an introduction on Gabe and Remy, they act almost like NPCs. And Cruz and Liv trust them almost immediately because they saved them, but we still hardly know anything about them as people?

And I'm sorry, but I cackled at zombies flying through the air from a tornado, that is just too silly to take as a threat unfortunately :')

I also don't understand Cruz's "no sex" logic. Just do it man!

[Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I knew you were meant for me the second I saw you.”

Maybe I am spoiled, but when a titles suggests a story is a “romance” I expect there to be some intimate moments. As with book one, the story is well-written, but no sex. Granted, the couple has only known each other for a week, but it’s a zombie apocalypse series, emotions are heightened lol!!

Still, phenomenal communication between the characters.

“Talk to me like I’m an idiot. Spell it out with very clear, very detailed instructions.”

[mali · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I feel like the books could be even better if more happened in them. The whole plate is basically just reading about a journey across the country without reaching the destination.
At least in this book, they are so close to it that it could have ended with them reaching it. It felt like a letdown that they didn't.

"I needed to see her, just so I could confirm for myself that my entire world hadn't ended."
*swoons*

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story

It's an amazing story about love and loss and overcoming anything life throws at you, especially when the worst has happened and surviving to the the next day is not guaranteed in a world that has gone to shit. I loved reading their story and can't wait for the next installment of this series!

[Gemma Croft · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant I need the next book like now !!!! A little bit upset that the third book isn't out yet, I am loving Olivia and Cruz's journey across the apocalyptic earth and the new people they are meeting and what they are trying to create. I really hope they get to where they are going otherwise I may actually cry 🤣

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second installment of the slow-burn zombie apocalypse romance, and it's definitely engaging. However, the lengthy chapters sometimes make it a bit challenging to stay focused. I also wish the slow-burn aspect wasn't quite so drawn out—I'd love to see more sexual tension alongside the zombie action. Hopefully, the third book will deliver more romance between Cruz and Liv.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well that was a depressing ending. I love that they found more people and are starting a group. I have a feeling that when they get to that place, something will go wrong. Liv and Cruz’s relationship is so cute though. I can’t believe through these book it’s only been like a week. I’m low-key scared for the next book.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Happy I didnt have to wait like 8 months to get book 2 and afgter that book 3 because it was super short : I got to the last page bc I thought I’d be maybe 30% of the way through.

Well written, It was good but also a little bland. There's a chemistry between MC , slow burn but somehting was missing though...

[Samantha Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this one down either

This one kept me hooked all the way through. I was sad for the loss of some characters, but that’s what you’d expect in a post-apocalyptic world. Only one small thing pulled me out – I don’t think the moon would’ve been shining during such a massive storm – but otherwise, it was great.

[Gerri Blanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger follows

Our main couple as they escape the city, meet the a friends and enemies. There was laugher, danger and sadness in this book. But I have enjoyed the book.
Great author who keeps you turning the pages .

[Hannah Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

kick ya in the feels

Oof. Just as good as the first, drawing you in from the get go. But dang, that ending. Hopefully part 3 doesn’t take too long to come out lol little more cursing in this one, and the spice is spicer then the first, but not explicit.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in this series and it was just as good as the first one. Luckily this series is not done. Unluckily the next book isn't out yet for me to read! If you love zombie fiction like I do, grab this series. It's excellent.

[SarahWW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Continuation with a Caveat

I’m enjoying the books as they are entertaining. I was on board with the whole storyline until the storm. And making the mum a weak character. Unnecessary and excessive.

[Manuela Marchetti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a lot has happened, but again I think this is only the second day in their journey? I think this series has taken Slow Burn to a new level (LOL). 3 stars because not sure how we are advancing in anything from the first book....

[Liyah's · Rating 4 out of 5]

UGHHHHHH I LOVE THEM I LOVE THIS
It's perfect

Honestly I'm probably mean for this but dawn was getting on my nerves I'm not even sad about her tbh Jonah tho POOR BABY and Cruz n liv omg this slow burnnnnn I LOVE IT UGHHHHHHGGG I LOVE THEM

[Jagged · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good progress

It's not super fancy or original. Actually, for a zombie book, it's pretty laid-back light reading.
The plot is simple, find a compound and survive.
It's an essay read with likeable characters.