Thank you A. Claire for giving me access to a digital copy!
I started this book thinking it would be about 70% romance with maybe 30% crime and gang elements, but it turned out to be a pretty even mix. That’s on me. I should have expected it, given that it’s inspired by Fallout (the video game). Once I learned that, a lot made sense. Maybe I should have looked into Fallout before reading, but at the same time, I didn’t want to spoil myself.
That inspiration gives the book a unique tone and writing style that I think crime fiction lovers and Fallout fans might enjoy more than I did. Not that I don’t love a good thriller now and then, but lately, I’ve been avoiding the extra-realistic ones, you know? That being said, the whole rabbit hole from "I want to do something good for the people I love" to "how the heck did I end up here" is very well-portrayed and realistic.
Personally, I think this story would have worked better in a dystopian setting than in a realistic one. Certain details (probably drawn from Fallout) don’t work that way in real life. But that’s just my fact-obsessed brain doing what it does best: being annoying, even to myself. In any case, it’s exciting to know the author is working on something set in a dystopian world. Oops! did I talk too much? Ah well, the dangers of yapping. Don’t tell A. Claire.
One of the best things about this book is that Rayne and Jun behave exactly as they should: like twenty-something young women thrown into unpredictable, harsh circumstances. It’s refreshing to see New Adult characters actually acting their age instead of teens written like adults or adults acting like teenagers.
And their love story? Pure fluff & smut. Yes, I’m using AO3 tags. No, I don't regret it. Their romance is passionate, intense, and packed with moments that made me want to squish their cheeks and protect them from the world. With the author’s permission, they are my daughters now ☺️
This book has such a sweet, heartfelt romance at its core. Really, these two are so cute they had me giggling like a schoolgirl and kicking my feet in the air. I just want to wrap them in a blanket and make them tea. Their dynamic felt real and tender, and their moments together were full of warmth. Sure, there’s also drama and some tropes I don’t exactly vibe with, but given that I’m an entire generation older than them and still dramatic… well, you can imagine how I was at 22.
Who would enjoy this book? If you love emotionally intense romance with high stakes, crime fiction with a character-driven focus, or stories with a Fallout inspired edge, this might be for you. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy New Adult protagonists behaving their age, passionate relationships, and a mix of fluff, smut, and drama
Reading experience: 4.5/5