Pier 31

by Jessica N. Watkins

Surviving the South Side of Chicago feels like a war to many. Tough, fearless, and street-smart, south siders have adapted to a brutal reality. But can Niyah, Fable, Paris, Salem and the rest of the crew survive when suddenly the undead arrive?

When this unbelievable nightmare begins, Fable, a streetwise hustler, is determined to rescue, Niyah, the woman he’s secretly loved since high school. But as danger closes in, protecting her becomes more than just survival. It becomes a fight for the love he’s always secretly wanted. As the two battle deadly hordes and ruthless scavengers, their passionate connection only grows. But will it be enough to keep them alive?

Paris is in love with Salem, but his emotional distance has become unbearable. She needs his comfort now more than ever, but Salem is so fixated on survival that he’s blind to the fact that he’s losing her. Meanwhile, his brother, August, gives her the softness and understanding she craves. An undeniable attraction simmers between them, but they both try to bury it deep, refusing to betray Salem, despite the pull that grows stronger between them each day.

Pier 31 is a pulse-pounding tale of suspense and forbidden romance where survival requires sacrifice, and love may be the most dangerous risk of all. As food runs low, alliances shift, and danger lurks around every corner, the real question Can their fight and resilience save them from a horror they’ve never faced before?

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2024

About the author

Author of Urban Chick Lit, Erotica, and Contemporary Urban Fiction... Jessica N. Watkins was born April 1st in Chicago, Illinois. She obtained a Bachelors of Arts with Focus in Psychology from DePaul University and Masters of Applied Professional Studies with focus in Business Administration from the like institution. Working in Hospital Administration for the majority of her career, Watkins has also been an author of fiction literature since the young age of nine. Eventually she used writing as an outlet during her freshmen year of high school as a single parent: “In the third grade I entered a short story contest with a fiction tale of an apple tree that refused to grow despite the efforts of the darling main character. My writing evolved from apple trees to my seventh and eighth grade classmates paying me to read novels I had written about kids our age living the lives our parents wouldn’t dare let us”. At the age of twenty-eight, Watkins’ chronicles have matured into steamy, humorous, and realistic tales of women's literature. She hopes that The Epitome of Femistry series will successfully emulate ideal femininity while tackling stereotypes, familiar heartache, and relatable distress in a humorous, sophisticated, and erotic fashion.

Jessica N. Watkins is available for talks, workshops or book signings. Email her for more information at Jessica@femistrypress.net.

Additional information can be found at www.jessica-n-watkins.com.

Follow Jessica on Twitter - @authorjwatkins.

Follow Jessica on Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/authorjwatkins

Reviews

[Rashawnda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my good sis got all of Chicago ate tf up!!! I loved this so much! Now y’all already know that when my fellow Chicagoan releases a book I’m dropping everything!! Ev👏🏽ery👏🏽thing👏🏽!!!

My south side peeps were all living their best lives until the crackheads started biting folks! And from there things escalated rather quickly! This group of friends sought shelter until they could come up with a plan but as you know when things become bleak friends become foes!

One thing I can always count on reading Jessica’s books is originality! I’ve yet to read a story like this and she wrote it really well. She had me on the edge of my seat during a few moments and I wasn’t sure how things were going to play out for a minute! If you’re a fan of The Walking Dead or Movies like Dawn of the Dead or 28 Weeks Later, this is 100% your jam!!

My thoughts while reading
🧟‍♂️ 💭 Being a hater in a zombie apocalypse is crazy
🧟 💭Being jealous in a zombie apocalypse is nasty work
🧟‍♂️ 💭Sucking dk in a zombie apocalypse is bananas
🧟‍♀️ 💭Fighting over a woman in a zombie apocalypse is crazy
🧟 💭Kids/Teenagers in a zombie apocalypse is suicidal 😩😩
🧟 💭Fkn during a zombie apocalypse is diabolical

If y’all think Jessica is playing with yall, got dammit she’s not!! Great job!! Until next time ✌🏽

[LaToya Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Walking Dead but make it urban 🧟‍♀️ this was entertaining, gory, and had me on the edge of my seat at times. Great job, Jessica 👏🏾

[Jahda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a crazy read 🤯. What did we learn? Say NO to DRUGS. I definitely wouldn’t survive a zombie apocalypse no thank you.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Urban Zombie Story - What’s not to love!

A hood zombie story, taking place in Chi town - count me in! As of fan of Zombie, apocalyptic, end of days etc.. stories, Jessica did a great job with this story and her urban touch was accurately depicted. This is exactly how I feel people will act during a time such as this, I feel like there’s a Niyah, Fable, Neveah and Kecia everywhere. I loved that despite the topic, she still managed to throw in some love triangles, jealousy & tested loyalties as these are things people face daily. Extremely ready to continue with this story when she drops season 2!

[⌞giselle⌝ · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHEW! I didn’t expect a story about zombies in Chicago to put me through a whirlwind of emotions. I expected to feel fear & sadness, due to the general nature of the story but the way the carnage was described hit different. when it’s close to home, the horror resonates louder.

Black children, teens, adults & elders as zombies, but naturally, some are dripped out? I giggled imagining a zombie in Fashion Nova but, let’s be real. hella zombies today would be in SHEIN!

the way depression & grief were explored gutted me. NAVON! ugh, my heart! there is some spice & it surprised & got a rise out of me. that is the resilience of the human spirit, because even though the horrors persist, I am STILL HORNY! smh lol.

I felt rage & annoyance, most of all. these characters! I’m side-eyeing almost everyone in this story, ESPECIALLY Niyah! but also, grace is given when considering how an apocalyptic event could bring out the very worst in people.

I live for the representation Pier 31 has created in zombie horror. did not enjoy the characters, but this story was thoroughly thrilling.

[Kenna McNair · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave me The Walking Dead vibes — it made me miss those early seasons! I enjoyed every moment of it. Each chapter had me on edge, wondering if the characters would make it out alive. I really wish there were a sequel, just to see how the crew is doing now. The author says it didn’t end on a cliffhanger, but I’m still hoping she changes her mind and gives us more! 😄

[Lexes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh this have to have spoilers because I def need to talk about some of these characters. I must say by the end of the book I was completely annoyed with a good percentage of them.

Before I dive into their trifling ways, excellent book all around with the perfect blend of drama, passion, desperation and of course some good ol bed hunching tossed into the mix.

Now first thing first, I have to say Niyah and Neevah gave the aurora of two who will work my nerves and it didn't fail. Noyah refusal to realize what was going on and all that damn crying worked my nerves. For the daughter to have to step up only to revert into a teenager who kept putting everyone life at risk because she couldn't get her way .. off with her head. She needed to go and it was just a matter of time. I have to say I didn't feel bad one bit the way she went out because baby you thought you was the big bad wolf and instead was the sheep. And Niyah? Oh Fable better than me cause the blaming for your hard headed child being ateike a steak would've had her left to fend for herself.

Now Fable, I was indifferent to. He finally got the woman he wanted but he still played games with the green eyed jealous monster without a doubt. Then for him to lie about the boat being gone because you would rather the hell in paradise of her being in close proximity and treating you like dog *ish compared to safety? Chile no. Just no. He erked my nerves.

Paris and Salem ... Man Salem had his head right in the moment for pure survival and I was with him. Could he have been a little more affectionate to Paris? Yes. A balance but she pissed me off only concerned with that and not the real safety he was establishing. The fact of staying safe and getting to safety. Like the one time she went to go on a run and screamed soon as she saw one in the car trapped? Immediately no. He needed to go off on her for that one since she put everyone at risk. He realized he needed to be warmer and listen towards the end and she seem to understand the importance of how he protect himself and love one's.


And Kecia .. babygirl get it together. Yes she was riding that ding a ling for a bit but thinking you were going to get on that boat even if the other two weren't in the picture? No girl. She needed to go sooner because I still don't trust her envious self.

Navon I can't even blame. He was over the situation and you know what, he wouldn't be in that situation. seriously.

I have to say this was a good zombie book. I love one that the characters are doing things that we say we wouldn't do but based on a character thought and process it makes sense. The teenager only being concerned by what she wants and not understanding what is happening make sense. The girlfriend falling for the brother because of close proximity and not getting all other needs met, I can see it. The mother and daughter risking everyone because of their instability makes sense. This was truly good and I need part 2 like yesterday

[Tiny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had such high hopes for this one, and it just didn't hit the mark.
⭐️⭐️ I give it 2.5 stars because I enjoyed the concept of how the zombies came to be and the fact that we lost some characters.

Cons:
1. I just couldn't get over the fact that Neveah unalived her dad point blank n was the one to keep her cool n say it's like a zombie show irl. But then later, she sees a classmate and breaks down, almost causing everyone to get got by zombies. It didn't make sense for her character.
2. The main reason for reading so low was because this whole book felt like it was written to bring Niyah and Fable together. Like she was already in a relationship, so what do you do? You kill of her man. But she has a kiss with him, what now? Kill of the kid, duh. And once they were alone, the ending felt rushed. I'm pretty sure it was only 2 days or less after seeing and hearing her daughter get killed, and then she was just good. Happy in a hotel with her past crush. 🤦🏾‍♀️ it was way too contrived.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 start because the ending pissed me off. And Paris was very annoying. Girl zombies chasing yall nobody got time to be gentle and bring you flowers and ish🙄

[AB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully and strategically written

I have never read a book even remotely like this, and this would not be my go to genre, but not an I glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone. I don't think I would've been able to exude even half of the strength of some of these characters if my reality were to become theirs. I couldn't imagine waking up one day and everything I once knew was gone, having to pillage my way through just to get by barely. Dang at every turn and monsters not only on the outside, but within the walls of your living quarters as well. Having to parent a rebellious teen and losing recognition of you once loving partner. Facing realities that may be safer if you kept them thoughts and feelings to yourself. This book has everything from love, to grief, depression, jealousy, and even potential betrayal. Each character has a different story, and they are all so different. 10 star read, and I can't wait for book 2.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was The Walking Dead in the hood, and I loved it. The way the author described the walkers with big chains, Fashion Nova fits, and even one in a muumuu had me cracking up. Now let’s get into these characters because, everybody got on my nerves except Salem. It’s funny because he was portrayed as the tough one, but he had the most common sense when it came to survival. Being hard was his way of protecting himself and his crew.

A lot of the characters were way too in their feelings for the type of crisis they were in. And that love story between Niyah and Fable, I didn't like it. Fable was completely sprung while Niyah and her daughter were out here risking everything. Nevaeh got on my last nerve the entire book. But I will say that once Niyah and Fable finally locked in, she still could’ve paid more attention to her child.

The ending felt rushed, but overall, I still enjoyed it. I want a part two.

[Ju Berrymore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't Miss The Boat!

A zombie apocalypse is underway in Chicago and the virus has infiltrated a group of 8 friends. They work together to stay alive until they learn that the military has a boat on Pier 31 that can get them to safety...but there's only room for 2. The closer they get to the pier, tempers flare and tension rises. What starts out as working together as a family quickly becomes "survival of the fittest" with the women being just as hardcore as the men. This story was an action-packed, horror/thriller, adrenaline rush! With 4 men, 4 women, and a rebellious teenager, there was no shortage of pettiness and drama. These characters took me on an emotional rollercoaster as desperation and jealousy push some to scheme and manipulate their way to survival, but I had a blast reading this book! 10/10

[Shunny Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a zombie apocalypse, urban soap opera!

Set in the South Side of Chicago, where it’s already a daily battle to survive the streets, things get even more intense when the undead start showing up.

Watkins does a solid job of making you feel like the world is falling apart—zombie hordes, running out of food, and trust issues that even “Game of Thrones” would be jealous of.

Action scenes are fast, the stakes feel high, and there’s this whole theme of love, love triangles, spicy scenes, loyalty, and survival. There was one relationship that I 100% side eyed!

This book will keep you on the edge of your seats. It’s not just about fighting zombies—it’s about fighting for love, survival, and who gets to be the main squeeze in the middle of the apocalypse. If you like action, drama, and too much emotional turmoil for your own good, this one’s a winner.

[Queenie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not a big fan of the walking dead or anything zombie related but this was a good book. Very well written and kept me on my toes waiting to see what was gonna happen next. Now those of you who like the walking dead. This is perfect. It’s walking dead but make it an urban soap opera.

This book gave everything it needed to give. Death, Anger, resentment, passion, jealousy and survival.

- risking your chance for survival over a man who doesn’t love you is crazy work.
- being a hard headed teen and refusing to listen to someone whose literally keeping you safe is crazy work.
- sucking dick in the middle of an apocalypse is crazy work.
- being in love with your brothers girl and fighting him over it is crazy work.

But I loved every second of it!

Enjoy!

[Ebony Essence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zombie apocalypse but with an all Black cast

Well sign me up. My first read from Jessica and most certainly not my last. Jessica had me tuned in from the beginning. There was no time wasted to get things started. I hope this never happens for real because the way these people treated each other was like a regular day. Instead of coming together to survive. Kecia was something seriously crazy. However Neveah took the cake. Baby girl had me rooting for her in the beginning and that’s all I’ll say about that. The story was entertaining all the way till the end. Some funny, scary, and tough moments took place. Ready to see what happens next.

[Octavia R Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa! Zombies!

Pier 31 had me on edge the whole time I was reading it! It felt like I was watching an apocalyptic television show that’s how real it felt! I like that there was black romance/relations still going on while trying to find a way to survive. And knowing that there was only one way out with only a certain number of people being able to get out had me nerves bad but in a good way! The ending leaves me to believe there’s a possibility for a part 2? I hope so. I recommend this one yall, Jess had done her big one again!

[BB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more of this!!!

This book was a very entertaining roller coaster. The people that died, I kind of don’t feel sorry for they pretty much put theirself in those situations by being stupid. That Neveah is a piece of work. I need a part 2 even if it’s a short story because there’s still so much left to uncover, like what does the government plan to do about this, and I need an update on the crew lol.

[Tequila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing BooK!

This book was everything! The original cover had my attention instantly making me want to read it even more , through the up and downs my nerves was bad! lol but it was all worth it in the end! I definitely need an update on Salem & Paris plssss let them get a happy ending even if they can’t make it on the other side… and FABEL OMG LOL that mannnn 😭 I love him & Aniya deserved that ending especially after everything she went through, another 10/10 reading 🩷

[Charlotte Bembry · Rating 5 out of 5]

So….

I am not a fan of the walking dead at all, but I actually enjoyed this book. It was well written, flowed well and kept my attention. I was on pins and needles, waiting to read what came next. Naveah and Kecia both got on my nerves and Naveah only had herself to blame. I’m glad that Niyah and Fable made it to safety but was disappointed that the others didn’t. The book left it up in the air for a part two with the way that it ended.

[HeyYallItsMei · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the story. It's a little different than Ms. Watkins typical work but this is right up my alley. I like different. I liked all of the characters even though some drove me crazy. I was gasping and screaming at them through the pages 😂 But the plot and storyline sucked me in and I hope to get more like this every October 😉

[Gabby Penn Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Walking Dead but in the hood, loved it!

I’m a big fan of The Walking Dead, and this was that but in the hood. This book had me on edge and my nerves were shot the whole time. Nevaeh was so hardheaded, a typical teenage girl, she got on what little nerves I had left. The cover initially drew me in, but the writing kept my attention. This was a really great book!

[Ginny Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

But, but, but I need more!

This book has everything a zombie apocalypse needs! Terror, good friends, betrayal, bratty teenager, spicy scenes and oh yeah - decayed, smelly, gory zombies!! I'm spent...but I have to know will there be more? I hope so!

[CiCi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well shoot, I felt like I was in the book running and fighting for my life too. It was 5 stars at 21%, then at 85% in, it was solidified. Off pure adrenaline and storyline, the best book I’ve read so far in 2025.

[Shannon L Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

I was skeptical at first but this book was very well written and I loved the different plot, it was refreshing and I really connected with the characters. Don’t hesitate

[Renee Booktok · Rating 5 out of 5]

if your in a reading slump , read this!

This book was sooooo good! This story is about survival in a zombie apocalypse with an urban fiction flare!
There was action, drama, forbidden love, betrayal, and suspense! I loved every moment!

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

can’t wait

for Season 2! I’m a zombie girl, so this was right up my alley. It was mysterious and entertaining to read this; I thoroughly enjoyed seeing who would make it to the end. And I wasn’t surprised at the outcome lol

[Sara Dorsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh wow!

This should continue. I know it’s like the movies where things just end, but I need more. You’ve always captivated me with your stories.

[KayMays · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

Great story line. I was intrigued from the very beginning. I am looking forward to more from her in this genre

[Jameeka Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessssicaaaa!!!

What happened to the crew ?!?!?! We need some more, please! I always enjoy your books. Idk how many times I read the thug love series 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Tosha Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

must read!!!

This book and all of her books are awesome! This book takes you into a zombie outbreak and makes you think hmmmm.