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Annover Park #2
Not Of My Flesh: A Found Family Post Apocalyptic
The Last of Us meets A Quiet Place & Annhilation in this Found Family Nature Based Post Apocalyptic without Zombies.
After agreeing it’s safer to stick together, Anson takes Quinn & Ava to the one place he swore never to return to. He believes it’s the only safe place left to survive the winter, but when it proves as dangerous as the rest of the world, the unlikely family is out of time. Winter has come, and with it, a whole new host of attacks. Now forced to face an increasingly hostile environment and humans alike, as well as the growing tensions in their own relationships, the trio sets out to find a place they can call home in this apocalypse.
Not Of My Flesh is the second book in the Annover Park Trilogy, a nature-based post apocalyptic. This series is perfect for fans of The Last of Us, Earth Abides, Annihilation, and The Quiet Place series (more so as the series continues). Filled with natural disasters, a sloooooooooow burn age gap romance, and a literally found family, this trilogy will end on minor cliffhangers with unanswered questions until the resolution in book 3.
After agreeing it’s safer to stick together, Anson takes Quinn & Ava to the one place he swore never to return to. He believes it’s the only safe place left to survive the winter, but when it proves as dangerous as the rest of the world, the unlikely family is out of time. Winter has come, and with it, a whole new host of attacks. Now forced to face an increasingly hostile environment and humans alike, as well as the growing tensions in their own relationships, the trio sets out to find a place they can call home in this apocalypse.
Not Of My Flesh is the second book in the Annover Park Trilogy, a nature-based post apocalyptic. This series is perfect for fans of The Last of Us, Earth Abides, Annihilation, and The Quiet Place series (more so as the series continues). Filled with natural disasters, a sloooooooooow burn age gap romance, and a literally found family, this trilogy will end on minor cliffhangers with unanswered questions until the resolution in book 3.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2026
58 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Scarano
24 books529 followersNicole Scarano is an avid fiction reader and film enthusiast; her favorites being dystopian, apocalyptic, fantasy, and action sprinkled with a little romance here and there. She currently lives in Pennsylvania with her rescued pitbull, China (who was part of the inspiration for Kerberos in her first novel, Pomegranate). Nicole's passion for writing consumes her free time, especially when it includes snuggling on her sofa with China. Her love of writing is so strong, she even tattooed a quote from one of her stories on her rib-cage.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 22, 2026
After finishing the first in this series (must be read in order), I was so excited to start this story.
I thought the first 40% of this story killed any momentum Quinn and Anson made in the first book. I was frustrated with the constant back and forth. After this point, the story picked up and became more enjoyable. There were a few 'mother nature attacks' but this story primarily focused on their relationship and their new home. We finally get to learn more about Anson and his background. There were several moments with these characters that I absolutely loved. But it was a trial to get there. I wish this story was trimmed down and possibly was a novella. I think the story was a bit tortured with the grief these characters were working through and not enough hope to balance it until the end.
I am invested in this little family and hope that the third book can deliver a strong finale.
I thought the first 40% of this story killed any momentum Quinn and Anson made in the first book. I was frustrated with the constant back and forth. After this point, the story picked up and became more enjoyable. There were a few 'mother nature attacks' but this story primarily focused on their relationship and their new home. We finally get to learn more about Anson and his background. There were several moments with these characters that I absolutely loved. But it was a trial to get there. I wish this story was trimmed down and possibly was a novella. I think the story was a bit tortured with the grief these characters were working through and not enough hope to balance it until the end.
I am invested in this little family and hope that the third book can deliver a strong finale.
January 23, 2026
This is the second book in the "Annover Park Trilogy", and unfortunately, for me, it didn’t live up to the emotional impact of the first installment.
I went into this book genuinely excited.
I loved book one, the atmosphere, the premise, the quiet intensity of survival mixed with found family.
This sequel had all the right ingredients on paper: a hostile, nature-driven apocalypse, constant danger, a slow-burn romance, and the continuation of characters I already cared about.
But the execution made this one hard to get through.
The biggest issue for me was Quinn, the female lead.
While I understand what the author was aiming for, grief, trauma, youth, survivor’s guilt, her characterization became exhausting rather than emotionally complex.
She spends a large portion of the book complaining, doubting every decision, regretting adopting Ava, then regretting regretting it… over and over again.
At some point, it stops feeling raw and starts feeling repetitive.
Yes, she’s only 21 and has lost her family, but that doesn’t make her particularly enjoyable or easy to connect with as a reader.
She does improve toward the end, but it takes years (literally) and a lot of patience to get there.
Anson, on the other hand, works better as a character.
He’s not warm or easy to like, but he feels solid and believable.
Learning more about his past in this book helps contextualize his behavior and emotional distance. He evolves, but he doesn’t fundamentally change and that feels realistic in a world that has been actively trying to wipe humanity out for five years.
One of the book’s strongest points is the constant action.
There are very few dull or stagnant moments, which helps push the story forward even when the character dynamics feel frustrating.
I also really enjoyed the idea of the trio choosing an abandoned zoo as their potential home, strange, symbolic, and fitting for a world where nature has reclaimed control.
The emotional payoff comes late, but when Quinn and Anson finally acknowledge their feelings and fully embrace being a family, it does work.
It just takes far too long to get there.
Overall, it isn’t a bad book, it just didn’t meet the expectations set by its predecessor.
I finished it feeling more tired than fulfilled, which is disappointing given how much potential this story and this world have.
I truly hope the final book delivers the emotional depth and resolution this trilogy deserves.
I went into this book genuinely excited.
I loved book one, the atmosphere, the premise, the quiet intensity of survival mixed with found family.
This sequel had all the right ingredients on paper: a hostile, nature-driven apocalypse, constant danger, a slow-burn romance, and the continuation of characters I already cared about.
But the execution made this one hard to get through.
The biggest issue for me was Quinn, the female lead.
While I understand what the author was aiming for, grief, trauma, youth, survivor’s guilt, her characterization became exhausting rather than emotionally complex.
She spends a large portion of the book complaining, doubting every decision, regretting adopting Ava, then regretting regretting it… over and over again.
At some point, it stops feeling raw and starts feeling repetitive.
Yes, she’s only 21 and has lost her family, but that doesn’t make her particularly enjoyable or easy to connect with as a reader.
She does improve toward the end, but it takes years (literally) and a lot of patience to get there.
Anson, on the other hand, works better as a character.
He’s not warm or easy to like, but he feels solid and believable.
Learning more about his past in this book helps contextualize his behavior and emotional distance. He evolves, but he doesn’t fundamentally change and that feels realistic in a world that has been actively trying to wipe humanity out for five years.
One of the book’s strongest points is the constant action.
There are very few dull or stagnant moments, which helps push the story forward even when the character dynamics feel frustrating.
I also really enjoyed the idea of the trio choosing an abandoned zoo as their potential home, strange, symbolic, and fitting for a world where nature has reclaimed control.
The emotional payoff comes late, but when Quinn and Anson finally acknowledge their feelings and fully embrace being a family, it does work.
It just takes far too long to get there.
Overall, it isn’t a bad book, it just didn’t meet the expectations set by its predecessor.
I finished it feeling more tired than fulfilled, which is disappointing given how much potential this story and this world have.
I truly hope the final book delivers the emotional depth and resolution this trilogy deserves.
January 25, 2026
he built her a freaking dance studio in the middle of an apocalypse? and killed to protect her and their daughter? and you expect me not to swoon over anson ford 🫠🥵🥰❤️🔥
February 9, 2026
4.25/5 I’m really enjoying this series and can’t wait for the final in the trilogy! I loved the development of the relationship between Anson and Quinn. I felt like parts were a bit repetitive but not necessarily in a bad way and I wish the time jumps had been a little more fluid. Like having one jump in the final 1-2 chapters of the book felt a little abrupt but overall really loved!
January 26, 2026
First 5⭐️ of the year! (It’s really for the series as a whole though!)
March 14, 2026
SUMMARY:
After agreeing it’s safer to stick together, Anson takes Quinn and Ava to the one place he swore never to return to. He believes it’s the only safe place left to survive the winter, but when it proves as dangerous as the rest of the world, the unlikely family is out of time. Winter has come, and with it, a whole new host of attacks. Now forced to face an increasingly hostile environment and humans alike, as well as the growing tensions in their own relationships, the trio sets out to find a place they can call home in this apocalypse.
REVIEW:
Not of My Flesh is the second book in Nicole Scarano's Annover Park trilogy which picks up right where We Are Not Blood had ended on a cliffhanger. Anson, Quinn and baby Ava are traveling to Anson's father's cabin that is off the grid with no technology that the earth thinks is a threat to itself. But when they get there a group of men have already taken it over with Anson having to kill several in order to get the girls out of there alive. They are able to find a safe haven when Quinn remembers the Annover Zoo that her father took her to as a child when they drive by a sign with the name of the zoo. They find the place overgrown and abandoned with no new technology but is the place that throughout the next five years they make into a home with a garden and several farm animals that help them survive.
When Anson, Quinn and Ava finally found the Annover Zoo that Quinn's father use to take her to visit as a child was an emotionally exciting moment as it gave this found family the possibility of having a safe haven to call home in this post apocalyptic world that is filled with violent people and mother nature. It was a very scary moment when on a run Quinn and three year old Ava fall into the mutated killer vines and terrified Anson does everything he can to save them both which changes the dynamic between Quinn and Anson. When Quinn gets speared in the leg by a mutated vine Anson cuts deeply into her leg to get it out which leads to his journey with Ava to a hospital for medicine that was an emotionally scary and draining moment as he had to kill many savage men in front of Ava to keep them alive to get home.
Nicole Scarano has delivered yet another addictive age gap found family slow burn post apocalyptic Sci-Fi romance that had me captivated from start to end. I absolutely loved the growing relationship between Quinn and Anson though she has to break down his strong walls as it is the only way she can get him to actually be apart of the family they are trying to build together. I loved the mother daughter relationship between Quinn and Ava since they both lost their biological mothers even though Ava is too young to know anything about the world before so she just feels the love that Quinn gives her. The relationship between Anson and Ava isn't as strong since he has always kept his distance because of his past experiences from his childhood and the only other mother and child he had when he was younger. It was amazing when Quinn was finally able to get through Anson so that he would finally give into the strong loving feelings that they both shared for each other which will make their family all the much stronger for the uncertain future they have before themselves. With that unexpected cliffhanger ending I have to say that I am anxiously waiting for when the third and final book finally releases to find out how everything will end for Anson, Quinn and Ava.
After agreeing it’s safer to stick together, Anson takes Quinn and Ava to the one place he swore never to return to. He believes it’s the only safe place left to survive the winter, but when it proves as dangerous as the rest of the world, the unlikely family is out of time. Winter has come, and with it, a whole new host of attacks. Now forced to face an increasingly hostile environment and humans alike, as well as the growing tensions in their own relationships, the trio sets out to find a place they can call home in this apocalypse.
REVIEW:
Not of My Flesh is the second book in Nicole Scarano's Annover Park trilogy which picks up right where We Are Not Blood had ended on a cliffhanger. Anson, Quinn and baby Ava are traveling to Anson's father's cabin that is off the grid with no technology that the earth thinks is a threat to itself. But when they get there a group of men have already taken it over with Anson having to kill several in order to get the girls out of there alive. They are able to find a safe haven when Quinn remembers the Annover Zoo that her father took her to as a child when they drive by a sign with the name of the zoo. They find the place overgrown and abandoned with no new technology but is the place that throughout the next five years they make into a home with a garden and several farm animals that help them survive.
When Anson, Quinn and Ava finally found the Annover Zoo that Quinn's father use to take her to visit as a child was an emotionally exciting moment as it gave this found family the possibility of having a safe haven to call home in this post apocalyptic world that is filled with violent people and mother nature. It was a very scary moment when on a run Quinn and three year old Ava fall into the mutated killer vines and terrified Anson does everything he can to save them both which changes the dynamic between Quinn and Anson. When Quinn gets speared in the leg by a mutated vine Anson cuts deeply into her leg to get it out which leads to his journey with Ava to a hospital for medicine that was an emotionally scary and draining moment as he had to kill many savage men in front of Ava to keep them alive to get home.
Nicole Scarano has delivered yet another addictive age gap found family slow burn post apocalyptic Sci-Fi romance that had me captivated from start to end. I absolutely loved the growing relationship between Quinn and Anson though she has to break down his strong walls as it is the only way she can get him to actually be apart of the family they are trying to build together. I loved the mother daughter relationship between Quinn and Ava since they both lost their biological mothers even though Ava is too young to know anything about the world before so she just feels the love that Quinn gives her. The relationship between Anson and Ava isn't as strong since he has always kept his distance because of his past experiences from his childhood and the only other mother and child he had when he was younger. It was amazing when Quinn was finally able to get through Anson so that he would finally give into the strong loving feelings that they both shared for each other which will make their family all the much stronger for the uncertain future they have before themselves. With that unexpected cliffhanger ending I have to say that I am anxiously waiting for when the third and final book finally releases to find out how everything will end for Anson, Quinn and Ava.
February 2, 2026
I AM LOVING THIS SERIES!!
There isn’t a dull moment in this new world controlled by Mother Nature!! Learning to respect nature and live in harmony with it has to be difficult to get used to, but when it comes down to life or death you find a way! Anson, who was raised by a mean and abusive father, learned to live this way as a boy. His father believed nature would turn on mankind one day for the abuse she has taken from them. Anson just thought his father had been crazy, until now. So Anson helps to teach Quinn how to do this. Quinn became a mother the day everything fell apart. She was running and heard the baby crying in the back seat of a car, and the baby’s mother was dead in the driver’s seat. She risked her life to say the baby when Anson saw they weren’t going to make it in time he grabbed them both and got them to safety. This is how book one started, and by the end of the first book they were a family of sorts. Now in book two they struggle to live, which isn’t easy with plants attacking and acid snow falling. Ava, the baby, is growing up fast and by the end of book two she is five years old. Quinn is a great mother, trying to live up to the way her mother was with her. She’s still dealing with the fact that her mom and dad are dead. But she tries to remain positive for Ava and for Anson. Anson doesn’t really know how to be part of a normal family and he pushes them away by remaining stand-offish. This is hard on Quinn, but even harder on Anson.
They deal with many horrors and dangers. At times they come close to death. The pacing is really good, there’s never a dull moment. I love the characters, especially Anson because he is such a complex character. But we see their growth throughout the story. I’m worried about the ending and what is going to happen, and I’m really looking forward to book three! This Apocalyptic Survival Horror is definitely a favorite series of mine! Of course I love everything that Scarano writes!!
There isn’t a dull moment in this new world controlled by Mother Nature!! Learning to respect nature and live in harmony with it has to be difficult to get used to, but when it comes down to life or death you find a way! Anson, who was raised by a mean and abusive father, learned to live this way as a boy. His father believed nature would turn on mankind one day for the abuse she has taken from them. Anson just thought his father had been crazy, until now. So Anson helps to teach Quinn how to do this. Quinn became a mother the day everything fell apart. She was running and heard the baby crying in the back seat of a car, and the baby’s mother was dead in the driver’s seat. She risked her life to say the baby when Anson saw they weren’t going to make it in time he grabbed them both and got them to safety. This is how book one started, and by the end of the first book they were a family of sorts. Now in book two they struggle to live, which isn’t easy with plants attacking and acid snow falling. Ava, the baby, is growing up fast and by the end of book two she is five years old. Quinn is a great mother, trying to live up to the way her mother was with her. She’s still dealing with the fact that her mom and dad are dead. But she tries to remain positive for Ava and for Anson. Anson doesn’t really know how to be part of a normal family and he pushes them away by remaining stand-offish. This is hard on Quinn, but even harder on Anson.
They deal with many horrors and dangers. At times they come close to death. The pacing is really good, there’s never a dull moment. I love the characters, especially Anson because he is such a complex character. But we see their growth throughout the story. I’m worried about the ending and what is going to happen, and I’m really looking forward to book three! This Apocalyptic Survival Horror is definitely a favorite series of mine! Of course I love everything that Scarano writes!!
January 30, 2026
Wow! This was worth the wait! 💗🙏🏻✨
I have been waiting a long time for this second book, and it was absolutely worth it. This story is everything I want in an end-of-the-world, apocalyptic setting. I don’t enjoy paranormal apocalypses with zombies or vampires, so I loved the concept of nature fighting back against humanity instead—it felt fresh, meaningful, and haunting in the best way. The characters completely stole my heart. Quinn’s growth is beautifully written as she transforms from a frightened college student into a strong, mature young woman and a devoted mother figure to baby Ava. Anson is exactly the kind of tortured, protective hero I love—strong, guarded, and carrying so much trauma, yet slowly learning to let someone in. Watching his walls come down with Quinn was incredibly satisfying. The slow-burn, age-gap romance is perfection, filled with longing and emotional tension, and the intimate scenes are vague and easy to skip, which I personally appreciated. Add in baby Ava (my absolute favorite), and this book had everything. I already can’t wait for the final installment—even though waiting until next year feels impossible. Magnificently written and deeply emotional.
I have been waiting a long time for this second book, and it was absolutely worth it. This story is everything I want in an end-of-the-world, apocalyptic setting. I don’t enjoy paranormal apocalypses with zombies or vampires, so I loved the concept of nature fighting back against humanity instead—it felt fresh, meaningful, and haunting in the best way. The characters completely stole my heart. Quinn’s growth is beautifully written as she transforms from a frightened college student into a strong, mature young woman and a devoted mother figure to baby Ava. Anson is exactly the kind of tortured, protective hero I love—strong, guarded, and carrying so much trauma, yet slowly learning to let someone in. Watching his walls come down with Quinn was incredibly satisfying. The slow-burn, age-gap romance is perfection, filled with longing and emotional tension, and the intimate scenes are vague and easy to skip, which I personally appreciated. Add in baby Ava (my absolute favorite), and this book had everything. I already can’t wait for the final installment—even though waiting until next year feels impossible. Magnificently written and deeply emotional.
February 11, 2026
OHMYGOD
This series is everything I didn’t know I needed. It is so perfectly well done. Mother Nature terrifyingly reclaiming the earth, the slowest of deliciously slow burns. It’s all so realistically done. Timelines, relationships, fears. All so real.
The character growth!! Quinn helping Anson work through his trauma and triggers and showing him he’s worthy of love. Platonic or otherwise. Anson has very real fears and PTSD and it’s not just some silly backstory to create conflict between characters and move the story along. It actually MAKES SENSE for the story and is devastating and you understand where he’s coming from. It’s not just miscommunication and frustration. It’s real and painful and terrifying. And it doesn’t just instantly go away and he’s healed, they are constantly working through it together.
AHHH I’m so glad I picked these up, I love them more than I ever thought I would.
There is no terrible cliffhanger, just set up for another book and I would have deemed her my new favorite author based on that alone. BUT THIS SERIES IS EVERYTHING. It’s painful to have to force myself to go to sleep when I just want to read through the night. 😭
Can’t wait for the next one!!
This series is everything I didn’t know I needed. It is so perfectly well done. Mother Nature terrifyingly reclaiming the earth, the slowest of deliciously slow burns. It’s all so realistically done. Timelines, relationships, fears. All so real.
The character growth!! Quinn helping Anson work through his trauma and triggers and showing him he’s worthy of love. Platonic or otherwise. Anson has very real fears and PTSD and it’s not just some silly backstory to create conflict between characters and move the story along. It actually MAKES SENSE for the story and is devastating and you understand where he’s coming from. It’s not just miscommunication and frustration. It’s real and painful and terrifying. And it doesn’t just instantly go away and he’s healed, they are constantly working through it together.
AHHH I’m so glad I picked these up, I love them more than I ever thought I would.
There is no terrible cliffhanger, just set up for another book and I would have deemed her my new favorite author based on that alone. BUT THIS SERIES IS EVERYTHING. It’s painful to have to force myself to go to sleep when I just want to read through the night. 😭
Can’t wait for the next one!!
February 3, 2026
I'm not the one crying, you are. Did I cry? More than once but did I read it in one setting? You betcha. Honestly I was about to give up on this book especially when Quinn almost died? This book was really good I couldn't put it down, the action, the love, the survival and their little family imperfectly perfect. I think the character development took a long time but It was worth it. I wish I could reread this over again that's how much I liked it, it was post apocalyptic meets survival, meets mutations and natural and unnatural disasters. It doesn't have a lot of romance which is alright because the action makes up for it and the survival. I just wish the book was shorter and the happier parts longer because these characters had been through it, a lot of pain and trauma especially Anson give the man a break because he was truly broken and beautiful, even if he felt unworthy of Quinn he kept his best trying to earn her affection and honestly sometimes I think he was more worthy of her than any man.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2026
Dnf 83%
I liked book 1.
This book.... yeah, complete let down.
It seems the author ran out of ideas in book 1.
Quinn was so very annoying in this book. She whined constantly, threw tantrums to get her way like a toddler, and did stupid, stupid shit that put herself and Ava in danger. Quinn being stupid is what drove every plot line in this book.
I gave up. These two are not meant for each other. They're not compatible. And this book spent so much time highlighting that Ava how childish Quinn was, emphasizing the age gap and how Anson saw her as a child.... it was just wrong. I was absolutely convinced that they were miles apart. I'm not convinced that they're in love at all.
The odd pacing didn't help. Several years went by here, with so much happening off the page in that time frame.
This was just not done well. Quinn and Anson barely get by, yet somehow there's a dozen raiders left to get obliterated for a slice of rushed "action." I don't know what happened between book 1 and this.... but this wasn't what I was expecting at all.
I liked book 1.
This book.... yeah, complete let down.
It seems the author ran out of ideas in book 1.
Quinn was so very annoying in this book. She whined constantly, threw tantrums to get her way like a toddler, and did stupid, stupid shit that put herself and Ava in danger. Quinn being stupid is what drove every plot line in this book.
I gave up. These two are not meant for each other. They're not compatible. And this book spent so much time highlighting that Ava how childish Quinn was, emphasizing the age gap and how Anson saw her as a child.... it was just wrong. I was absolutely convinced that they were miles apart. I'm not convinced that they're in love at all.
The odd pacing didn't help. Several years went by here, with so much happening off the page in that time frame.
This was just not done well. Quinn and Anson barely get by, yet somehow there's a dozen raiders left to get obliterated for a slice of rushed "action." I don't know what happened between book 1 and this.... but this wasn't what I was expecting at all.
February 5, 2026
6⭐️ This series has stolen a part of my heart, I don’t think I can wait for the third. I’m going to have to do a reread in the next few months because holy moly. Quinn, Anson and Ava have become such a beautiful found family and watching these two grow into something so solid and strong has been an honor. I loved the slow burn, the emotional growth and most of all the true found family that these three built. I will now be adding Nicole’s other works into my regular reads because holy sh*t.
Favorite quote: ““Goodnight, kiddo.” Anson ran a hand down her arm, his fingers coming to rest on the strawberry-shaped birthmark on her forearm. It had gotten bigger over the years, but he’d simply planted strawberries in the garden, telling Ava that they’d magically started growing because of her. Quinn loved that Ava believed him. The world might have ended, but there was still magic to be found.”
Favorite quote: ““Goodnight, kiddo.” Anson ran a hand down her arm, his fingers coming to rest on the strawberry-shaped birthmark on her forearm. It had gotten bigger over the years, but he’d simply planted strawberries in the garden, telling Ava that they’d magically started growing because of her. Quinn loved that Ava believed him. The world might have ended, but there was still magic to be found.”
January 27, 2026
i had to wait a hot minute for this second edition to be released in kindle and then when it was i had to wait again to review it on Goodreads as it wasn't added to the authors list.
But finally its added and so i will leave my review. our characters finally get a home of their own and start to settle down more in their relationship in this read, turning strangers into a family instead of just surviving is not easy in the middle of an apocalypse. I will say this book did seem to fall down the cursed middle book syndrome, where the beginning is good but it kind of drags the drama out for the third book. So honestly not too much happens after the 40% mark.
overall it was a pretty average read this time around and dare i say you could atop reading here and it wouldn't be a bad ending for our characters. Book three might be upset if we ignore it but would I? I'll have to think about it.
But finally its added and so i will leave my review. our characters finally get a home of their own and start to settle down more in their relationship in this read, turning strangers into a family instead of just surviving is not easy in the middle of an apocalypse. I will say this book did seem to fall down the cursed middle book syndrome, where the beginning is good but it kind of drags the drama out for the third book. So honestly not too much happens after the 40% mark.
overall it was a pretty average read this time around and dare i say you could atop reading here and it wouldn't be a bad ending for our characters. Book three might be upset if we ignore it but would I? I'll have to think about it.
January 21, 2026
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so much so that I purchased a hard copy immediately. And I wanted desperately to love this one too, but it fell flat for me. The relationship between Anson and Quinn felt forced, and the dialogue between them made me cringe sometimes. I loved these characters in the first book, but was so disappointed in their interactions in this one, that I almost didn't finish. But I pushed through, just so that I could see how their story played out. There were so many hills and valleys in the pacing of this story, that it was difficult at times for me to want to continue. I did like the characters and their internal dialogue, and I think that's what kept me intrigued, but I don't think I'll be continuing with this series.
January 29, 2026
Quinn really tests me. Yet again, she guilts Anson into following her script. She spent this entire book bitching at him for whatever reason, even blaming him for her actions that endangered them. To Anson, she can do no wrong, but the girl is a shrew. In a perilous situation that necessitated silence, Ava continue to chatter to herself and Quinn didn’t quiet her. When Anson chastised Ava to be quiet Quinn chewed him out defending Ava’s young age. After bitching him out, Quinn told Ava to play their ‘quiet game’ and Ava went silent. WhyTF didn’t Quinn just do that to begin with??? She knew how imperative silence was at the time, yet she let Ava babble on until Anson lost his patience. That’s just one singular example of why I dislike Quinn.
January 19, 2026
Absolutely phenomenal continuation of the series. Picking up seamlessly from Book 1, this installment is impossible to put down—I was up at 3 a.m. just to start reading. Anson and Quinn continue raising Ava as the Earth itself remains a relentless threat, raising the stakes even higher. Tense, emotional, and wildly addictive, this is now one of my all-time favorite dystopian series. I cannot wait for Book 3.
January 20, 2026
5 Stars
- Age Gap (21/36)
- Slow Burn
This series IS EVERYTHING! I COULD NOT put the book down, and I can't wait for BOOK3.
Nicole created a world and took off with it! She was able to bring in all aspects of the end of the world and the characters, and make it beautiful. I usually don't like Slow Burn, but I LOVE IT for this series. I think this is exactly what it needs. I can't wait for Book 3 and the romance and story it will bring.
- Age Gap (21/36)
- Slow Burn
This series IS EVERYTHING! I COULD NOT put the book down, and I can't wait for BOOK3.
Nicole created a world and took off with it! She was able to bring in all aspects of the end of the world and the characters, and make it beautiful. I usually don't like Slow Burn, but I LOVE IT for this series. I think this is exactly what it needs. I can't wait for Book 3 and the romance and story it will bring.
February 22, 2026
The spice has finally arrived in the series!
I have been enjoying the series very much. My big negative would be that the FL cries a lot… I mean a ridiculous amount… possibly an annoying amount.
Granted everyone she knows has died and the world as she knew it is over but still, buckle up buttercup.
Aside from that I REALLY enjoy the unique take of the end of the world. I would definitely recommend.
I have been enjoying the series very much. My big negative would be that the FL cries a lot… I mean a ridiculous amount… possibly an annoying amount.
Granted everyone she knows has died and the world as she knew it is over but still, buckle up buttercup.
Aside from that I REALLY enjoy the unique take of the end of the world. I would definitely recommend.
February 24, 2026
4.5⭐️
This was such a good bingeable book that kept me engaged & rooting for Quinn, Anson, & Ava. The plot twists were great and I am so excited for book 3 to come!
📖: 3rd person
🌶️: very vague sex scene mentioned ch 18 (nothing explicit, I did not skip & y'all know I don't read spice)
🤬: a couple minor swear words (h-ll, d-mn), a couple uses of Gods name in vain (omg)
⚠️: typical post-apocalyptic content
This was such a good bingeable book that kept me engaged & rooting for Quinn, Anson, & Ava. The plot twists were great and I am so excited for book 3 to come!
📖: 3rd person
🌶️: very vague sex scene mentioned ch 18 (nothing explicit, I did not skip & y'all know I don't read spice)
🤬: a couple minor swear words (h-ll, d-mn), a couple uses of Gods name in vain (omg)
⚠️: typical post-apocalyptic content
January 19, 2026
no zombies or EMP
This was not your typical apocalyptic read but for me it was not so much the story as it was the characters. Anson, Quinn and Ava were what made this such a great read. Quinn’s love for Ava was so beautiful. The author came up with a unique story and beautiful main characters that you fell in love with.
This was not your typical apocalyptic read but for me it was not so much the story as it was the characters. Anson, Quinn and Ava were what made this such a great read. Quinn’s love for Ava was so beautiful. The author came up with a unique story and beautiful main characters that you fell in love with.
January 19, 2026
Getting to see Quinn and Anson's journey through the apocalypse was fabulous! The pacing of action packed moments versus emotional moments was on point and I just love how Quinn, Anson, and Ava became the sweetest little family! Seeing them get to find some normalcy and grow was perfect and I'm keen to see where the next book takes us!
January 21, 2026
This is one of the best reads so far. Gives that old school writing vibe that you can only find in books pre-AI/chatgpt. It’s dark and angsty, the type you think about it for hours. And usually this genre is supposed to have the kind of hopelessness vibe but here it’s very well done. I am really expecting the third book for tomorrow 🌾🌱🍅
January 27, 2026
Book one walked so this could ruuunnnn. I absolutely love Anson’s character arc. He has so much trauma in his past and the way Quinn is so patient with him 🥹 I would say overall this book focuses more on the relationships than the actual world but it still has its fair share of heart pounding moments! I’ve really enjoyed the change of genre and can’t wait for the final book to come out!
February 6, 2026
Attention! Review not for the eyes of the author or lovers of this book.
How do I start?
First, I love, LOVE, this characters. To the point I have to take a break from the violence mother Earth throws at them.
But then, we have the triggers for the violence. For 3 times in a row, Quinn loses her personality and demands to expose herself and her daughter to danger, which forces Anson to give in. Then there was the tomatoes, again...
I'm not mad about it, since this book was dedicated to the author's mother that died in 2025 (yes, while she was writing this book). So, the fact that she wrote this is incredible and I wish she didn't had to do anything but morn.
However, by the 90% of this book I decided to end it and set it as read, not just the book but the series too. The romance, that finally took shape by 70-80%, was finally cemented and gave me an opportunity to imagine Quinn, Anson and beautiful daughter Ava forever in love and in peace. And this is how I will forever picture them. Love them.
How do I start?
First, I love, LOVE, this characters. To the point I have to take a break from the violence mother Earth throws at them.
But then, we have the triggers for the violence. For 3 times in a row, Quinn loses her personality and demands to expose herself and her daughter to danger, which forces Anson to give in. Then there was the tomatoes, again...
I'm not mad about it, since this book was dedicated to the author's mother that died in 2025 (yes, while she was writing this book). So, the fact that she wrote this is incredible and I wish she didn't had to do anything but morn.
However, by the 90% of this book I decided to end it and set it as read, not just the book but the series too. The romance, that finally took shape by 70-80%, was finally cemented and gave me an opportunity to imagine Quinn, Anson and beautiful daughter Ava forever in love and in peace. And this is how I will forever picture them. Love them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2026
YES
WE ARE NOT BLOOD was read 3-4 times in 2025. I downloaded NOT OF MY FLESH immediately (Jan. 16 2026) and inhaled it. I can’t wait for the 3rd book! Just as horrific as the first book but I truly loved reading the growth of these characters.
WE ARE NOT BLOOD was read 3-4 times in 2025. I downloaded NOT OF MY FLESH immediately (Jan. 16 2026) and inhaled it. I can’t wait for the 3rd book! Just as horrific as the first book but I truly loved reading the growth of these characters.
February 20, 2026
Usually I deplore the use of time jumps but it was used beautifully. I love the family dynamic that has grown between complete strangers and how they have become Inseparable. Making their home in a small paradise they created in a desolate earth that wants humanity gone. I need book 3
March 2, 2026
Why is it that I find something to binge, only to realize the final book isn't available for 10 months 😭The slow burn finally turns into something more and I have to wait till January to get this finale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2026
Really interesting
I enjoyed the main characters and their relationship. I also found it interesting how the world fell apart. How the world fought back.
I enjoyed the main characters and their relationship. I also found it interesting how the world fell apart. How the world fought back.
January 18, 2026
Slightly better than book 1 but still firmly believe this could have been one book. (Including the upcoming 3rd book of the series that I’m not convinced I’ll read)
January 23, 2026
Oddly such a comfort series
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