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Say You'll Never Let Go: A Post Apocalyptic Romance
In all the time she’s been searching for Wade, she never imagined she’d find him like this…
Kara has spent the last six years fighting the infected in the ruins of a broken world, searching for the one person who ever truly understood her. Wade was her only friend growing up in the foster system, the one steady thing in a life built on instability. When the world collapsed, she thought she’d lost him for good until the enemy dumped him at her doorstep, barely conscious and scarred from years in captivity.
Helping him heal would be a challenge even if she weren’t still in love with him.
Wade is near feral after years of isolation. His memories are fractured, the days before his abduction reduced to shadows and ghosts. But the woman standing in front of him now isn’t a ghost. Kara is real, and even in his broken mind, she’s always been the center of it. In the quiet moments between survival and recovery, long-buried feelings rise to the surface.
Kara and Wade must decide if they should risk everything for revenge against the man who destroyed Wade’s life, or leave it all behind and chase the hope of a new beginning out west.
Say You'll Never Let Go is the second book in the Flowers From Ashes series, but can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Kara has spent the last six years fighting the infected in the ruins of a broken world, searching for the one person who ever truly understood her. Wade was her only friend growing up in the foster system, the one steady thing in a life built on instability. When the world collapsed, she thought she’d lost him for good until the enemy dumped him at her doorstep, barely conscious and scarred from years in captivity.
Helping him heal would be a challenge even if she weren’t still in love with him.
Wade is near feral after years of isolation. His memories are fractured, the days before his abduction reduced to shadows and ghosts. But the woman standing in front of him now isn’t a ghost. Kara is real, and even in his broken mind, she’s always been the center of it. In the quiet moments between survival and recovery, long-buried feelings rise to the surface.
Kara and Wade must decide if they should risk everything for revenge against the man who destroyed Wade’s life, or leave it all behind and chase the hope of a new beginning out west.
Say You'll Never Let Go is the second book in the Flowers From Ashes series, but can be enjoyed as a standalone.
438 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2025
89 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
July 13, 2025
FMC - Kara: 5 🌟
MMC - Wade: 5 🌟
SPICE - 🌶 🌶
LIKES: This was a very interesting twist on a romance book, and I really enjoyed it! There is a lot of depth to the main characters, so much more than just pining and a "it's always been you" kind of friendship-turned-relationship. There's a lot of emotional and mental trauma that Kara and Wade both experienced, but in different ways. And so not only is it a story of 2 friends finally finding their way to each other romantically after so many years, but it's about these characters who are so loyal and patient and understanding, and taking the time to help each other heal, all within this zombie apocalypse setting
DISLIKES: I know that the zombie outbreak isn't the main focus of the story, but the plot was surprisingly low-key for that kind of setting. It had a few close call moments, but I would've liked a bit more thrill to the story. I also thought that, while it was a real healing moment for Kara and Wade to decide to put Silas behind them and just move on instead of seeking revenge, that whole plotline then just felt a bit anticlimactic. But overall, I still enjoyed it!
Thank you to Love Notes PR and author Anna Callaway for the opportunity to read this ARC 💕
MMC - Wade: 5 🌟
SPICE - 🌶 🌶
LIKES: This was a very interesting twist on a romance book, and I really enjoyed it! There is a lot of depth to the main characters, so much more than just pining and a "it's always been you" kind of friendship-turned-relationship. There's a lot of emotional and mental trauma that Kara and Wade both experienced, but in different ways. And so not only is it a story of 2 friends finally finding their way to each other romantically after so many years, but it's about these characters who are so loyal and patient and understanding, and taking the time to help each other heal, all within this zombie apocalypse setting
DISLIKES: I know that the zombie outbreak isn't the main focus of the story, but the plot was surprisingly low-key for that kind of setting. It had a few close call moments, but I would've liked a bit more thrill to the story. I also thought that, while it was a real healing moment for Kara and Wade to decide to put Silas behind them and just move on instead of seeking revenge, that whole plotline then just felt a bit anticlimactic. But overall, I still enjoyed it!
Thank you to Love Notes PR and author Anna Callaway for the opportunity to read this ARC 💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2025
4.5 🌷
There's more or less spoilers in this review.
“I sleep better when I’m close to you,” she whispers. He may have lost the contest earlier and even failed to kiss the girl, but it still feels like he won.
- Zombie
- Trauma bonding/healing
- Touch him and die
- Childhood friends
- Hea
- TW : mention of s*xual assault, cannibalism, corpse
Okay so, why didn’t we get a reunion between Cole and Wade?? Please, that was the one thing I was really waiting for. Not getting to read that is honestly the only negative point I have about this book.
Aside from that, I absolutely loved this read. I thought I wouldn’t be able to get into it as much as I did with the first book in the series, but I was completely wrong.
The story was truly captivating, and I loved meeting Wade and Kara—watching them reunite, slowly learn to trust each other, and open up was beautiful.
The book is well-paced, nothing felt unnecessary.
I think I would’ve liked to see Wade and Kara get their revenge, but the fact that they chose peace and a chance to live instead is just as powerful.
I think I’ll definitely read it again.
— Quotes
“Where do you want to be?” she asks, so sweetly that he can’t help but answer with the truth. “Here. With you.”
“I’m so fucking glad I still have you,” he whispers. “That’s all I need.” “Always. You always have me.”
“I used to dream of you when they had me. You’d come to me just like this. Felt as real as you do now.” He’s already lost a few of his own tears to the valley of her breasts, and she joins him with a sniffle. “Is that why you thought I wasn’t real?” He nods. “Stay with me? Just a little while longer?” “Always.”
She’s in bed with the man who has always felt like her soulmate, and her instinct is to curl into him and nuzzle her face against his chest, tossing a lazy leg over his thigh in a move she’s never willingly done in her life that feels like second nature.
He used to be so fucking good at this sort of thing. Now, he wonders if he’ll ever truly feel like himself again, or if he’s destined to be some sort of hybrid model. All he knows for sure is that his courting skills are more than rusty, but Operation Woo Kara has officially begun, and she hasn’t shut him down yet.
“I love you,” she says quickly, because nothing else matters now. “I’ve loved you since the very beginning. I don’t want to waste another second without you knowing.”
“So ah… does this mean you’re my girl now?” he asks carefully, hating his own uncertainty. She assumes it’s a tease and throws one right back. “Well, I hope so, considering you’ve been face-first in my—” “Start talking like that again and we ain’t gonna get much further into this hike.”
There's more or less spoilers in this review.
“I sleep better when I’m close to you,” she whispers. He may have lost the contest earlier and even failed to kiss the girl, but it still feels like he won.
- Zombie
- Trauma bonding/healing
- Touch him and die
- Childhood friends
- Hea
- TW : mention of s*xual assault, cannibalism, corpse
Okay so, why didn’t we get a reunion between Cole and Wade?? Please, that was the one thing I was really waiting for. Not getting to read that is honestly the only negative point I have about this book.
Aside from that, I absolutely loved this read. I thought I wouldn’t be able to get into it as much as I did with the first book in the series, but I was completely wrong.
The story was truly captivating, and I loved meeting Wade and Kara—watching them reunite, slowly learn to trust each other, and open up was beautiful.
The book is well-paced, nothing felt unnecessary.
I think I would’ve liked to see Wade and Kara get their revenge, but the fact that they chose peace and a chance to live instead is just as powerful.
I think I’ll definitely read it again.
— Quotes
“Where do you want to be?” she asks, so sweetly that he can’t help but answer with the truth. “Here. With you.”
“I’m so fucking glad I still have you,” he whispers. “That’s all I need.” “Always. You always have me.”
“I used to dream of you when they had me. You’d come to me just like this. Felt as real as you do now.” He’s already lost a few of his own tears to the valley of her breasts, and she joins him with a sniffle. “Is that why you thought I wasn’t real?” He nods. “Stay with me? Just a little while longer?” “Always.”
She’s in bed with the man who has always felt like her soulmate, and her instinct is to curl into him and nuzzle her face against his chest, tossing a lazy leg over his thigh in a move she’s never willingly done in her life that feels like second nature.
He used to be so fucking good at this sort of thing. Now, he wonders if he’ll ever truly feel like himself again, or if he’s destined to be some sort of hybrid model. All he knows for sure is that his courting skills are more than rusty, but Operation Woo Kara has officially begun, and she hasn’t shut him down yet.
“I love you,” she says quickly, because nothing else matters now. “I’ve loved you since the very beginning. I don’t want to waste another second without you knowing.”
“So ah… does this mean you’re my girl now?” he asks carefully, hating his own uncertainty. She assumes it’s a tease and throws one right back. “Well, I hope so, considering you’ve been face-first in my—” “Start talking like that again and we ain’t gonna get much further into this hike.”
July 28, 2025
#Review: *Say You'll Never Let Go* - Anna Callaway - ARC [18+]
4.4/5✨
2.5/5🌶️
Anna's books are always a breath of fresh air. Her books are pretty different than my other reads and I'm always enjoying anything written by her. Thank you so much Anna and Love Notes Pr for this e-copy!
Kara was struggling with the new world she had to live in, after the world irrevocably changed, when a devastating infection struck the population. Besides that, she was trying so hard to find the only person she cared about: her only friend from childhood, who stood by her in some difficult moments from foster care. But when Kara found Wade, things weren't that great. Why? Because Wade was now a shell of the man she once knew, after he was tortured and kept in captivity for so many years.
Wade had no idea what was real and what not. He always had Kara in his mind and in the moment she was really there, he still couldn't comprehend that and chose to stay in denial. The trauma he suffered was so bad that it was pretty hard to recover from all that. But Kara's love and determination would turn out to be critical for him. Now the only question remains if they will seek revenge for all they had to endure by the hand of a man or try to start a brand new life, away from everything they'd known.
This was such a heart-breaking read, feeling so bad for everything Wade had to endure in those captivity years. It was so sweet the connection he and Kara had and how nicely they rebuilt what they already had but forgot, which was transformed in something even more beautiful. I felt that deep angst which was attached to the tough situation they were in, but which would be soon replaced with more pleasant feelings. The story was mainly focused mainly Kara and Wade, rarely having other characters in there and I liked that. There was no dull moment in this book, there was always something happening which made the storyline a bit more alert.
A book which will keep you pretty invested in this story, one that will take you through all kinds of emotions. If you love a story about determination, love, pain and resilience, then you should pick this one up!
✨Tropes
#FriendsToLovers
#SlowBurn
#AngstyRomance
#RoadTrip
#PostApocalyptic
#HurtComfort
#StartingOver
#Zombies
4.4/5✨
2.5/5🌶️
Anna's books are always a breath of fresh air. Her books are pretty different than my other reads and I'm always enjoying anything written by her. Thank you so much Anna and Love Notes Pr for this e-copy!
Kara was struggling with the new world she had to live in, after the world irrevocably changed, when a devastating infection struck the population. Besides that, she was trying so hard to find the only person she cared about: her only friend from childhood, who stood by her in some difficult moments from foster care. But when Kara found Wade, things weren't that great. Why? Because Wade was now a shell of the man she once knew, after he was tortured and kept in captivity for so many years.
Wade had no idea what was real and what not. He always had Kara in his mind and in the moment she was really there, he still couldn't comprehend that and chose to stay in denial. The trauma he suffered was so bad that it was pretty hard to recover from all that. But Kara's love and determination would turn out to be critical for him. Now the only question remains if they will seek revenge for all they had to endure by the hand of a man or try to start a brand new life, away from everything they'd known.
This was such a heart-breaking read, feeling so bad for everything Wade had to endure in those captivity years. It was so sweet the connection he and Kara had and how nicely they rebuilt what they already had but forgot, which was transformed in something even more beautiful. I felt that deep angst which was attached to the tough situation they were in, but which would be soon replaced with more pleasant feelings. The story was mainly focused mainly Kara and Wade, rarely having other characters in there and I liked that. There was no dull moment in this book, there was always something happening which made the storyline a bit more alert.
A book which will keep you pretty invested in this story, one that will take you through all kinds of emotions. If you love a story about determination, love, pain and resilience, then you should pick this one up!
✨Tropes
#FriendsToLovers
#SlowBurn
#AngstyRomance
#RoadTrip
#PostApocalyptic
#HurtComfort
#StartingOver
#Zombies
July 16, 2025
I was lucky enough to read an ARC of Say You’ll Never Let Go by Anna Callaway, and wow this book hit deep. It’s the sequel to Say You’ll Stay but can definitely be read as a standalone. This one has a totally different feel...darker, heavier, and incredibly emotional. We finally get Wade’s story and follow him and Kara (childhood friends from the foster system) as they reunite in the middle of this brutal post-apocalyptic world.
There’s a lot of trauma (trigger warning) from both sides, and the journey they go on together is raw and full of tension, but also these sweet, playful moments that made me smile through the ache. Kara is so strong, headstrong actually, and doesn’t back down from anything. Wade is clearly going through something deep, he’s guarded, unsure of himself, but still protective and trying to figure out who he is now. The slow burn between them is full of longing and heartbreak,
I also really have to give nod to the author, she took us into some of the darkest places with Wade, and I felt every single bit of what he was going through. That’s not easy to do. If you like stories about healing, found family, second chances, and love in the darkest places... you’ll definitely want to pick this one up.
There’s a lot of trauma (trigger warning) from both sides, and the journey they go on together is raw and full of tension, but also these sweet, playful moments that made me smile through the ache. Kara is so strong, headstrong actually, and doesn’t back down from anything. Wade is clearly going through something deep, he’s guarded, unsure of himself, but still protective and trying to figure out who he is now. The slow burn between them is full of longing and heartbreak,
I also really have to give nod to the author, she took us into some of the darkest places with Wade, and I felt every single bit of what he was going through. That’s not easy to do. If you like stories about healing, found family, second chances, and love in the darkest places... you’ll definitely want to pick this one up.
not-finished
August 28, 2025DNF at 45%
This story was much slower paced as compared to other Callaway books. This story also did not focus on the post-apocalyptic setting. It could honestly be set in almost any other setting. We focus so much on the main couple and the slow progress of gaining trust. My heart hurt for him and everything he went through. AC did a great job at conveying the torture he endured without being too graphic.
I wanted this to move a bit quicker. After almost 200 pages, we still haven't learned that much. I found myself setting down my kindle a lot.
I do want to return this story to find out if Wade does reconnect with Cole. But I will still read more from AC in the future.
*Thank you Love Notes for an ARC*
This story was much slower paced as compared to other Callaway books. This story also did not focus on the post-apocalyptic setting. It could honestly be set in almost any other setting. We focus so much on the main couple and the slow progress of gaining trust. My heart hurt for him and everything he went through. AC did a great job at conveying the torture he endured without being too graphic.
I wanted this to move a bit quicker. After almost 200 pages, we still haven't learned that much. I found myself setting down my kindle a lot.
I do want to return this story to find out if Wade does reconnect with Cole. But I will still read more from AC in the future.
*Thank you Love Notes for an ARC*
Read
July 30, 2025Dunno why I was still having this marked , I dnfed it a few days ago 😭😭
🌷┇ ೀ୭ 𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝
This cover is actually so unique I’m truly intrigued by it
I’ve never read a post apocalyptic romance SOOO I’m diving into this one blind
Thank you to LoveNotes PR for the chance to read and review this
🌷┇ ೀ୭ 𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝
This cover is actually so unique I’m truly intrigued by it
I’ve never read a post apocalyptic romance SOOO I’m diving into this one blind
Thank you to LoveNotes PR for the chance to read and review this
July 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(3.75/5)
Format: e-ARC
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Romance (🌶️🌶️)
Series: Flowers From Ashes Book #2
——
Say You’ll Never Let Go by Anna Callaway is a post-apocalyptic romance that delves into themes of survival, healing, and rekindled love. The story follows Kara, who has spent six years battling the infected in a shattered world, searching for Wade, her only true friend from the foster system. When she finally finds him, he’s barely alive, scarred from years in captivity, and struggling with fractured memories. Despite his trauma, Wade recognizes Kara as his anchor, and their bond reignites amidst the chaos. As they navigate their healing journey, they must decide whether to seek revenge against those who wronged them or pursue a new beginning together. The novel is characterized by its slow-burn romance, exploring the complexities of love and trust in a world on the brink of collapse.
——
First of all, thank you to Love Notes PR and Anna Callaway for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Say You’ll Never Let Go takes a unique approach to romance by weaving together a compelling love story in a survivalist setting. As a reader who typically gravitates toward contemporary settings, I found the change of scenery refreshing and original.
Kara and Wade’s journey is so heartfelt, full of tropes I like — including friends to lovers, protective MMC, and big-time slow burn. Their dynamic is grounded in a long-standing friendship that gradually evolves into something more.
The book is written in third person, a perspective that can be challenging if not done well — but for the most part, the narration was effective. That said, there were moments when the pacing felt uneven and transitions between scenes were abrupt, which made following the timeline slightly difficult. It’s worth noting that this is the second book in an interconnected series. While it can technically be read as a standalone, I do believe reading the first book would provide greater clarity, as some references and relationships felt underexplained.
Still, I appreciated the emotional depth, the tension, and the originality of the setting. The final chapter did feel a bit rushed, and I would have loved more development between Kara and Wade toward the end — but maybe that was intentional, and we’ll see more in a future installment?
All in all, this was a refreshing and emotional read that stands out in the romance genre. A solid entry from Anna Callaway that I’d recommend for anyone who loves post-apocalyptic romance and characters learning to hope again after loss.
Format: e-ARC
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Romance (🌶️🌶️)
Series: Flowers From Ashes Book #2
——
Say You’ll Never Let Go by Anna Callaway is a post-apocalyptic romance that delves into themes of survival, healing, and rekindled love. The story follows Kara, who has spent six years battling the infected in a shattered world, searching for Wade, her only true friend from the foster system. When she finally finds him, he’s barely alive, scarred from years in captivity, and struggling with fractured memories. Despite his trauma, Wade recognizes Kara as his anchor, and their bond reignites amidst the chaos. As they navigate their healing journey, they must decide whether to seek revenge against those who wronged them or pursue a new beginning together. The novel is characterized by its slow-burn romance, exploring the complexities of love and trust in a world on the brink of collapse.
——
First of all, thank you to Love Notes PR and Anna Callaway for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Say You’ll Never Let Go takes a unique approach to romance by weaving together a compelling love story in a survivalist setting. As a reader who typically gravitates toward contemporary settings, I found the change of scenery refreshing and original.
Kara and Wade’s journey is so heartfelt, full of tropes I like — including friends to lovers, protective MMC, and big-time slow burn. Their dynamic is grounded in a long-standing friendship that gradually evolves into something more.
The book is written in third person, a perspective that can be challenging if not done well — but for the most part, the narration was effective. That said, there were moments when the pacing felt uneven and transitions between scenes were abrupt, which made following the timeline slightly difficult. It’s worth noting that this is the second book in an interconnected series. While it can technically be read as a standalone, I do believe reading the first book would provide greater clarity, as some references and relationships felt underexplained.
Still, I appreciated the emotional depth, the tension, and the originality of the setting. The final chapter did feel a bit rushed, and I would have loved more development between Kara and Wade toward the end — but maybe that was intentional, and we’ll see more in a future installment?
All in all, this was a refreshing and emotional read that stands out in the romance genre. A solid entry from Anna Callaway that I’d recommend for anyone who loves post-apocalyptic romance and characters learning to hope again after loss.
July 22, 2025
Say You’ll Never Let Go by Anna Callaway Arc Review
I had pretty good expectations for this book going in, but unfortunately, as I read, I could just that it wasn’t for me.
The positives:
I liked the friendship that the main characters had growing up and it was really touching to see that be the catalyst for the MMCs recovery.
The negatives:
Unfortunately, there wasn’t much about this book I truly liked. I felt like the story structure didn’t really make a lot of sense and the story felt like it was over halfway through but then just continued by going having the couple go on very filler like adventures that didn’t really connect with each other in any way.
The recovery plot line was very rushed, but at the same time I didn’t think their relationship progressed in a way that made sense. Every time they would get close, something would happen and they would be right back at the beginning.
The FMC also had a very significant trauma in her past that was teased throughout the entire book, but it just kept getting brought up and then dropped until she finally tells him in the last chapter. Personally, I just felt like something like that could’ve been revealed earlier and used as a plot device instead of just quickly being hashed out during the last few paragraphs of the book.
I just felt like the story didn’t quite know where it was going. I wasn’t sure what the main goal was. The characters were very predictable and I could guess how an event in the book would go for them even before finishing the chapter.
I also have yet to mention the actual zombies and that’s because they don’t really play a very big part in the book at all. They have one major scene but other than that are just background disturbances, much like any other wildlife would be.
Overall, I’m very upset that I didn’t enjoy this book but it’s just one of those instances where it wasn’t the right fit for me and that’s ok. But since I hate ending on a negative note, I do wanna say that their first kiss did feel very well earned and I thought it had the perfect amount of buildup and tension. It was also a scene that I felt used the zombies in a perfect way.
I had pretty good expectations for this book going in, but unfortunately, as I read, I could just that it wasn’t for me.
The positives:
I liked the friendship that the main characters had growing up and it was really touching to see that be the catalyst for the MMCs recovery.
The negatives:
Unfortunately, there wasn’t much about this book I truly liked. I felt like the story structure didn’t really make a lot of sense and the story felt like it was over halfway through but then just continued by going having the couple go on very filler like adventures that didn’t really connect with each other in any way.
The recovery plot line was very rushed, but at the same time I didn’t think their relationship progressed in a way that made sense. Every time they would get close, something would happen and they would be right back at the beginning.
The FMC also had a very significant trauma in her past that was teased throughout the entire book, but it just kept getting brought up and then dropped until she finally tells him in the last chapter. Personally, I just felt like something like that could’ve been revealed earlier and used as a plot device instead of just quickly being hashed out during the last few paragraphs of the book.
I just felt like the story didn’t quite know where it was going. I wasn’t sure what the main goal was. The characters were very predictable and I could guess how an event in the book would go for them even before finishing the chapter.
I also have yet to mention the actual zombies and that’s because they don’t really play a very big part in the book at all. They have one major scene but other than that are just background disturbances, much like any other wildlife would be.
Overall, I’m very upset that I didn’t enjoy this book but it’s just one of those instances where it wasn’t the right fit for me and that’s ok. But since I hate ending on a negative note, I do wanna say that their first kiss did feel very well earned and I thought it had the perfect amount of buildup and tension. It was also a scene that I felt used the zombies in a perfect way.
July 16, 2025
I loved this one so much and finished this absolutely amazing book in only under 24 hours!
Tropes:
🩶Post apocalyptic romance
🩶slow burn
🩶foster childhood friends to lovers
🩶PTSD/Trauma/ Healing
🩶“It’s always been you“
🩶no third act breakup
🩶forced proximity
🩶road trip
🩶scarred mmc
🩶strong fmc
I cried four times in the first 56 pages and knew I would absolutely devour this whole book in no time!
I loved both characters and the strength they showed throughout the story in their own ways was so inspiring!
But nothing could’ve prepared me for their fierce love for each other!! I swear that got me the most😭
Wade has been but through so much torture and trauma and after everything he still is the softest and gentlest man towards her you‘ll ever find.
To be loved by Wade 🥹 I cannot 😭
He would follow her tho the end of the world and die for her in a heartbeat all while being happy just to be near her 🤧
And Kara‘s love for him is just as fierce for him!
She loves him so much that she never gave up on him and she fought for them even in the most hopeless situations for just the chance to be with him 🫶🏼
The way she patiently nursed him when he was so broken and not himself really redefined the concept of love for me.
The plot was great and I would definitely recommend reading the first book in this interconnected standalone series first to have a better understanding of the world but you don’t need to read the first book to understand this one!
What I didn’t love about the plot was just that at around 50-ish percent it fell a little flat because of their inner monologue backs and fourths unfortunately 🙃
And it did pick up a little here and there but I through 50 to 75 percent it just was this back and fourth and I honestly was getting a little frustrated with them.
The writing was very fast paced wich I love and this was as much of a page turner as the other books I read by this author!
The thing I didn’t like which was bugging me in her other books as well is the clipped language in their dialogues!
Instead of „wait here, I‘m going to look over there“ for example it’s spoken „wait here, going to look over there“ and makes him sound like a foolish caveman when he in fact is very smart.
The spoken language felt very choppy kinda and made the characters feel not as authentic as they could be!
Everything considered I really loved reading this and would definitely recommend picking it up!!!
Thank you for providing me with an arc of this book🩷
Tropes:
🩶Post apocalyptic romance
🩶slow burn
🩶foster childhood friends to lovers
🩶PTSD/Trauma/ Healing
🩶“It’s always been you“
🩶no third act breakup
🩶forced proximity
🩶road trip
🩶scarred mmc
🩶strong fmc
I cried four times in the first 56 pages and knew I would absolutely devour this whole book in no time!
I loved both characters and the strength they showed throughout the story in their own ways was so inspiring!
But nothing could’ve prepared me for their fierce love for each other!! I swear that got me the most😭
Wade has been but through so much torture and trauma and after everything he still is the softest and gentlest man towards her you‘ll ever find.
To be loved by Wade 🥹 I cannot 😭
He would follow her tho the end of the world and die for her in a heartbeat all while being happy just to be near her 🤧
And Kara‘s love for him is just as fierce for him!
She loves him so much that she never gave up on him and she fought for them even in the most hopeless situations for just the chance to be with him 🫶🏼
The way she patiently nursed him when he was so broken and not himself really redefined the concept of love for me.
The plot was great and I would definitely recommend reading the first book in this interconnected standalone series first to have a better understanding of the world but you don’t need to read the first book to understand this one!
What I didn’t love about the plot was just that at around 50-ish percent it fell a little flat because of their inner monologue backs and fourths unfortunately 🙃
And it did pick up a little here and there but I through 50 to 75 percent it just was this back and fourth and I honestly was getting a little frustrated with them.
The writing was very fast paced wich I love and this was as much of a page turner as the other books I read by this author!
The thing I didn’t like which was bugging me in her other books as well is the clipped language in their dialogues!
Instead of „wait here, I‘m going to look over there“ for example it’s spoken „wait here, going to look over there“ and makes him sound like a foolish caveman when he in fact is very smart.
The spoken language felt very choppy kinda and made the characters feel not as authentic as they could be!
Everything considered I really loved reading this and would definitely recommend picking it up!!!
Thank you for providing me with an arc of this book🩷
July 14, 2025
ARC Review
I wanted to absolutely love this book, and while it wasn’t terrible, it wasn’t great.
The first part of the book had me hooked and I was loving where the story was taking me. Once wade and Kara left their house within the first community it started to decline a bit. The plot was faster paced and didn’t really have much that hooked me. It just felt like the same conversations were had over and over, the character development was minimal and it just seemed so unrealistic the way everything moved. The timing was off, sometimes it felt like it had been months after they left and other times it felt like days.
I wanted to absolutely love this book, and while it wasn’t terrible, it wasn’t great.
The first part of the book had me hooked and I was loving where the story was taking me. Once wade and Kara left their house within the first community it started to decline a bit. The plot was faster paced and didn’t really have much that hooked me. It just felt like the same conversations were had over and over, the character development was minimal and it just seemed so unrealistic the way everything moved. The timing was off, sometimes it felt like it had been months after they left and other times it felt like days.
July 21, 2025
˗ˏˋ 4 stars ⟡ ݁₊ .
this book was such a wild ride, the amount of times i cried bc of this book is insane. i love both wade and kara sm. i loved seeing how they fought so fiercely for each other. literally drop everything now and go read this book, you'll not be disappointed.
⤷ thank you to the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
this book was such a wild ride, the amount of times i cried bc of this book is insane. i love both wade and kara sm. i loved seeing how they fought so fiercely for each other. literally drop everything now and go read this book, you'll not be disappointed.
⤷ thank you to the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2025
I liked the second half of the book better than the first half, but overall, this book was just okay. I enjoyed the first book more.
July 28, 2025
*thank you to Love Notes PR and the author for the e-arc*
Tropes:
Friends to lovers
Post apocalyptic
Slow burn
Hurt/Comfort
Ahhhhh, well I was pretty disappointed with this, being a post apocalyptic book I was wanting more action, more zombies, more world building from it. This is a sequel and I didn’t read the first book so perhaps everything I wanted was in the first book.
The big secret Kara keeps from Wade until the last chapter didn’t add anything to the plot or really make sense to hide until the very end.
This just really dragged, but to end on a positive note it is cute to see characters actively choosing each other regardless of circumstances.
Tropes:
Friends to lovers
Post apocalyptic
Slow burn
Hurt/Comfort
Ahhhhh, well I was pretty disappointed with this, being a post apocalyptic book I was wanting more action, more zombies, more world building from it. This is a sequel and I didn’t read the first book so perhaps everything I wanted was in the first book.
The big secret Kara keeps from Wade until the last chapter didn’t add anything to the plot or really make sense to hide until the very end.
This just really dragged, but to end on a positive note it is cute to see characters actively choosing each other regardless of circumstances.
July 17, 2025
ARC review, the idea of the book is unique and great! I had a lot of fun reading and I’m grateful I got to before the release.
It just felt rushed in some parts of the book.
It just felt rushed in some parts of the book.
July 23, 2025
Say You'll Never Let Go blends friends to lovers romance with post-apocalypse, following two childhood friends, Kara and Wade, through emotional landmines and literal ones. While the book’s core is undoubtedly their relationship, the surrounding chaos of a crumbling world serves as both a backdrop and a reflection of their internal struggles.
The story begins in the present, with Kara and Wade reuniting after what seems to be a long and painful separation. One is relatively well-off, while the other bears the physical and psychological scars of torture and captivity. The book slowly unfolds how they got to this point, alternating between past and present: early encounters, the outbreak of the apocalypse, and the emotional and physical rifts that formed between them.
Told from dual POVs, the narrative lets us into both Kara and Wade’s minds. Kara comes off initially as strong-willed but frustratingly tunnel-visioned and self-absorbed. However, as her past is revealed, her choices begin to make more sense, and she becomes more sympathetic. Wade, on the other hand, is steeped in psychological trauma, and much of his early chapters are driven by fragmented memories and mental coping mechanisms. It takes time to understand where he’s been, but once it clicks, the emotional weight hits hard.
The slow burn romance is intensely focused, sometimes to a fault. Their love story is clearly the centerpiece, and while it makes for an emotional read, it sometimes sidelines the broader world and the people in it. Secondary characters exist and contribute to the plot, but their backstories and relationships feel underdeveloped. It would have been nice to see deeper context or emotional connections explored outside of the central couple.
There’s a deep sense of frustration embedded in the story, which often mirrors the reader’s experience. Kara and Wade struggle to reconnect and communicate, both burdened by guilt and fear. Their trauma runs deep (emotional, mental, and physical) and their hesitation to be vulnerable makes their journey feel very raw, though at times repetitive.
What stands out, however, is the parallel between the couple’s internal emotional state and the harsh, horrifying world around them. While the romance remains front and center, the horror elements aren’t just decorative, they erupt into the story with impact, grounding readers in the reality of a zombie-infested, unstable world. These moments serve as stark reminders that love in the apocalypse doesn’t come easy, and survival is never guaranteed.
At its core, this book is about healing, through love, through pain, and through reconnection. It’s a story of rediscovering love, of confronting past wounds, and of learning how to be vulnerable again when survival often demands emotional shutdown. But while the emotional focus is strong, it does leave little room for broader character development. The apocalypse mainly serves as a pressure cooker to intensify Kara and Wade’s relationship, rather than a fully fleshed-out world of its own.
Since this is the second book in a series, there are references to previous characters, though it doesn't quite offer closure for Kara and Wade, perhaps a setup for a third installment? As it stands, it leaves some threads unresolved.
All in all, Say You'll Never Let Go offers a compelling emotional journey set against a grim and brutal world. While its romance is poignant and layered, the story would have benefitted from broader character exploration and more dynamic interactions beyond the main couple. Still, the premise, love surviving the apocalypse, is a powerful one, and fans of character-driven romance with a touch of horror will find something to hold onto.
Thank you Anna Callaway for allowing me tonread and review prior to release!
The story begins in the present, with Kara and Wade reuniting after what seems to be a long and painful separation. One is relatively well-off, while the other bears the physical and psychological scars of torture and captivity. The book slowly unfolds how they got to this point, alternating between past and present: early encounters, the outbreak of the apocalypse, and the emotional and physical rifts that formed between them.
Told from dual POVs, the narrative lets us into both Kara and Wade’s minds. Kara comes off initially as strong-willed but frustratingly tunnel-visioned and self-absorbed. However, as her past is revealed, her choices begin to make more sense, and she becomes more sympathetic. Wade, on the other hand, is steeped in psychological trauma, and much of his early chapters are driven by fragmented memories and mental coping mechanisms. It takes time to understand where he’s been, but once it clicks, the emotional weight hits hard.
The slow burn romance is intensely focused, sometimes to a fault. Their love story is clearly the centerpiece, and while it makes for an emotional read, it sometimes sidelines the broader world and the people in it. Secondary characters exist and contribute to the plot, but their backstories and relationships feel underdeveloped. It would have been nice to see deeper context or emotional connections explored outside of the central couple.
There’s a deep sense of frustration embedded in the story, which often mirrors the reader’s experience. Kara and Wade struggle to reconnect and communicate, both burdened by guilt and fear. Their trauma runs deep (emotional, mental, and physical) and their hesitation to be vulnerable makes their journey feel very raw, though at times repetitive.
What stands out, however, is the parallel between the couple’s internal emotional state and the harsh, horrifying world around them. While the romance remains front and center, the horror elements aren’t just decorative, they erupt into the story with impact, grounding readers in the reality of a zombie-infested, unstable world. These moments serve as stark reminders that love in the apocalypse doesn’t come easy, and survival is never guaranteed.
At its core, this book is about healing, through love, through pain, and through reconnection. It’s a story of rediscovering love, of confronting past wounds, and of learning how to be vulnerable again when survival often demands emotional shutdown. But while the emotional focus is strong, it does leave little room for broader character development. The apocalypse mainly serves as a pressure cooker to intensify Kara and Wade’s relationship, rather than a fully fleshed-out world of its own.
Since this is the second book in a series, there are references to previous characters, though it doesn't quite offer closure for Kara and Wade, perhaps a setup for a third installment? As it stands, it leaves some threads unresolved.
All in all, Say You'll Never Let Go offers a compelling emotional journey set against a grim and brutal world. While its romance is poignant and layered, the story would have benefitted from broader character exploration and more dynamic interactions beyond the main couple. Still, the premise, love surviving the apocalypse, is a powerful one, and fans of character-driven romance with a touch of horror will find something to hold onto.
Thank you Anna Callaway for allowing me tonread and review prior to release!
July 24, 2025
You meet Kara who for six long years searches for her childhood best friend Wade. They grew up in foster care until The Turning. They met back up and had plans to go away together with friends until everything blew over. Wade ends up taken right in front of her by a group of men. Six years and Wade turns up one day dumped on her door step with a note beaten, tortured, and a shell of the man he once was. Kara never giving up fate is so excited she has the man she has had a crush on all her life back. Or does she?
He isn't the man she used to know. He has gone into his mind from unimaginable torture at the hands of an evil man name Silas. She finds him in a room naked covered in grim and dirt. His hair shaggy and nasty. Upon first seeing him she makes the mistake of trying to touch him. He returns the favor by strangling her. She refuses to leave him though determined to help him.
He has been in his head for six years hallucinating Kara with him promising him they would get out. When that didn't happen he began to lose hope and then just stopped hoping altogether. Reserved to his memories and hallucinations he suffered never truly believing anything he saw after.
She knows she can help him be the man she used to know or something close. Realizing all the noise from the community she has lived in for six years is all to much for Wade she brings him to a house in the middle of the woods. While there he slowly starts to show improvements actually talking to her and even a small touch here and there. Nightmares plague his mind at night as he relives each horrible thing but now as he has Kara back she is in them being tortured with him. On many occasions he lashes out and attacks her in his disoriented state. nonetheless she keeps pushing helping him take tiny steps to being his new normal fighting all the demons that are attacking him mentally.
They are making progress when Luke the man over the community shows up telling them Silas's men were spotted in the area it sends Wade in a spiral. They decide its time to leave to go to a new community after Wade ends up passed out in the bathroom from the panic induced episode.
You know the saying 'I can fix him' yeah that's how I feel about Wade. That poor broken man just wants love. I can say I've never cried at a spicy scene before in my life till now. I don't know if it was a combination of anticipation and excitement or the absolute beautifully written words but I full on cried after they finally admitted their feelings for each other and had their moment.
"Two thousand, one hundred and twenty-seven days. That's how long I dreamed of you. I used to think I'd never see you again. And now here you are." The ugly sobs that left my body as I read that. Knowing he finally got the one thing that kept him going while being tortured. It truly is an amazing written book.
He isn't the man she used to know. He has gone into his mind from unimaginable torture at the hands of an evil man name Silas. She finds him in a room naked covered in grim and dirt. His hair shaggy and nasty. Upon first seeing him she makes the mistake of trying to touch him. He returns the favor by strangling her. She refuses to leave him though determined to help him.
He has been in his head for six years hallucinating Kara with him promising him they would get out. When that didn't happen he began to lose hope and then just stopped hoping altogether. Reserved to his memories and hallucinations he suffered never truly believing anything he saw after.
She knows she can help him be the man she used to know or something close. Realizing all the noise from the community she has lived in for six years is all to much for Wade she brings him to a house in the middle of the woods. While there he slowly starts to show improvements actually talking to her and even a small touch here and there. Nightmares plague his mind at night as he relives each horrible thing but now as he has Kara back she is in them being tortured with him. On many occasions he lashes out and attacks her in his disoriented state. nonetheless she keeps pushing helping him take tiny steps to being his new normal fighting all the demons that are attacking him mentally.
They are making progress when Luke the man over the community shows up telling them Silas's men were spotted in the area it sends Wade in a spiral. They decide its time to leave to go to a new community after Wade ends up passed out in the bathroom from the panic induced episode.
You know the saying 'I can fix him' yeah that's how I feel about Wade. That poor broken man just wants love. I can say I've never cried at a spicy scene before in my life till now. I don't know if it was a combination of anticipation and excitement or the absolute beautifully written words but I full on cried after they finally admitted their feelings for each other and had their moment.
"Two thousand, one hundred and twenty-seven days. That's how long I dreamed of you. I used to think I'd never see you again. And now here you are." The ugly sobs that left my body as I read that. Knowing he finally got the one thing that kept him going while being tortured. It truly is an amazing written book.
December 13, 2025
4.5 stars!
I read the first book in this series and really enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to read this book, especially because of who the main male character was going to be! After reading, I can say that I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first book! I mean, I enjoyed the overall plot and what happened in it, but I was expecting a lot more zombies and action and suspense! There was a lot of romance and that did seem to be the main focus! I loved the way the romance developed and it was beautifully done! The romance allowed for some steamy scenes too! I do wish there had been a bit more action and suspense though as there was the opportunity for it, but it just didn't come and that made me sad! The characters were also great and added a lot to the plot! Kara was the main female character, and in this book she was determined to help her love interest and it was easy to see how much he meant to her! Kara was also strong and she could look after herself! I admired her a lot and she did impress me! She also worked hard and her main focus in this book was to support her love interest! Wade was the main male character and love interest of Kara! Wade had been through unimaginable trauma before he reunited with Kara in this book and it understandably had a massive impact on him! My heart went out to Wade because he went through hell and then he had to try his best to integrate back into a dangerous world and fight zombies! Wade was protective of Kara and it was easy to see how much she meant to him! This book was written from both Kara and Wade’s point of views! I was hoping that it was going to be before I started reading as the first book was written this way! I loved that it was because it helped me connect more with both characters and see how much they meant to each other, especially because of what they had both been through! It allowed for more things to happen in the plot as well, even though Kara and Wade spent the majority of the plot together due to certain circumstances! I was also sad that the characters from the first book didn’t make an appearance in this book! I’m not sure if this author is going to write more books set in this world or another post apocalyptic series, but I really hope she does because I would definitely be interested in reading more of these types of books from her! I’ve also checked out her other books and they sound like my kind of reads, so I’ll definitely be giving them a read soon! I also really like the cover for this book! I love how well it matches the cover for the first book and it suits the zombie aspect of the plot!
I read the first book in this series and really enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to read this book, especially because of who the main male character was going to be! After reading, I can say that I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first book! I mean, I enjoyed the overall plot and what happened in it, but I was expecting a lot more zombies and action and suspense! There was a lot of romance and that did seem to be the main focus! I loved the way the romance developed and it was beautifully done! The romance allowed for some steamy scenes too! I do wish there had been a bit more action and suspense though as there was the opportunity for it, but it just didn't come and that made me sad! The characters were also great and added a lot to the plot! Kara was the main female character, and in this book she was determined to help her love interest and it was easy to see how much he meant to her! Kara was also strong and she could look after herself! I admired her a lot and she did impress me! She also worked hard and her main focus in this book was to support her love interest! Wade was the main male character and love interest of Kara! Wade had been through unimaginable trauma before he reunited with Kara in this book and it understandably had a massive impact on him! My heart went out to Wade because he went through hell and then he had to try his best to integrate back into a dangerous world and fight zombies! Wade was protective of Kara and it was easy to see how much she meant to him! This book was written from both Kara and Wade’s point of views! I was hoping that it was going to be before I started reading as the first book was written this way! I loved that it was because it helped me connect more with both characters and see how much they meant to each other, especially because of what they had both been through! It allowed for more things to happen in the plot as well, even though Kara and Wade spent the majority of the plot together due to certain circumstances! I was also sad that the characters from the first book didn’t make an appearance in this book! I’m not sure if this author is going to write more books set in this world or another post apocalyptic series, but I really hope she does because I would definitely be interested in reading more of these types of books from her! I’ve also checked out her other books and they sound like my kind of reads, so I’ll definitely be giving them a read soon! I also really like the cover for this book! I love how well it matches the cover for the first book and it suits the zombie aspect of the plot!
July 9, 2025
🧟♂️Post-Apocalyptic, Zombie-like Infested World
❤️🔥Second Chance
❤️🩹Captive for 6 Years/Severe PTSD
🥺Scarred Physically and Emotionally MMC
🩵Touch Averse MMC
🫂Forced Proximity
💞Comfort & Healing
💝Childhood Foster Friends
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
I'm a goner for Wade, just wrap up this beautiful man and deliver him to my doorstep please. I am a lover of a wounded, broken, but amazingly beautiful hearted man hidden amongst the rubble of a painful past, and Wade is that man. This is character focused, emotionally driven, and so tenderly focused on the horrendous effects of trauma and the healing power of love, patience, and empathy.
He's been beaten, scarred, pit against zombies in gladiatorial games, mentally and physically abused for 6 years...all the while the memories and hallucination of his best friend, Kara, is all that's kept him alive.
He's abandoned unconscious by where she lives in safe refuge of survivors and he is so traumatized that he believes he's still hallucinating. A bulk of this story is his journey of healing and her helping him find the pieces of himself that have been broken. The once confident, swaggering young man he was when they were teens is a shell of who he used to be. This is a deep dive into Kara helping bring his soul back to life. A slow burn of absolute perfection, because in truth, an individual with this level of trauma needs time to repair and heal. This story felt very cognizant of the painful set backs they both face when he experiences triggers. Too often other books gloss over that and make the recovery too short or only bring up a triggered moment once and it's done.
In life, triggers re-occur unexpectedly. Wade hates that he's burdened her but he's also loved her and never knew how to tell her....and she's been secretly pining since they were teens. So, the angst in this fed my soul. Kara actually has some pain and regret she's living with too, so they find healing in the other. There are some moments of post apocalyptic survival which was a welcome and exciting addition to break up the intimate scenes.
This is the kind of tender hearted and heartbreaking exploration into psychological trauma that affects me deeply into feeling these are living and breathing people. I was cocooned with them in their vulnerable moments and it just tugs at something primal and raw. I do feel like their story isnt over though so I hope we see them again! Wade...you are a shimmering example of book boyfriend material and I wanna embrace you forever and ever so that you are never in pain again.
❤️🔥Second Chance
❤️🩹Captive for 6 Years/Severe PTSD
🥺Scarred Physically and Emotionally MMC
🩵Touch Averse MMC
🫂Forced Proximity
💞Comfort & Healing
💝Childhood Foster Friends
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
I'm a goner for Wade, just wrap up this beautiful man and deliver him to my doorstep please. I am a lover of a wounded, broken, but amazingly beautiful hearted man hidden amongst the rubble of a painful past, and Wade is that man. This is character focused, emotionally driven, and so tenderly focused on the horrendous effects of trauma and the healing power of love, patience, and empathy.
He's been beaten, scarred, pit against zombies in gladiatorial games, mentally and physically abused for 6 years...all the while the memories and hallucination of his best friend, Kara, is all that's kept him alive.
He's abandoned unconscious by where she lives in safe refuge of survivors and he is so traumatized that he believes he's still hallucinating. A bulk of this story is his journey of healing and her helping him find the pieces of himself that have been broken. The once confident, swaggering young man he was when they were teens is a shell of who he used to be. This is a deep dive into Kara helping bring his soul back to life. A slow burn of absolute perfection, because in truth, an individual with this level of trauma needs time to repair and heal. This story felt very cognizant of the painful set backs they both face when he experiences triggers. Too often other books gloss over that and make the recovery too short or only bring up a triggered moment once and it's done.
In life, triggers re-occur unexpectedly. Wade hates that he's burdened her but he's also loved her and never knew how to tell her....and she's been secretly pining since they were teens. So, the angst in this fed my soul. Kara actually has some pain and regret she's living with too, so they find healing in the other. There are some moments of post apocalyptic survival which was a welcome and exciting addition to break up the intimate scenes.
This is the kind of tender hearted and heartbreaking exploration into psychological trauma that affects me deeply into feeling these are living and breathing people. I was cocooned with them in their vulnerable moments and it just tugs at something primal and raw. I do feel like their story isnt over though so I hope we see them again! Wade...you are a shimmering example of book boyfriend material and I wanna embrace you forever and ever so that you are never in pain again.
July 25, 2025
Kara and Wade 😫🥹🔥 This couple made me feel so much. I did not want to stop reading! They went through literal hell to get their hea, and I could not be happier! Thank you so much, Anna, for the ARC 🥹 The banter, angst, tension, and yearning 🧎♀️ Served! They're in my top 5 favourite couples 👑 Thank you so so much Anna for giving us Wade and Kara 😭😭🫂😫
Wade 🧎♀️ I couldn't decide if I wanted to jump this MAN'S bones or hug him 😫 Tall, handsome, intelligent, brave, scarred, traumatized, strong, protective, possessive, touch her and die, tortured, deadly with everyone but her, will not survive without Kara, and will do anything to earn her love and be with her forever 🔥 When I met first Wade in Cole and Olivia's book, I hoped he survived 🥹 He did but has been in hell. His love and hope for Kara kept him alive and fighting 😭 My heart shattered reading the atrocities he's endured. His character is so brilliantly written. The emotions and depth 😫 his utter willpower 🧎♀️ His fierce love for Kara 🥹
Kara 👑 Our badass fierce Queen 🔥Beautiful, fierce, independent, protective, sassy, tortured, hopeful, brave, possessive, patient, will not give up on Wade even when the world tells her to, stands up for him, won't back down without a fight and refuses to leave his side 🥹 Kara has been looking for her best friend since the turn, 6 years ago. After wearing down his captors, they finally return him. But he's not the Wade she knew 😖 She doesn't give up, even when he fails to recognize her 😭 Instead she tries harder 😌 She helps him overcome his past, and in return, he heals her 🥹 Kara's character is brilliantly written too. She comes across as closed off to anyone but Wade, and nobody can blame her. They've been best friends since foster care and protect each other with their life 🥹
I didn't think a couple would beat Cole and Olivia, but all of Anna's characters are phenomenal 🥹 Each and every one of them have made a home in my heart. This was an absolute slow burn. It had me restless 😂 but when it hit, it hit alright 😮💨🫦
Wade 🧎♀️ I couldn't decide if I wanted to jump this MAN'S bones or hug him 😫 Tall, handsome, intelligent, brave, scarred, traumatized, strong, protective, possessive, touch her and die, tortured, deadly with everyone but her, will not survive without Kara, and will do anything to earn her love and be with her forever 🔥 When I met first Wade in Cole and Olivia's book, I hoped he survived 🥹 He did but has been in hell. His love and hope for Kara kept him alive and fighting 😭 My heart shattered reading the atrocities he's endured. His character is so brilliantly written. The emotions and depth 😫 his utter willpower 🧎♀️ His fierce love for Kara 🥹
Kara 👑 Our badass fierce Queen 🔥Beautiful, fierce, independent, protective, sassy, tortured, hopeful, brave, possessive, patient, will not give up on Wade even when the world tells her to, stands up for him, won't back down without a fight and refuses to leave his side 🥹 Kara has been looking for her best friend since the turn, 6 years ago. After wearing down his captors, they finally return him. But he's not the Wade she knew 😖 She doesn't give up, even when he fails to recognize her 😭 Instead she tries harder 😌 She helps him overcome his past, and in return, he heals her 🥹 Kara's character is brilliantly written too. She comes across as closed off to anyone but Wade, and nobody can blame her. They've been best friends since foster care and protect each other with their life 🥹
I didn't think a couple would beat Cole and Olivia, but all of Anna's characters are phenomenal 🥹 Each and every one of them have made a home in my heart. This was an absolute slow burn. It had me restless 😂 but when it hit, it hit alright 😮💨🫦
August 5, 2025
This is the second book I read by Anna Callaway, the first one actually being the first book of this series, Say You’ll Stay. I was super excited to read about Wade since he was mentioned in the first book. And I gotta say, this one is my favorite out of the two books!
I was hoping we would get to see Wade and Cole reunite, but hey this is based in a post apocalyptic world, so bumping into each other would be slightly difficult when you got survival on the brain. Plus, there will be a book three so crossing fingers there we get a reunification! But I loved the story we got with Kara and Wade. And this is a slow burn folks but soooo worth it because the path to them FINALLY admitting how much they truly loved each other was so emotional.
The connection between Kara and Wade can be felt. The fact Wade survived what he went through all to see Kara, that it was her memory that made him make it through each day was so heartbreaking yet made you realize how much he truly loved her. And Kara, wow, 6 years of fighting and surviving all to find Wade. I mean she could have given up but she didn’t, she said she would find him and get him back! And to see her be so patient with him, working with him through his trauma! It was just heart breaking yet heart warming. Even Wade who through his darkest moments, always made sure Kara was ok, never wanting to hurt her.
Now, these two are very stubborn but I am telling you, the slow burn is worth it! You get to see the awkwardness of friends slowly becoming lovers. Seeing Wade still be respectful to Kara during that skinny dip on their travels was so adorable! I mean, you can tell throughout the entire read that they truly loved each other and were meant for each other. This is a standalone so you don’t HAVE to read the first book, but I suggest you do because if i remember correctly, the first one starts off at the start of everything. Plus, you get to meet Cole since he does get mentioned every now and then since Kara and Wade are friends with him.
I was hoping we would get to see Wade and Cole reunite, but hey this is based in a post apocalyptic world, so bumping into each other would be slightly difficult when you got survival on the brain. Plus, there will be a book three so crossing fingers there we get a reunification! But I loved the story we got with Kara and Wade. And this is a slow burn folks but soooo worth it because the path to them FINALLY admitting how much they truly loved each other was so emotional.
The connection between Kara and Wade can be felt. The fact Wade survived what he went through all to see Kara, that it was her memory that made him make it through each day was so heartbreaking yet made you realize how much he truly loved her. And Kara, wow, 6 years of fighting and surviving all to find Wade. I mean she could have given up but she didn’t, she said she would find him and get him back! And to see her be so patient with him, working with him through his trauma! It was just heart breaking yet heart warming. Even Wade who through his darkest moments, always made sure Kara was ok, never wanting to hurt her.
Now, these two are very stubborn but I am telling you, the slow burn is worth it! You get to see the awkwardness of friends slowly becoming lovers. Seeing Wade still be respectful to Kara during that skinny dip on their travels was so adorable! I mean, you can tell throughout the entire read that they truly loved each other and were meant for each other. This is a standalone so you don’t HAVE to read the first book, but I suggest you do because if i remember correctly, the first one starts off at the start of everything. Plus, you get to meet Cole since he does get mentioned every now and then since Kara and Wade are friends with him.
July 24, 2025
ARC review
⭐4.5/5
🌶️2.5/5
📌Check TW
I enjoyed this book so much! Wade and Kara were fantastic!
They’ve been friends all their lives, but once the zombie apocalypse began, unfortunate circumstances separated them. Six years later, Kara still hasn’t stopped looking for Wade. She knows he’s being held prisoner in a community ruled by a cruel man named Silas, and she’s fought against everything and everyone to get her friend back. Eventually, she succeeds—but now she has to face the heartbreaking reality that Wade is no longer the man she once knew.
Their reunion was emotional and devastating. Wade is deeply traumatized by everything he endured under Silas and his men. He doesn’t trust anyone, not even Kara, and he doesn’t recognize her at first after all those years apart.
But Kara is relentless. She’s willing to do whatever it takes to help Wade heal. She loves him deeply and supports him in the best way she can—not by seeking revenge, but by helping him find peace.
They were clearly meant to be, and the love they had for each other was undeniable. Watching them finally admit their feelings and begin living their love story was truly beautiful.
Now, did I want Silas to pay for everything he did? Absolutely. He deserved it. But I also understand why the author chose a different path and gave the characters a chance at healing rather than vengeance.
Also, I was really hoping Wade would reunite with Cole. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. I know Cole got his own HEA, but I was a bit disappointed that he and Wade never saw each other again.
This is the second book in the Flowers from Ashes series. It can be read as a standalone, but I definitely recommend reading Book 1 so you don’t miss Cole’s story and the origin of the zombie apocalypse.
This series is really good, and I seriously can’t wait for the next book!
Thank you so much to Anna and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of this book!
⭐4.5/5
🌶️2.5/5
📌Check TW
I enjoyed this book so much! Wade and Kara were fantastic!
They’ve been friends all their lives, but once the zombie apocalypse began, unfortunate circumstances separated them. Six years later, Kara still hasn’t stopped looking for Wade. She knows he’s being held prisoner in a community ruled by a cruel man named Silas, and she’s fought against everything and everyone to get her friend back. Eventually, she succeeds—but now she has to face the heartbreaking reality that Wade is no longer the man she once knew.
Their reunion was emotional and devastating. Wade is deeply traumatized by everything he endured under Silas and his men. He doesn’t trust anyone, not even Kara, and he doesn’t recognize her at first after all those years apart.
But Kara is relentless. She’s willing to do whatever it takes to help Wade heal. She loves him deeply and supports him in the best way she can—not by seeking revenge, but by helping him find peace.
They were clearly meant to be, and the love they had for each other was undeniable. Watching them finally admit their feelings and begin living their love story was truly beautiful.
Now, did I want Silas to pay for everything he did? Absolutely. He deserved it. But I also understand why the author chose a different path and gave the characters a chance at healing rather than vengeance.
Also, I was really hoping Wade would reunite with Cole. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. I know Cole got his own HEA, but I was a bit disappointed that he and Wade never saw each other again.
This is the second book in the Flowers from Ashes series. It can be read as a standalone, but I definitely recommend reading Book 1 so you don’t miss Cole’s story and the origin of the zombie apocalypse.
This series is really good, and I seriously can’t wait for the next book!
Thank you so much to Anna and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of this book!
July 21, 2025
awww Wade and Kara 🥹🥹🥹
after reading Say You'll Stay and Wade's character being mentioned, I was instantly intrigued. I wanted..no NEEDED to know what happened to Wade.
and what happened to him was simply heartbreaking. For 6 years he was held captive. Put through unimaginable things, meanwhile Kara was out searching for him. nothing was stopping her. finally after years searching, Wade appears at the gates of the community Kara stays. The thing is, he's not who he used to be and she was going to find out quick.
their journey was rough at the beginning, but I simply loved how Kara didn't give up, didn't fault Wade for any of his flashbacks with severe ptsd.
They also were tip toeing around each other with how they felt for one another. they've been best friends since they were kids, in foster care. they loved one another, but they both didn't think the other felt the same as more than friends. they didn't want to ruin a friendship.
the slow burn in this book was extra slow burn, but honestly I didn't mind it. Both the characters have a lot of trauma. nightmares and difficulties separating reality with the dreams at times.
its a lot for both of them.
however once they crossed that line, things heated up fairly quickly and they didn't stop. 😅 gotta make up for all the lost time.
their road trip was fun, at times. also intense. I mean they are living in an apocalyptic world.
the ending was simply cute. I loved the ending for them. did I want more..yes. always. hahaha but I was happy for the characters.
I just enjoyed this book and the characters so much. couldn't get enough, so glad we got Wade's story. ☺️
thank you so much Anna Callaway and @lovenotes.pr for the arc. 🫶🏻
after reading Say You'll Stay and Wade's character being mentioned, I was instantly intrigued. I wanted..no NEEDED to know what happened to Wade.
and what happened to him was simply heartbreaking. For 6 years he was held captive. Put through unimaginable things, meanwhile Kara was out searching for him. nothing was stopping her. finally after years searching, Wade appears at the gates of the community Kara stays. The thing is, he's not who he used to be and she was going to find out quick.
their journey was rough at the beginning, but I simply loved how Kara didn't give up, didn't fault Wade for any of his flashbacks with severe ptsd.
They also were tip toeing around each other with how they felt for one another. they've been best friends since they were kids, in foster care. they loved one another, but they both didn't think the other felt the same as more than friends. they didn't want to ruin a friendship.
the slow burn in this book was extra slow burn, but honestly I didn't mind it. Both the characters have a lot of trauma. nightmares and difficulties separating reality with the dreams at times.
its a lot for both of them.
however once they crossed that line, things heated up fairly quickly and they didn't stop. 😅 gotta make up for all the lost time.
their road trip was fun, at times. also intense. I mean they are living in an apocalyptic world.
the ending was simply cute. I loved the ending for them. did I want more..yes. always. hahaha but I was happy for the characters.
I just enjoyed this book and the characters so much. couldn't get enough, so glad we got Wade's story. ☺️
thank you so much Anna Callaway and @lovenotes.pr for the arc. 🫶🏻
July 22, 2025
Thanks to Anna Callaway for the ARC.
Anna Callaway is an auto-buy author for me. I love her style, flow and pacing. It is deliberate, dense and dark, in parts. It's the way in which she builds the story; the gradual reveals woven through emotional trauma and deep set pain. It's a journey of a thousand miles and all the steps in between that tell the love story of 2 people, finding their way to each other.
This book is a deep dive into resurrecting a very damaged, lost relationship between the MCs. The first book in this series (which I also loved) circled around MCs who had just met each other, strangers, and had to figure their way to safety in world with zombies. This book is similar in that, there are zombies/rotters and it's a post apocalyptic world. However, these are 2 childhood friends/foster kids who are bonded through the most heartbreaking traumas, only to lose each other in the apocalypse. They never stop searching for each other but he undergoes unmentionable torture, while she becomes a killing machine in her efforts to find him. The story starts with him, dumped unceremoniously, in her backyard, mentally & physically destroyed. Their journey lies in how they come back to each other, discovering and learning the people they've become while remembering their past and reliving memories.
This is a 3rd party POV and you get to hear both sides; feeling the tension of a relationship that is straining towards its true purpose and yet, hesitation on both sides to ruin what they have, should it not work. It's a slow burn, so you're working for your HEA. However, it's an incredible read and one that you should not miss.
Anna Callaway is an auto-buy author for me. I love her style, flow and pacing. It is deliberate, dense and dark, in parts. It's the way in which she builds the story; the gradual reveals woven through emotional trauma and deep set pain. It's a journey of a thousand miles and all the steps in between that tell the love story of 2 people, finding their way to each other.
This book is a deep dive into resurrecting a very damaged, lost relationship between the MCs. The first book in this series (which I also loved) circled around MCs who had just met each other, strangers, and had to figure their way to safety in world with zombies. This book is similar in that, there are zombies/rotters and it's a post apocalyptic world. However, these are 2 childhood friends/foster kids who are bonded through the most heartbreaking traumas, only to lose each other in the apocalypse. They never stop searching for each other but he undergoes unmentionable torture, while she becomes a killing machine in her efforts to find him. The story starts with him, dumped unceremoniously, in her backyard, mentally & physically destroyed. Their journey lies in how they come back to each other, discovering and learning the people they've become while remembering their past and reliving memories.
This is a 3rd party POV and you get to hear both sides; feeling the tension of a relationship that is straining towards its true purpose and yet, hesitation on both sides to ruin what they have, should it not work. It's a slow burn, so you're working for your HEA. However, it's an incredible read and one that you should not miss.
July 22, 2025
🧟♂️🖤ARC Review🖤🧟♂️
Thank you LoveNotes PR and Anna Callaway for this ARC copy of Say You’ll Never Let Go!
One thing I will say, don’t go into this one thinking it will be like Book 1. This one deals more with finding the person you love most in world, dealing with the effects of trauma, and discovering the love and passion of a friendship that has been teetering on that precipice of a life altering relationship.
Say You”ll Never Let Go takes place 6 years after book 1. Follows the story of Kara and Wade (yes that Wade!) You find out it wasn’t some random girl he was looking for, it was his best friend Kara who he has secretly been in love with forever!
All I’ll say is that he finds her but then he gets snatched away from her shortly after and she spends 6 years trying to find him, killing anyone who gets in her way.
Since the undead epidemic has been going on for so long, there is less undead hunting in this one. Kara is a strong and capable FMC and all she wants is Wade back.
The way that these two struggle and fight through the demons that they are both fighting to finally get to the point where they can finally get to the spot in their relationship that they have both dreamed of was spectacular, but also the slowest burn of all time! 🫣
Tropes:
🧟♂️Friends to Lovers
🖤She Protects him
🧟♂️Found Family
🖤Buried Feelings
🧟♂️No Third Act Break-Up
🖤Slow Burn
⚠️Triggers
Torture to the MMC (not on page but mentioned), mention of past Sexual Assault to FMC(not by MMC), mention of suicide (FMCs Father)
Thank you LoveNotes PR and Anna Callaway for this ARC copy of Say You’ll Never Let Go!
One thing I will say, don’t go into this one thinking it will be like Book 1. This one deals more with finding the person you love most in world, dealing with the effects of trauma, and discovering the love and passion of a friendship that has been teetering on that precipice of a life altering relationship.
Say You”ll Never Let Go takes place 6 years after book 1. Follows the story of Kara and Wade (yes that Wade!) You find out it wasn’t some random girl he was looking for, it was his best friend Kara who he has secretly been in love with forever!
All I’ll say is that he finds her but then he gets snatched away from her shortly after and she spends 6 years trying to find him, killing anyone who gets in her way.
Since the undead epidemic has been going on for so long, there is less undead hunting in this one. Kara is a strong and capable FMC and all she wants is Wade back.
The way that these two struggle and fight through the demons that they are both fighting to finally get to the point where they can finally get to the spot in their relationship that they have both dreamed of was spectacular, but also the slowest burn of all time! 🫣
Tropes:
🧟♂️Friends to Lovers
🖤She Protects him
🧟♂️Found Family
🖤Buried Feelings
🧟♂️No Third Act Break-Up
🖤Slow Burn
⚠️Triggers
Torture to the MMC (not on page but mentioned), mention of past Sexual Assault to FMC(not by MMC), mention of suicide (FMCs Father)
July 12, 2025
thankyou so so much for the arc in exchange of honest review!! i have never read a post apocalypse romance, so this was the best choice because i loved every second of it. this was so primal, raw, intense and the characters just tug at your heartstrings.
kara is such a baddass girl, standing on business and doimg just anything to find wade. her insecurities were well highlighted and i could relate to her hiding all of it but it's just there. the things she went through to find wade is wholesome. she is such a strong fmc who just do not take shit from others.
wade, he really grew on my heart, the way he was treated and his emotions, his aggression, his hesitation, everything was so on point and i loved how it shows how back and forth it takes to heal. the way he cared for her and would do anything just to protect her is so beautiful.
they have the slowest burn ever to exist, always walking in circles but it also shows how actually friends to lovers is. it's so different. one thing i loved is how they always put each other first. she really was so patient with him and always was so ready to help him and in turn he never stopped loving her despite everything. their small moments, hesitation, love, flirting everything was just so beautiful.
you need to read this and absolutely fall in love with them.
it has fun and emotion and spice mixed in right amount!!
kara is such a baddass girl, standing on business and doimg just anything to find wade. her insecurities were well highlighted and i could relate to her hiding all of it but it's just there. the things she went through to find wade is wholesome. she is such a strong fmc who just do not take shit from others.
wade, he really grew on my heart, the way he was treated and his emotions, his aggression, his hesitation, everything was so on point and i loved how it shows how back and forth it takes to heal. the way he cared for her and would do anything just to protect her is so beautiful.
they have the slowest burn ever to exist, always walking in circles but it also shows how actually friends to lovers is. it's so different. one thing i loved is how they always put each other first. she really was so patient with him and always was so ready to help him and in turn he never stopped loving her despite everything. their small moments, hesitation, love, flirting everything was just so beautiful.
you need to read this and absolutely fall in love with them.
it has fun and emotion and spice mixed in right amount!!
July 20, 2025
thank you to Anna Callaway and Love Notes PR for the eARC of Say You’ll Never Let Go!
"𝓘'𝓶 𝓼𝓸 𝓯𝓾𝓬𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓰𝓵𝓪𝓭 𝓘 𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾," 𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓱𝓲𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓼. "𝓣𝓱𝓪𝓽'𝓼 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓘 𝓷𝓮𝓮𝓭." "𝓐𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼. 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓶𝓮."
Tropes to expect:
⛰️ childhood friends to lovers
⛰️ post apocalypse/zombie
⛰️ hurt/comfort
⛰️ slow burn
This story was captivating. We learned a little about Wade in book one, Say You’ll Stay, but finally getting to fully meet him and Kara, his childhood best friend that has been looking for him for years since a zombie apocalypse destroyed the world. Watching them reunite, slowly learn to trust each other, and open up was beautiful and the author really dove into their healing journey that felt authentic to their relationship.
Definitely read the TW, as this book touches on numerous heavy topics including: s*xual assault, abuse in childhood, and mentions of corpses/cannibalism.
The story was well paced, and was definitely a slow burn, but in a deliberate and ultimately satisfying way. My ONLY complaint is that we don’t get a Cole and Wade reunion (which we sort of know from book one’s epilogue…) but one can hope for that in a future book!
I hope the author continues to build this world, as it has great world building and a lot of glimpses into side characters that I would love to know more about!
"𝓘'𝓶 𝓼𝓸 𝓯𝓾𝓬𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓰𝓵𝓪𝓭 𝓘 𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾," 𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓱𝓲𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓼. "𝓣𝓱𝓪𝓽'𝓼 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓘 𝓷𝓮𝓮𝓭." "𝓐𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼. 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓶𝓮."
Tropes to expect:
⛰️ childhood friends to lovers
⛰️ post apocalypse/zombie
⛰️ hurt/comfort
⛰️ slow burn
This story was captivating. We learned a little about Wade in book one, Say You’ll Stay, but finally getting to fully meet him and Kara, his childhood best friend that has been looking for him for years since a zombie apocalypse destroyed the world. Watching them reunite, slowly learn to trust each other, and open up was beautiful and the author really dove into their healing journey that felt authentic to their relationship.
Definitely read the TW, as this book touches on numerous heavy topics including: s*xual assault, abuse in childhood, and mentions of corpses/cannibalism.
The story was well paced, and was definitely a slow burn, but in a deliberate and ultimately satisfying way. My ONLY complaint is that we don’t get a Cole and Wade reunion (which we sort of know from book one’s epilogue…) but one can hope for that in a future book!
I hope the author continues to build this world, as it has great world building and a lot of glimpses into side characters that I would love to know more about!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2025
I found this book to be amazing. I was completely wrong to think that I wouldn't enjoy it as much as I did the first book in the series.
I truly liked meeting Wade and Kara, and it was wonderful to witness their reunion, slowly build trust, and share their thoughts. The story was very captivating.
Everything felt essential, and the novel progresses at a brisk pace.
While I think I would have liked Wade and Kara to take their revenge, it is also important that they opted for peace and the chance to live.
Even though the novel employs a third-person perspective, which can be challenging if executed poorly, the narration was largely effective. However, there were moments when the pacing seemed inconsistent and the transitions between scenes were abrupt, making it somewhat difficult to track the plot. This book is the second installment in a series of interconnected books. While it can be read independently, I believe starting with the first book would enhance your understanding, as some relationships and references seemed somewhat ambiguous.
I appreciated the setting's distinctiveness, tension, and emotional richness. I would have liked to see greater character growth between Kara and Wade towards the end of the book, but maybe that was intentional and we will observe more in a future episode. The final chapter seemed somewhat rushed.
I truly liked meeting Wade and Kara, and it was wonderful to witness their reunion, slowly build trust, and share their thoughts. The story was very captivating.
Everything felt essential, and the novel progresses at a brisk pace.
While I think I would have liked Wade and Kara to take their revenge, it is also important that they opted for peace and the chance to live.
Even though the novel employs a third-person perspective, which can be challenging if executed poorly, the narration was largely effective. However, there were moments when the pacing seemed inconsistent and the transitions between scenes were abrupt, making it somewhat difficult to track the plot. This book is the second installment in a series of interconnected books. While it can be read independently, I believe starting with the first book would enhance your understanding, as some relationships and references seemed somewhat ambiguous.
I appreciated the setting's distinctiveness, tension, and emotional richness. I would have liked to see greater character growth between Kara and Wade towards the end of the book, but maybe that was intentional and we will observe more in a future episode. The final chapter seemed somewhat rushed.
July 23, 2025
3.5 stars
First off, I love everything about Kara and Wade, their backstories, resilience and determination. These are two people that have endeared so much pain and anguish using every ounce to survive in hopes of finding each other.
Then after years to finally be together, they learn they are not the same people as they were before the world changed. Wades trauma and depth to work at finding himself is a huge part of the storyline. Kara is there for every struggle, nightmare and battle.
My thoughts:
The insecurities and constant doubt of what they could be is played out through out the book, giving it a very slow burn. Just when you think they will get pass it, something new gets in the way. This makes the longing a bit drawn out. But considering the extent of trauma it makes sense to not rush any healing to be as realistic as possible.
But when Wade and Kara finally speak to truth, they are magic together.
A lot happens once they get out on their own and begin their time on the road, but I wished there was the same angst, danger and fight for survival against the rotters as in book 1. What was done, I didn’t feel added to the storyline.
Overall I love Anna’s characters, the descriptions and settings of the post apocalyptic stories she so creatively writes.
Thank you to Anna Callaway and LoveNotes PR for opportunity to read and review this series and provide my own thoughts.
First off, I love everything about Kara and Wade, their backstories, resilience and determination. These are two people that have endeared so much pain and anguish using every ounce to survive in hopes of finding each other.
Then after years to finally be together, they learn they are not the same people as they were before the world changed. Wades trauma and depth to work at finding himself is a huge part of the storyline. Kara is there for every struggle, nightmare and battle.
My thoughts:
The insecurities and constant doubt of what they could be is played out through out the book, giving it a very slow burn. Just when you think they will get pass it, something new gets in the way. This makes the longing a bit drawn out. But considering the extent of trauma it makes sense to not rush any healing to be as realistic as possible.
But when Wade and Kara finally speak to truth, they are magic together.
A lot happens once they get out on their own and begin their time on the road, but I wished there was the same angst, danger and fight for survival against the rotters as in book 1. What was done, I didn’t feel added to the storyline.
Overall I love Anna’s characters, the descriptions and settings of the post apocalyptic stories she so creatively writes.
Thank you to Anna Callaway and LoveNotes PR for opportunity to read and review this series and provide my own thoughts.
July 25, 2025
Rating: 4⭐
Spice: 1 🌶
Scent of the story: Dried lavender, rain on worn clothes, old campfire smoke, damp earth and rusted metal.
I thought this would be a post apocalyptic survival action typa romance but honestly, there is no such thing as 'normal' in a world after end. Evryone is broken and this book shows that fully.
This book is about survival, pain and two broken people trying to find eachother again after everything has fallen apart. Kara spends six years looking for Wade and when she finally finds him, hes completely changed, not just sad but truly lost. He doesn't know what's real anymore. He barely speaks. He's scared to eat and even after all that, Kara stays. She chooses him again and again. Wade's trauma isnt just mentioned, its a big part of the book.
The book is slow, with alot of internal thoughts and silence. Sometimes the writing repeats emotions or stays too much at internal monologue. There is no spice or action heavy scenes. If you want something emotional, character focused, heavy and real this book will stay in your heart for a while.
--TROPES--
🧷 Mentally broken hero
🍂 Reunion after long separation
🧷 Silent healing
🍂 Hurt/comfort
🧷 Nonverbal male lead
🍂 Emotionally scarred characters
🧷 Caretaker dynamic
🍂 Post apocalyptic survival
💌 Thanks to love notes pr and author Anna Callaway for the ARC to review.
xoxo-
Spice: 1 🌶
Scent of the story: Dried lavender, rain on worn clothes, old campfire smoke, damp earth and rusted metal.
I thought this would be a post apocalyptic survival action typa romance but honestly, there is no such thing as 'normal' in a world after end. Evryone is broken and this book shows that fully.
This book is about survival, pain and two broken people trying to find eachother again after everything has fallen apart. Kara spends six years looking for Wade and when she finally finds him, hes completely changed, not just sad but truly lost. He doesn't know what's real anymore. He barely speaks. He's scared to eat and even after all that, Kara stays. She chooses him again and again. Wade's trauma isnt just mentioned, its a big part of the book.
The book is slow, with alot of internal thoughts and silence. Sometimes the writing repeats emotions or stays too much at internal monologue. There is no spice or action heavy scenes. If you want something emotional, character focused, heavy and real this book will stay in your heart for a while.
--TROPES--
🧷 Mentally broken hero
🍂 Reunion after long separation
🧷 Silent healing
🍂 Hurt/comfort
🧷 Nonverbal male lead
🍂 Emotionally scarred characters
🧷 Caretaker dynamic
🍂 Post apocalyptic survival
💌 Thanks to love notes pr and author Anna Callaway for the ARC to review.
xoxo-
July 30, 2025
Kara & Wade. Oh. My. Lord.
This book is definitely emotionally and gritty - the type of heartstring wrenching feeling you'd expect from a post-apocalyptic book. I really don't want to give too much away because the synopsis gives a decent summary, but Callaway's writing really makes the characters shine. It is 3rd person POV and that isn't everyone's cup of tea. I really enjoy 3rd person POV and Callaway writes it so well (personal opinion: romance has gotten too sucked into 1st person POV that anything other than 1st person POV is jarring, but to each their own).
There is a fair amount of both trauma and darkness in this book so tread lightly if that's something you can't handle. There are also zombies, but truly, it's lighter on the zombies and very focused on the characters coming back to one another. To me, it's a great set up for a slow burn and I absolutely loved it. I've also read Say You'll Stay (also in this series) and Where the Dust Settles by Callaway and loved them as well. Callaway's writing style and characters just work for me!
❤️ Friends to lovers slow burn
🧟♂️ Post-apocalyptic survival
💕 Emotional, gritty, and romantic
🐕🐕 There are two dogs!
🏜️ Cross country road trip
❤️🩹 Hurt/comfort
🧟♀️ Lighter on the zombies, heavy on the romance
Thank you to the author and Love Notes PR for the gifted copy!
This book is definitely emotionally and gritty - the type of heartstring wrenching feeling you'd expect from a post-apocalyptic book. I really don't want to give too much away because the synopsis gives a decent summary, but Callaway's writing really makes the characters shine. It is 3rd person POV and that isn't everyone's cup of tea. I really enjoy 3rd person POV and Callaway writes it so well (personal opinion: romance has gotten too sucked into 1st person POV that anything other than 1st person POV is jarring, but to each their own).
There is a fair amount of both trauma and darkness in this book so tread lightly if that's something you can't handle. There are also zombies, but truly, it's lighter on the zombies and very focused on the characters coming back to one another. To me, it's a great set up for a slow burn and I absolutely loved it. I've also read Say You'll Stay (also in this series) and Where the Dust Settles by Callaway and loved them as well. Callaway's writing style and characters just work for me!
❤️ Friends to lovers slow burn
🧟♂️ Post-apocalyptic survival
💕 Emotional, gritty, and romantic
🐕🐕 There are two dogs!
🏜️ Cross country road trip
❤️🩹 Hurt/comfort
🧟♀️ Lighter on the zombies, heavy on the romance
Thank you to the author and Love Notes PR for the gifted copy!
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