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Aresix #1
In the Shadow of the Virus
Can you find love in a broken world?
Nora lived a simple life focusing on her studies and her questionable taste in men.
Everything changed when a deadly virus outbreak wiped out most of humanity or doomed them to fate worse than death.
Hiding in a bunker with the eight year old Hannah, they are waiting for their team to come back. To entertain herself, she starts to write a journal to recount the fall of society, the love she never expected, and the fragile family she built from the ruins.
The heartbreak, the fear and the love.
Something feels off.
The others should be back by now.
She’s desperately hoping they will return.
A slow-burn post-apocalyptic romance with raw emotion, found family, and steamy scenes.
This book contains mature themes, explicit content, and strong language. Reader discretion is advised.
Nora lived a simple life focusing on her studies and her questionable taste in men.
Everything changed when a deadly virus outbreak wiped out most of humanity or doomed them to fate worse than death.
Hiding in a bunker with the eight year old Hannah, they are waiting for their team to come back. To entertain herself, she starts to write a journal to recount the fall of society, the love she never expected, and the fragile family she built from the ruins.
The heartbreak, the fear and the love.
Something feels off.
The others should be back by now.
She’s desperately hoping they will return.
A slow-burn post-apocalyptic romance with raw emotion, found family, and steamy scenes.
This book contains mature themes, explicit content, and strong language. Reader discretion is advised.
- GenresDystopia
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2025
About the author
Linda Evermill
4 books8 followersLinda Evermill (formerly publishing as Lidum) writes spicy, addictive romance filled with emotional depth, tension, and a touch of darkness.
She is the author of In the Shadow of the Virus and Santa, Baby, and her upcoming release, In the Darkness of the Guilt, continues her signature blend of heat and heart across multiple romance subgenres.
Linda loves crafting stories with passion, vulnerability, and complicated relationships—whether the vibe is dark and gritty or playful and festive.
When she’s not writing, she’s usually binge-watching TV shows, growing her never-ending TBR pile, and devouring smutty little books for “research.”
She is the author of In the Shadow of the Virus and Santa, Baby, and her upcoming release, In the Darkness of the Guilt, continues her signature blend of heat and heart across multiple romance subgenres.
Linda loves crafting stories with passion, vulnerability, and complicated relationships—whether the vibe is dark and gritty or playful and festive.
When she’s not writing, she’s usually binge-watching TV shows, growing her never-ending TBR pile, and devouring smutty little books for “research.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 19, 2026
4⭐️ 2🌶️
DAMN this book hurt my FEELINGS. Such a good short read😭but I’m so sad now. I have always loved post-apocalyptic books and this one is no different
DAMN this book hurt my FEELINGS. Such a good short read😭but I’m so sad now. I have always loved post-apocalyptic books and this one is no different
August 7, 2025
“Can you find love in a broken world?” That haunting question lingers long after finishing In the Shadows of the Virus, a beautifully written, slow-burn romance set against the crumbling backdrop of a devastated world.
Nora wasn’t a fighter or a rebel—just a student with a messy love life and a bad habit of trusting the wrong people. But when the virus hit and the world unraveled, survival demanded more from her than she ever imagined. Now, tucked away in a remote bunker, she documents her journey in a journal, piecing together the path that led her here. Along the way, she crosses paths with all kinds of survivors—some ruthless, some broken, and a few she learns to trust. And then there’s Adam, the quiet stranger she meets on the road, whose presence becomes something steady in the chaos. Her story is one of fear and transformation, of unexpected bonds, heartbreak, and the fragile hope that love can still exist—even at the end of the world.
The story unfolds through Nora’s journal entries, creating a raw and vulnerable window into her mind. You feel like you’re trapped in the bunker with her—breathing her fear, reliving her trauma, and falling in love alongside her.
This book is a definitive must read 💜
Nora wasn’t a fighter or a rebel—just a student with a messy love life and a bad habit of trusting the wrong people. But when the virus hit and the world unraveled, survival demanded more from her than she ever imagined. Now, tucked away in a remote bunker, she documents her journey in a journal, piecing together the path that led her here. Along the way, she crosses paths with all kinds of survivors—some ruthless, some broken, and a few she learns to trust. And then there’s Adam, the quiet stranger she meets on the road, whose presence becomes something steady in the chaos. Her story is one of fear and transformation, of unexpected bonds, heartbreak, and the fragile hope that love can still exist—even at the end of the world.
The story unfolds through Nora’s journal entries, creating a raw and vulnerable window into her mind. You feel like you’re trapped in the bunker with her—breathing her fear, reliving her trauma, and falling in love alongside her.
This book is a definitive must read 💜
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2026
This is it!!
I’ve been looking for a romance novel that has The Walking Dead & The Last of Us vibes, and this one did not disappoint. It is a story of finding family in fast paced, high-stakes situations while struggling to maintain grasp of your own humanity.
I was absolutely distraught at the ending, I had to call my best friend to vent about it. Overall a really great book, and I look forward to reading more in this series!
I’ve been looking for a romance novel that has The Walking Dead & The Last of Us vibes, and this one did not disappoint. It is a story of finding family in fast paced, high-stakes situations while struggling to maintain grasp of your own humanity.
I was absolutely distraught at the ending, I had to call my best friend to vent about it. Overall a really great book, and I look forward to reading more in this series!
June 26, 2025
I am fucking distraught. This is seriously one of the best books I’ve ever read, I finished it in six hours.
That ending has absolutely ruined me, I need book 2 more than I need oxygen, and this book hasn’t even been released yet!😭
I don’t usually read post apocalyptic books as they make me a bit nervous, but I honestly could not put this book down!
The characters gripped me immediately, the way the book is written as a diary - going through Nora’s memories of being in this ‘end of the world’ scenario, meeting the love of her life during the chaos. The plot twists had me literally gasping, the stress, the grief, the fear, it’s so scary that something like this could easily happen.
Adam is 100% up there with being one of the best book boyfriends, I love him SO much. He’s so hot. Raw & immediately on my knees.
I am very very lucky to have been a beta reader for this book, and this review is my honest opinion. I will definitely be buying the physical copy of this book once it’s released!
“It felt like my heart had been walking around outside my chest all this time… and then I met you. And I found it.”
That ending has absolutely ruined me, I need book 2 more than I need oxygen, and this book hasn’t even been released yet!😭
I don’t usually read post apocalyptic books as they make me a bit nervous, but I honestly could not put this book down!
The characters gripped me immediately, the way the book is written as a diary - going through Nora’s memories of being in this ‘end of the world’ scenario, meeting the love of her life during the chaos. The plot twists had me literally gasping, the stress, the grief, the fear, it’s so scary that something like this could easily happen.
Adam is 100% up there with being one of the best book boyfriends, I love him SO much. He’s so hot. Raw & immediately on my knees.
I am very very lucky to have been a beta reader for this book, and this review is my honest opinion. I will definitely be buying the physical copy of this book once it’s released!
“It felt like my heart had been walking around outside my chest all this time… and then I met you. And I found it.”
August 23, 2025
ARC Review - gut punch, sobbing, heartbroken.
This is a book I would normally pick up but when the author reached out I couldn't say no to an Indie author.
This book is basically our COVID fears come to life, it follows a plot of a deadly virus infecting a country turning many into a zombie and is from the main female character retrospective perspective.
We follow along and hear their account of different events that have happened each pushing your emotions.
This book is so raw, there is forged relationships, found family, heightened fears and it really makes you reflect and appreciate the small things.
It should have come with a free pack of tissues, I sat for a good 10 minutes crying at the end.
This is a book I would normally pick up but when the author reached out I couldn't say no to an Indie author.
This book is basically our COVID fears come to life, it follows a plot of a deadly virus infecting a country turning many into a zombie and is from the main female character retrospective perspective.
We follow along and hear their account of different events that have happened each pushing your emotions.
This book is so raw, there is forged relationships, found family, heightened fears and it really makes you reflect and appreciate the small things.
It should have come with a free pack of tissues, I sat for a good 10 minutes crying at the end.
August 8, 2025
Think a mix between The Walking Dead and The Last of Us with more romance and spice.
The author sent me the ARC for this book and I’m very grateful!
I loved how it switches between present and past in each chapter, allowing us as readers to see how Nora met each of the other characters. Even though it is a post-apocalyptic book, there wasn’t that many mentions of zombies; I feel the primary focus was on the romance and discovering a cure.
So if romance is more you and less ‘running for your lives’, I would definitely recommend giving this book a read!
The author sent me the ARC for this book and I’m very grateful!
I loved how it switches between present and past in each chapter, allowing us as readers to see how Nora met each of the other characters. Even though it is a post-apocalyptic book, there wasn’t that many mentions of zombies; I feel the primary focus was on the romance and discovering a cure.
So if romance is more you and less ‘running for your lives’, I would definitely recommend giving this book a read!
August 3, 2025
Brilliant book. Received as a beta reader! I don’t usually go for apocalyptic books but this one was brilliant.
It was like watching a film! Defo give it a read if your into walking dead etc. and if you love a plot twist!
It was like watching a film! Defo give it a read if your into walking dead etc. and if you love a plot twist!
December 31, 2025
Okay I was approached my lidum to beta read this book and I am so grateful for this wonderful opportunity
If you love walking dead, and the last of us then you are going to absolutely love this book!
I loved that the chapters were nora's diary's flitting between the present and the past and leading up to what's happening.
The book wasn't rushed and was a smooth read, really gripping I didn't want to put the book down.
I loved the plot twist at the end but I cannot wait for the second book as my jaw dropped at that ending I was not expecting that.
When it's released go run and grab it because you will not regret it.
If you love walking dead, and the last of us then you are going to absolutely love this book!
I loved that the chapters were nora's diary's flitting between the present and the past and leading up to what's happening.
The book wasn't rushed and was a smooth read, really gripping I didn't want to put the book down.
I loved the plot twist at the end but I cannot wait for the second book as my jaw dropped at that ending I was not expecting that.
When it's released go run and grab it because you will not regret it.
February 1, 2026
In the Shadow of Virus is an intriguing and emotionally heavy novel that keeps the reader turning pages until the very end. Written in a diary style format, the story follows Nora, as she documents her life just before and during a viral outbreak that overtakes the world. The virus infects its hosts, killing them within days or transforming them into something undead and terrifying.
Nora is a college student, likely in her final year, who finds herself completely alone when the outbreak begins. Her parents, both nurses, are infected early, leaving her isolated in her dorm room with no meaningful support. Attempts to reach out fall flat. A casual romantic interest offers no real help, and even her dorm neighbor shows only surface level concern. Her loneliness is deep and shapes many of her choices.
When Nora finally escapes the dorms, she survives on her own until she meets Adam. He is older, intelligent, and capable, and he helps her when she needs it most. The reader is left questioning whether Nora falls for him because of genuine connection or because he represents safety, maturity, and companionship in a world that has stripped her of everything else. At only twenty three, with limited relationship experience and emotional trauma in her past, Nora attaches quickly.
Adam’s hesitation adds an undercurrent of tension to their dynamic. Although attraction is clearly present, he holds back for reasons that are not immediately clear. Months on the road they encounter Hannah, a ten year old girl, and form a makeshift family unit. The shift in responsibility and emotional stakes deepens the story. Finally after a near death experience Adam gives into his love for Nora and they seal the deal.
As secrets begin to surface, particularly regarding Adam’s past the narrative takes a darker turn. Nora insists he pursue a cure, leading them to an outpost lab where devastating truths are revealed. These revelations send Nora into a depressive spiral that is haunting to witness, especially through the intimate diary format.
Hannah’s presence adds emotional weight, as she has endured more than any child should. Nora is portrayed as strong yet mentally vulnerable, and the diary entries offer an honest glimpse into the mindset of a young woman facing isolation, loss, and the collapse of the world.
The novel is ultimately devastating but compelling. It is a quick read that does not shy away from difficult emotional truths and delivers moments that will make readers gasp near the end. In the Shadow of Virus is a somber exploration of loneliness, attachment, love, and survival in the face of overwhelming loss.
I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery
Nora is a college student, likely in her final year, who finds herself completely alone when the outbreak begins. Her parents, both nurses, are infected early, leaving her isolated in her dorm room with no meaningful support. Attempts to reach out fall flat. A casual romantic interest offers no real help, and even her dorm neighbor shows only surface level concern. Her loneliness is deep and shapes many of her choices.
When Nora finally escapes the dorms, she survives on her own until she meets Adam. He is older, intelligent, and capable, and he helps her when she needs it most. The reader is left questioning whether Nora falls for him because of genuine connection or because he represents safety, maturity, and companionship in a world that has stripped her of everything else. At only twenty three, with limited relationship experience and emotional trauma in her past, Nora attaches quickly.
Adam’s hesitation adds an undercurrent of tension to their dynamic. Although attraction is clearly present, he holds back for reasons that are not immediately clear. Months on the road they encounter Hannah, a ten year old girl, and form a makeshift family unit. The shift in responsibility and emotional stakes deepens the story. Finally after a near death experience Adam gives into his love for Nora and they seal the deal.
As secrets begin to surface, particularly regarding Adam’s past the narrative takes a darker turn. Nora insists he pursue a cure, leading them to an outpost lab where devastating truths are revealed. These revelations send Nora into a depressive spiral that is haunting to witness, especially through the intimate diary format.
Hannah’s presence adds emotional weight, as she has endured more than any child should. Nora is portrayed as strong yet mentally vulnerable, and the diary entries offer an honest glimpse into the mindset of a young woman facing isolation, loss, and the collapse of the world.
The novel is ultimately devastating but compelling. It is a quick read that does not shy away from difficult emotional truths and delivers moments that will make readers gasp near the end. In the Shadow of Virus is a somber exploration of loneliness, attachment, love, and survival in the face of overwhelming loss.
I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2025
I found this author on BookTok — an indie writer, debut novel, English as her second language — and I genuinely did not expect to be this blown away. But wow… Lidum understood the assignment.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where a virus accidentally spread (something we all know a little too well), this story follows Nora, a college student, and Adam, a scientist, who cross paths while trying to stay alive. They decide to stick together, navigating this brutal, zombie-infected world one day at a time.
And then they find Hannah — a young girl whose parents have turned. This is where the book shines. The way Nora and Adam take her in creates the most tender, unexpected found family dynamic. It hits every emotional beat: hope, fear, grief, protectiveness… all wrapped in a quiet, slow-burn romance that never overshadows the survival story but absolutely enriches it.
What really sold me is the format. It’s written entirely as Nora’s diary — part present-tense survival, part reflection on how everything crumbled — and it makes the whole thing feel incredibly personal. Like you’re right there reading her raw, unfiltered thoughts as she tries to make sense of their world.
And it’s such an easy read. I flew through it in a single day because I simply didn’t want to put it down. Every chapter gave me a new emotion. Every moment pulled me deeper.
For a debut? For someone writing in their second language? Lidum knocked this out of the park. Truly impressive storytelling and so much heart.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where a virus accidentally spread (something we all know a little too well), this story follows Nora, a college student, and Adam, a scientist, who cross paths while trying to stay alive. They decide to stick together, navigating this brutal, zombie-infected world one day at a time.
And then they find Hannah — a young girl whose parents have turned. This is where the book shines. The way Nora and Adam take her in creates the most tender, unexpected found family dynamic. It hits every emotional beat: hope, fear, grief, protectiveness… all wrapped in a quiet, slow-burn romance that never overshadows the survival story but absolutely enriches it.
What really sold me is the format. It’s written entirely as Nora’s diary — part present-tense survival, part reflection on how everything crumbled — and it makes the whole thing feel incredibly personal. Like you’re right there reading her raw, unfiltered thoughts as she tries to make sense of their world.
And it’s such an easy read. I flew through it in a single day because I simply didn’t want to put it down. Every chapter gave me a new emotion. Every moment pulled me deeper.
For a debut? For someone writing in their second language? Lidum knocked this out of the park. Truly impressive storytelling and so much heart.
September 15, 2025
“You gave me warmth I thought I’d never feel again. Every stolen glance. Every time our hands brushed. Every laugh. Even the silence with you… it wasn’t empty. It was like finding peace.”
Personally, I would have found the book more engaging if it had started before the virus, rather than after. The beginning of the book felt like a continuation of an unseen story, leaving me without context. Although the book begins after the events of the virus, it does include alternating chapters that take place before and after the outbreak. This book did not end the way I thought it would! That ending!!!! I don't know how to feel.
After pushing through a rocky start, I found myself completely drawn into the story. I was eager to see what would happen next.
Nora and Adam meet in the aftermath of a devastating virus that’s ravaged the world. Choosing to stick together, they soon come across a young girl and decide to take her in. Together, they form a fragile but meaningful family, doing their best to care for one another in a world that’s fallen apart.
As time goes on, Nora and Adam begin to develop deeper feelings for each other. Both are driven by a shared hope — to survive and possibly find a cure for the virus. When Nora discovers that Adam might be the key to that cure, she encourages him to pursue it.
But Adam is hiding something. And when the truth comes out, Nora must decide: Can she forgive him, or will his secrets tear apart the only family they’ve managed to build?
Personally, I would have found the book more engaging if it had started before the virus, rather than after. The beginning of the book felt like a continuation of an unseen story, leaving me without context. Although the book begins after the events of the virus, it does include alternating chapters that take place before and after the outbreak. This book did not end the way I thought it would! That ending!!!! I don't know how to feel.
After pushing through a rocky start, I found myself completely drawn into the story. I was eager to see what would happen next.
Nora and Adam meet in the aftermath of a devastating virus that’s ravaged the world. Choosing to stick together, they soon come across a young girl and decide to take her in. Together, they form a fragile but meaningful family, doing their best to care for one another in a world that’s fallen apart.
As time goes on, Nora and Adam begin to develop deeper feelings for each other. Both are driven by a shared hope — to survive and possibly find a cure for the virus. When Nora discovers that Adam might be the key to that cure, she encourages him to pursue it.
But Adam is hiding something. And when the truth comes out, Nora must decide: Can she forgive him, or will his secrets tear apart the only family they’ve managed to build?
June 19, 2025
📖Book Review📖
I READ THIS IN 2 DAY!!! That’s not normal for me 😂 I’m a slowwwwwwwwww reader.
I was approached by Lidum to be a beta reader for this book and I can’t tell you how glad I am that I didn’t pass up this opportunity. I haven’t really read any post apocalyptic romance books before due to some anxiety issues but I decided to give this one ago and OMG it was amazing.
The book gives HUGE The Walking Dead vibes and I loved that because that show is one of my favourite shows.
I was addicted from the start and loved how the chapters were kinda split into two parts 1 being the present and the second being the past leading up to what is happening. It made me want to keep reading the story and not put the book down, and I liked how we gradually got all the story and it wasn’t rushed.
I cannot wait for book 2 because THAT ENDING. I’m screaming I need more right now.
The plot twists. OH MY GOD I did NOT expect any of that to happen.
I definitely 100% recommend you go read this book when it’s released you won’t regret it.
Tropes
🧟Post apocalyptic
💕Strangers to friends to lovers
🦠Virus outbreak
🧑🧑🧒🧒Found family
🌶️Spicy
5⭐️
4🌶️
I READ THIS IN 2 DAY!!! That’s not normal for me 😂 I’m a slowwwwwwwwww reader.
I was approached by Lidum to be a beta reader for this book and I can’t tell you how glad I am that I didn’t pass up this opportunity. I haven’t really read any post apocalyptic romance books before due to some anxiety issues but I decided to give this one ago and OMG it was amazing.
The book gives HUGE The Walking Dead vibes and I loved that because that show is one of my favourite shows.
I was addicted from the start and loved how the chapters were kinda split into two parts 1 being the present and the second being the past leading up to what is happening. It made me want to keep reading the story and not put the book down, and I liked how we gradually got all the story and it wasn’t rushed.
I cannot wait for book 2 because THAT ENDING. I’m screaming I need more right now.
The plot twists. OH MY GOD I did NOT expect any of that to happen.
I definitely 100% recommend you go read this book when it’s released you won’t regret it.
Tropes
🧟Post apocalyptic
💕Strangers to friends to lovers
🦠Virus outbreak
🧑🧑🧒🧒Found family
🌶️Spicy
5⭐️
4🌶️
September 9, 2025
In the Shadows of The Virus
The Aresix Series Book One
By Lidum
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
☣️ Post Apocalyptic Romance
💀 Spicy Slow burn
☣️ Found family
💀 Strangers to Lovers
☣️ Age Gap
💀 Zomb¡e V¡rus
In the Shadows of the V¡rus opens you to the story of Nora (FMC) facing the loss of what her life used to be like before the v¡rus (known as the X-7 Aresix v¡rus) hit and turned the world into an apocalypse full of zomb¡es.
The V¡rus itself starts as the flu, you know sore throat, the chills, feeling nauseas, then the hallucinations begin, and then you are no longer you but something other...
Throughout this book Anna tells you her day-to-day life as well as what was happening leading up to the present, she tells us of her newfound family, the love she finds when she thought all was hopeless, a betrayal, and these entries go right up until a plot twist that hurts happens all through a series of diary entries.
This beautiful raw story is full of emotion, found family, spicy tension and of course the zombie v¡rus.
What a great Debut by Lidum.
In the Shadow of the Virus is available on Amazon and KU now 😘🖤
#postapocalypticromance #zombies #debutnovel #bookstoread #intheshadowsofthevirus
The Aresix Series Book One
By Lidum
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
☣️ Post Apocalyptic Romance
💀 Spicy Slow burn
☣️ Found family
💀 Strangers to Lovers
☣️ Age Gap
💀 Zomb¡e V¡rus
In the Shadows of the V¡rus opens you to the story of Nora (FMC) facing the loss of what her life used to be like before the v¡rus (known as the X-7 Aresix v¡rus) hit and turned the world into an apocalypse full of zomb¡es.
The V¡rus itself starts as the flu, you know sore throat, the chills, feeling nauseas, then the hallucinations begin, and then you are no longer you but something other...
Throughout this book Anna tells you her day-to-day life as well as what was happening leading up to the present, she tells us of her newfound family, the love she finds when she thought all was hopeless, a betrayal, and these entries go right up until a plot twist that hurts happens all through a series of diary entries.
This beautiful raw story is full of emotion, found family, spicy tension and of course the zombie v¡rus.
What a great Debut by Lidum.
In the Shadow of the Virus is available on Amazon and KU now 😘🖤
#postapocalypticromance #zombies #debutnovel #bookstoread #intheshadowsofthevirus
September 11, 2025
This is a sad, emotional, and ultimately thoughtful exploration of what it means to survive the end of the world. It’s gritty and realistic, never shying away from the painful truths of an apocalypse the sickness, the fear, and the gutting human mistakes that make survival feel both fragile and costly.
Told through Nora’s diary entries, the writing feels intimate and confessional, as though you’re being trusted with someone’s deepest fears and longings. That closeness makes every moment of grief, tenderness, and fleeting joy land with startling impact. I also appreciated the balance while the story captures raw despair, it also threads in humor and warmth through the relationships, grounding the darkness with glimpses of humanity and love.
What stands out most is how unflinching the story is. This isn’t a glamorized apocalypse it’s heartbreakingly real, filled with choices that feel devastatingly human. The ending left me stunned, thoughtful, and deeply moved, staying with me long after I closed the book.
If you’re looking for a post-apocalyptic story that blends stark realism with emotional depth, this one delivers.
Told through Nora’s diary entries, the writing feels intimate and confessional, as though you’re being trusted with someone’s deepest fears and longings. That closeness makes every moment of grief, tenderness, and fleeting joy land with startling impact. I also appreciated the balance while the story captures raw despair, it also threads in humor and warmth through the relationships, grounding the darkness with glimpses of humanity and love.
What stands out most is how unflinching the story is. This isn’t a glamorized apocalypse it’s heartbreakingly real, filled with choices that feel devastatingly human. The ending left me stunned, thoughtful, and deeply moved, staying with me long after I closed the book.
If you’re looking for a post-apocalyptic story that blends stark realism with emotional depth, this one delivers.
March 6, 2026
Wow, this book was so different to any kind of romance I'd read before! The world was immersive, the switching between past and present a really interesting way to feed the reader information. That ending! I didn't see it coming. My favourite part was definitely the found family aspect - so wholesome, with some really great dialogue. I did have to suspend my disbelief with some of the spicy scenes (like I wouldn't be having sex in a forest during a zombie apocalypse, but maybe that's just me) and they felt a little gratuitous at times. I also wish that we'd learnt about bit more about the wider situation, especially after they make contact with someone from a different country. Were other countries trying to help? How wide-spread was the virus? But I appreciate that the romance/found family aspects were the focus. What really blew me away was that English is not the author's first language! She did an amazing job.
October 26, 2025
Tropes:
-Strangers to friends to lovers
-Cinnamon roll MMC
-Found Family
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Important notice ⚠️
This book does cover a few heavy topics that may be sensitive to some people.
If you’re in the mood for a post-apocalyptic romance with some spice, this book is your ticket! The writing was absolutely amazing! I LOVED how Nora, the main character, kept a diary that gave us a great peek into how the outbreak started. It’s a slow burn, but trust me, it’s totally worth it!Adam, the male lead, had me blushing a few times! He’s definitely a cinnamon roll, but he’ll do anything to protect Nora, even if it means keeping himself away from her. The emotions in the book were incredibly raw and easy to connect with. There were definitely moments when I totally got Nora and her choices! But then, there were also times when I was practically shouting at her from the screen 😂
-Strangers to friends to lovers
-Cinnamon roll MMC
-Found Family
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Important notice ⚠️
This book does cover a few heavy topics that may be sensitive to some people.
If you’re in the mood for a post-apocalyptic romance with some spice, this book is your ticket! The writing was absolutely amazing! I LOVED how Nora, the main character, kept a diary that gave us a great peek into how the outbreak started. It’s a slow burn, but trust me, it’s totally worth it!Adam, the male lead, had me blushing a few times! He’s definitely a cinnamon roll, but he’ll do anything to protect Nora, even if it means keeping himself away from her. The emotions in the book were incredibly raw and easy to connect with. There were definitely moments when I totally got Nora and her choices! But then, there were also times when I was practically shouting at her from the screen 😂
September 17, 2025
I heard about this book on TikTok. I loved the post apocalyptic setting vibe I had read about it and knew I had to read it.
The book starts out with most of the characters present together in a bunker. A group of people are headed to a destination that isn't revealed until the end of the book. The book then jumps back in time and tells the story of how all the characters came to be. If you love romance, adventure, zombie apocalypse vibes, this book is for you.
It looks like this is part of a series. I noticed that as I started writing this review. I'll be reading the follow up books as well!
The book starts out with most of the characters present together in a bunker. A group of people are headed to a destination that isn't revealed until the end of the book. The book then jumps back in time and tells the story of how all the characters came to be. If you love romance, adventure, zombie apocalypse vibes, this book is for you.
It looks like this is part of a series. I noticed that as I started writing this review. I'll be reading the follow up books as well!
January 27, 2026
"In the Shadow of the Virus is an emotional, slow-burn post-apocalyptic romance that balances heartbreak, hope, and unexpected love in a shattered world. Nora’s journey, told through her journal, creates an intimate and gripping perspective as she navigates fear, survival, and the fragile family she builds along the way. The tension of waiting, the mystery of what’s happening outside the bunker, and the deep emotional connections between the characters kept me fully invested. This story blends raw emotion, found family, and steamy romance into a compelling read that lingers after the final page."
January 6, 2026
The way I’m absolutely shocked and sobbing right now! 😭 I did NOT expect that ending!
I love an apocalyptic book with romance! This hit all the right notes! Emotional, thrilling, romantic, and heartbreaking. This book was literally everyone’s worst nightmare during Covid. But i loved the way the author delved into grief, anger, and even hope in the worst of circumstances. Even when everything is falling apart there will always be good.
So glad I got the message from the Author on TikTok saying I should check it out! 🫶
I love an apocalyptic book with romance! This hit all the right notes! Emotional, thrilling, romantic, and heartbreaking. This book was literally everyone’s worst nightmare during Covid. But i loved the way the author delved into grief, anger, and even hope in the worst of circumstances. Even when everything is falling apart there will always be good.
So glad I got the message from the Author on TikTok saying I should check it out! 🫶
February 16, 2026
Yeah so when you see the Goodreads reviews saying “I’m devastated” and then just go in blindly into a book…
MAYBE BE PREPARED FOR IT TO NOT HAVE A HAPPY ENDING CAROLINE!!!
But oh my god. This was so so good! The writing? The storyline?And I always say with zombie story’s that it really does not make sense for everyone to make it. But that this one person in this book wasn’t going to make it. Oh my god. I am utterly broken!
I am going to go pretend that they are all happy and alive and building a family on a farm now. No one is dead. All are happy and safe :)
MAYBE BE PREPARED FOR IT TO NOT HAVE A HAPPY ENDING CAROLINE!!!
But oh my god. This was so so good! The writing? The storyline?And I always say with zombie story’s that it really does not make sense for everyone to make it. But that this one person in this book wasn’t going to make it. Oh my god. I am utterly broken!
I am going to go pretend that they are all happy and alive and building a family on a farm now. No one is dead. All are happy and safe :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2026
This was my first zombie based book, and it did not disappoint! I found out about it on tiktok and thought why not? I was a bit disappointed to see how short it was, but in hindsight, I think the fact it was short helped the tension of the book, and helped it feel more real. It felt like I was watching everything unfold around me. The ending got me, and I truly can't wait for the next one!
Also want to note, the fact the author points out that English isn't their first language, they should be so proud of themselves for how well they've written this novel! I would never have guessed it!
Also want to note, the fact the author points out that English isn't their first language, they should be so proud of themselves for how well they've written this novel! I would never have guessed it!
January 23, 2026
Recently bought a kindle and this was my first read! A navigating plot that follows a lovers journey through a broken world. The plot itself is great, and i’ve always felt intrigued by post apocalyptic themes. Although, i did feel the ending was a little rushed and lacked detail. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book! It felt like I was 16 year old me again reading my wattpad fanfics. The best era ever!
April 5, 2026
I love a dystopian romance, and this didn’t disappoint.
It had The Last of Us vibes, with found family, a hot and nerdy scientist and a headstrong FMC who has gone through it.
The world building was excellent, and you were immediately thrown into their fast-paced, heart-wrenching lives.
The spice did not disappoint. The story was fast paced and had an ending that BROKE me.
I can't wait for book two.
Adam is one of those book boyfriends that you yearn for, and I cannot wait to see more of him in book two.
It had The Last of Us vibes, with found family, a hot and nerdy scientist and a headstrong FMC who has gone through it.
The world building was excellent, and you were immediately thrown into their fast-paced, heart-wrenching lives.
The spice did not disappoint. The story was fast paced and had an ending that BROKE me.
I can't wait for book two.
Adam is one of those book boyfriends that you yearn for, and I cannot wait to see more of him in book two.
September 23, 2025
4.5⭐️!
I don't usually enjoy zombie apocalypse tv shows & films but this book was ADDICTIVE!! I read it in basically one sitting!
The constant threat to the main characters survival had me locked in, and the cute love story was a nice contrast to the main plot.
Then there was the twists! None of which I saw coming, my jaw was on the floor!
I cannot wait for the next book 😍
I don't usually enjoy zombie apocalypse tv shows & films but this book was ADDICTIVE!! I read it in basically one sitting!
The constant threat to the main characters survival had me locked in, and the cute love story was a nice contrast to the main plot.
Then there was the twists! None of which I saw coming, my jaw was on the floor!
I cannot wait for the next book 😍
Read
February 2, 2026I’m actually so upset right now I don’t even know how to rate this. I was lowkey hoping she was like pregnant or something because they kept alluding to it but NOPE. Like how does one ever move on from something like that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2026
This was such a good book! I am obsessed. I loved this story! Nora was such a fun character to follow and I love the diary style format. My heart was racing from page one and I love her relationship with Adam. Zombies, post apocalyptic, age gap, insta attraction, yes please
March 12, 2026
If you enjoyed the walking dead then this is the book for you.
I am a big zombie movie fan and this just brought me back to the walking dead. There was love, drama, and spice. This is my 1st apocalyptic read and I loved every second of it.
I am a big zombie movie fan and this just brought me back to the walking dead. There was love, drama, and spice. This is my 1st apocalyptic read and I loved every second of it.
March 22, 2026
I cried. This is my first time reading a post apocalyptic novel and it did not disappoint! Even though it was a quick read for me I was fully immersed and read through it in one sitting. I can’t stop thinking about that ending!!😭😭
February 20, 2026
Enjoyable
Interesting story line its very different from what I usually read, but I enjoyed it overall. Great work, 👍 👍
Interesting story line its very different from what I usually read, but I enjoyed it overall. Great work, 👍 👍
April 15, 2026
usually love zombie books and she had potential but just didn't hit
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