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Dating in Decay
Agent Lyla Matthews had two rules in the zombie apocalypse:
1. Don’t get attached.
2. Always aim for the head.
She didn’t plan to adopt a snarky teen sidekick or lead a rescue mission against a group of power-hungry captors—but the end of the world doesn’t care about your five-year plan. Lyla’s not looking for love. She’s hunting a monster she’s been chasing for years—and she won’t stop until he’s dead.
Enter Jacob: a roguish ex-fire chief with solid combat skills, a dangerously sharp tongue, and a heart that refuses to die quietly. When his people are taken by a ruthless faction, he’ll burn the world down to get them back—even if it means teaming up with a sassy, knife-wielding woman covered in zombie guts.
They’ve both been surviving on their own terms. But together, they might just figure out how to start living again.
For fans of pulse-pounding action, banter-filled slow burn, and spice amidst the apocalypse, Dating in Decay is a darkly funny, zombie-filled romp that will keep you laughing—and maybe gasping—until the very last page.
1. Don’t get attached.
2. Always aim for the head.
She didn’t plan to adopt a snarky teen sidekick or lead a rescue mission against a group of power-hungry captors—but the end of the world doesn’t care about your five-year plan. Lyla’s not looking for love. She’s hunting a monster she’s been chasing for years—and she won’t stop until he’s dead.
Enter Jacob: a roguish ex-fire chief with solid combat skills, a dangerously sharp tongue, and a heart that refuses to die quietly. When his people are taken by a ruthless faction, he’ll burn the world down to get them back—even if it means teaming up with a sassy, knife-wielding woman covered in zombie guts.
They’ve both been surviving on their own terms. But together, they might just figure out how to start living again.
For fans of pulse-pounding action, banter-filled slow burn, and spice amidst the apocalypse, Dating in Decay is a darkly funny, zombie-filled romp that will keep you laughing—and maybe gasping—until the very last page.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2025
19 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
October 20, 2025
Agent Lyla Matthews was not looking for love. She has been hunting a monster of a different kind during the zombie apocalypse.
Banter and zombie guts pair perfectly when it comes to Jacob and Lyla who were both surviving in their own ways, on their own paths- until they collided.
Action packed and spicy goodness fill the pages as the group fends off packs of hungry zombies and Lyla plays a deadly game with the head of a group of serial killer artists.
This was a quick and entertaining read. Fans of The Walking Dead, found family trope and snarky dark humor will enjoy this one.
Thank you to the author, Lindsey Montgomery, and Expressive Press LLC for the opportunity to read this book. I received an EPUB and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Banter and zombie guts pair perfectly when it comes to Jacob and Lyla who were both surviving in their own ways, on their own paths- until they collided.
Action packed and spicy goodness fill the pages as the group fends off packs of hungry zombies and Lyla plays a deadly game with the head of a group of serial killer artists.
This was a quick and entertaining read. Fans of The Walking Dead, found family trope and snarky dark humor will enjoy this one.
Thank you to the author, Lindsey Montgomery, and Expressive Press LLC for the opportunity to read this book. I received an EPUB and am leaving my review voluntarily.
September 22, 2025
Everyone should read this book! The tension and the banter, Omg. I ate this book up like I’m zombie who needs brains.
This book had action, adventure, swoony & spicy romance, an amazing found family and zombies. What more could you ask for.
Lyla was bad@ss and I want to be her. Would love a leader like Jacob to lead me anywhere.
Great debut and I can’t wait for more stories from Lindsey.
This book had action, adventure, swoony & spicy romance, an amazing found family and zombies. What more could you ask for.
Lyla was bad@ss and I want to be her. Would love a leader like Jacob to lead me anywhere.
Great debut and I can’t wait for more stories from Lindsey.
October 21, 2025
✨ARC Review✨ Released today!!
This was a fun read! I’m really impressed with this fantastic book debut! I really loved all the characters. Lyla was a badass with a heart of gold. Jacob is also a badass with his sassy charming self. Joanie reminded me of my teenage years with her smart mouth. Which my Mom did not appreciate at all lol. I wish we got more of Earl’s survival guide tips. I enjoyed the mystery of who misused his map with the coffee stain.
The sense of humor throughout the book was definitely my cup of tea. I loved the apocalypse world with true crime and romance in the mix. I wish we got more of the serial killer Da Vinci in the story. His character needed to be fleshed out more (pun intended). There is a lot of gore throughout the story, but what do you expect when zombies are involved. I can’t wait to read the second book about Leon and Clair! If you are a fan of The Walking Dead and Zombieland, this book is definitely for you.
Thank you Lindsey Montgomery for giving me an opportunity to read this awesome ARC! 🫶💗
This was a fun read! I’m really impressed with this fantastic book debut! I really loved all the characters. Lyla was a badass with a heart of gold. Jacob is also a badass with his sassy charming self. Joanie reminded me of my teenage years with her smart mouth. Which my Mom did not appreciate at all lol. I wish we got more of Earl’s survival guide tips. I enjoyed the mystery of who misused his map with the coffee stain.
The sense of humor throughout the book was definitely my cup of tea. I loved the apocalypse world with true crime and romance in the mix. I wish we got more of the serial killer Da Vinci in the story. His character needed to be fleshed out more (pun intended). There is a lot of gore throughout the story, but what do you expect when zombies are involved. I can’t wait to read the second book about Leon and Clair! If you are a fan of The Walking Dead and Zombieland, this book is definitely for you.
Thank you Lindsey Montgomery for giving me an opportunity to read this awesome ARC! 🫶💗
December 29, 2025
Zombies and romcom style antics? Sign me up.
Seriously I went into this book with high hopes because I loved the authors marketing and she's funny af. I was not disappointed at all. The pacing was great, it was the perfect mixture of horror and rom and the humor was on point the entire time. The characters were all great but my girl Lyla was my favorite. The spice was hot but non graphic enough that I think it's friendly across the board, same with the gore. It was there enough to remind you that the book has a horror base but not so there to scare anyone off.
I highly suggest the physical book as well because it's cute. The color combo took me back to highschool Hot Topic lol. Loved the zombie rules, playlist, etc.
My only problem with the book... well two part.
1. The second book isn't out and I want it now lol
2. There's a scene that really made me want cinnamon candy and one that made me want a damn smores and in both cases I couldn't have one. :(
Overall a great book and love the authors writing as a whole between the book and her socials. Can't wait for her future work.
Seriously I went into this book with high hopes because I loved the authors marketing and she's funny af. I was not disappointed at all. The pacing was great, it was the perfect mixture of horror and rom and the humor was on point the entire time. The characters were all great but my girl Lyla was my favorite. The spice was hot but non graphic enough that I think it's friendly across the board, same with the gore. It was there enough to remind you that the book has a horror base but not so there to scare anyone off.
I highly suggest the physical book as well because it's cute. The color combo took me back to highschool Hot Topic lol. Loved the zombie rules, playlist, etc.
My only problem with the book... well two part.
1. The second book isn't out and I want it now lol
2. There's a scene that really made me want cinnamon candy and one that made me want a damn smores and in both cases I couldn't have one. :(
Overall a great book and love the authors writing as a whole between the book and her socials. Can't wait for her future work.
October 20, 2025
Hi! Hello! It’s me! And I am foaming at the mouth!!
I should start out by saying THANK YOU to Lindsey Montgomery for having me be apart of the ARC team for Dating in Decay but also for the PR package!! I am feeling completely blessed and on cloud nine! *screaming, crying, throwing up*
Lindsey wrote this book to have action, adventure, found family and spice while providing laughs and making us swoon. What more could we ask for? I am still floored over the fact that this was Lindsey’s debut novel! You could tell she put her heart and soul into this novel. I am truly impressed.
The pace was set quickly and never let up! I was hooked immediately and my interest never wavered. However, the slow burn was slow burning and it was totally worth it! But the banter and tension had me kicking my feet throughout most of the book!
As a girlypop who has always been a big fan of the Walking Dead and Zombieland, I knew I had to sign up for this ARC! As to be expected, the action and the gore were throughout the novel… and as to be expected, your girl got nauseous multiple times 😂💀 #IAmWeak
Lyla was a certified badass and I am obsessed with her! And I am just down bad for Jacob. What can I say? I’m hopeless when it comes down to a man like Jacob 🫠🫠
Lindsey made a fan out of me quick with this book and I am stoked to now be apart of her fan base! I cannot wait to see what Lindsey has in store for us in Clair and Leon’s book!
Would I suggest this to a friend? Yes!!! Go read it! Will I reread? Yes! Obviously need a refresher before book two releases! Do I need a trophy? I already got one baby 🤩🤩🤩
I should start out by saying THANK YOU to Lindsey Montgomery for having me be apart of the ARC team for Dating in Decay but also for the PR package!! I am feeling completely blessed and on cloud nine! *screaming, crying, throwing up*
Lindsey wrote this book to have action, adventure, found family and spice while providing laughs and making us swoon. What more could we ask for? I am still floored over the fact that this was Lindsey’s debut novel! You could tell she put her heart and soul into this novel. I am truly impressed.
The pace was set quickly and never let up! I was hooked immediately and my interest never wavered. However, the slow burn was slow burning and it was totally worth it! But the banter and tension had me kicking my feet throughout most of the book!
As a girlypop who has always been a big fan of the Walking Dead and Zombieland, I knew I had to sign up for this ARC! As to be expected, the action and the gore were throughout the novel… and as to be expected, your girl got nauseous multiple times 😂💀 #IAmWeak
Lyla was a certified badass and I am obsessed with her! And I am just down bad for Jacob. What can I say? I’m hopeless when it comes down to a man like Jacob 🫠🫠
Lindsey made a fan out of me quick with this book and I am stoked to now be apart of her fan base! I cannot wait to see what Lindsey has in store for us in Clair and Leon’s book!
Would I suggest this to a friend? Yes!!! Go read it! Will I reread? Yes! Obviously need a refresher before book two releases! Do I need a trophy? I already got one baby 🤩🤩🤩
October 17, 2025
⭐ 4.25
🌶️ 2
🥵 Spicy Chapters: 22, 25, 28
📚 Tropes/Themes: dystopian, zombies, badass fmc, slow burn, serial killers, romantic suspense, touch her and die, snark, dark humor, found family
👀 Dual POV 1st person
💔 Triggers: gore, violence, zombies
🛍️ Available: 10/21
💬 Well, as expected this spicy horror rom-com was SO GOOD. It's a great debut.
The action starts almost immediately and I got sucked in right away. I think I read at least half of it just the first night. I LOVED their first meeting and nicknames-it had me laughing so hard. Also the banter is 🤌🏼🤌🏼
While I loved the tension and slow burn, personally I think I prefer a little more buildup in terms of the romance? Idk buildup isn't the right word BUT it's also a post apocalyptic setting so my standards are probably too high 😂 the spice was delicious though.
There are several plot lines going on, which I enjoyed- and although part of it is a cliffhanger, I didn't mind. I'm pretty some of the complaints I had, like wanting more backstory, will be answered as the series continues, and I'm anxiously awaiting Clair and Leon's story!
🌶️ 2
🥵 Spicy Chapters: 22, 25, 28
📚 Tropes/Themes: dystopian, zombies, badass fmc, slow burn, serial killers, romantic suspense, touch her and die, snark, dark humor, found family
👀 Dual POV 1st person
💔 Triggers: gore, violence, zombies
🛍️ Available: 10/21
💬 Well, as expected this spicy horror rom-com was SO GOOD. It's a great debut.
The action starts almost immediately and I got sucked in right away. I think I read at least half of it just the first night. I LOVED their first meeting and nicknames-it had me laughing so hard. Also the banter is 🤌🏼🤌🏼
While I loved the tension and slow burn, personally I think I prefer a little more buildup in terms of the romance? Idk buildup isn't the right word BUT it's also a post apocalyptic setting so my standards are probably too high 😂 the spice was delicious though.
There are several plot lines going on, which I enjoyed- and although part of it is a cliffhanger, I didn't mind. I'm pretty some of the complaints I had, like wanting more backstory, will be answered as the series continues, and I'm anxiously awaiting Clair and Leon's story!
November 20, 2025
Trouble and Gorgeous 🩷 The meet-cute I didn’t know I needed, but was pure perfection. This book was unhinged and beautiful. The immersive world building really painted a clear picture of this apocalyptic world. The characters were descriptive and I could close my eyes and really see what Lindsey Montgomery was portraying. There are books I read that can sometimes be predictable and I can assume what the next words in a sentence will be, but Lindsey M. Is a talented author and I was surprised at every corner.
The twist in this book truly caught me off guard. I was taken aback by the truth and that was phenomenal to read.
Lyla is the FMC we all love. Strong and knows exactly what she wants. Her and Jo are incredible female leads and their banter is incredible. I also loved how they named literally everything inanimate. Shoutout to Sweetness!
Another shoutout to Earl and Edith! They were incredible characters and the parts where Earl gave zombie survival guide advice reminded me of a book I read in middle school so I got to feel nostalgia whilst reading.
I think my favorite moments from the book were the classical music scene. Jacob and his mother. Lyla having a boom box in the zombie apocalypse. And the cutting of the tongue.
I would like to also say a problematic opinion, as a stalker trope enthusiast I really actually loved Da Vinci. Not in a “I want them to end up together” way, but I kind of liked the unhinged serial k!ll3r stalking vibes.
Leon and Claire is going to be a great story! I can’t wait to read it! Leon blushing was probably the highlight of the book.
The twist in this book truly caught me off guard. I was taken aback by the truth and that was phenomenal to read.
Lyla is the FMC we all love. Strong and knows exactly what she wants. Her and Jo are incredible female leads and their banter is incredible. I also loved how they named literally everything inanimate. Shoutout to Sweetness!
Another shoutout to Earl and Edith! They were incredible characters and the parts where Earl gave zombie survival guide advice reminded me of a book I read in middle school so I got to feel nostalgia whilst reading.
I think my favorite moments from the book were the classical music scene. Jacob and his mother. Lyla having a boom box in the zombie apocalypse. And the cutting of the tongue.
I would like to also say a problematic opinion, as a stalker trope enthusiast I really actually loved Da Vinci. Not in a “I want them to end up together” way, but I kind of liked the unhinged serial k!ll3r stalking vibes.
Leon and Claire is going to be a great story! I can’t wait to read it! Leon blushing was probably the highlight of the book.
October 23, 2025
Wow this book was actually amazing, I wish I could give it more than 5 stars!! I’m so thankful to have been able to read this early, it was so well written and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Who would have thought surviving a zombie apocalypse could be so sexy?? This had the perfect balance of action and romance.
Lyla is an extremely strong, badass FMC and former FBI agent. She protects what she wants to and doesn’t let anything get in her way of that.
Jacob loves hard and won’t let anyone get near the people he loves. You cross him? You’re as good as dead.
Two strong, hardheaded main characters?? What more could you ask for!
Post apocalypse, Lyla is on a mission — kill DaVinci, notorious serial killer she’s been tracking and trying to kill for so long. Her plan to break into his prison is a suicide mission, or she thought. She rescues a bad ass family who knows how to fight and stay alive. After a brutal fight with DaVinci, the come back to save her before she succumbs to her wounds. Among this family? Jacob or as Lyla likes to call him, gorgeous.
New goal? Make it to their family farm in Montana. They just have to make it hundreds of miles away by car, looting for supplies, and killing a few zombies along the way.
🖤 Strong FMC
🧟♀️ Zombies
🖤 Found Family
🧟♀️ Action
🖤Spice
Who would have thought surviving a zombie apocalypse could be so sexy?? This had the perfect balance of action and romance.
Lyla is an extremely strong, badass FMC and former FBI agent. She protects what she wants to and doesn’t let anything get in her way of that.
Jacob loves hard and won’t let anyone get near the people he loves. You cross him? You’re as good as dead.
Two strong, hardheaded main characters?? What more could you ask for!
Post apocalypse, Lyla is on a mission — kill DaVinci, notorious serial killer she’s been tracking and trying to kill for so long. Her plan to break into his prison is a suicide mission, or she thought. She rescues a bad ass family who knows how to fight and stay alive. After a brutal fight with DaVinci, the come back to save her before she succumbs to her wounds. Among this family? Jacob or as Lyla likes to call him, gorgeous.
New goal? Make it to their family farm in Montana. They just have to make it hundreds of miles away by car, looting for supplies, and killing a few zombies along the way.
🖤 Strong FMC
🧟♀️ Zombies
🖤 Found Family
🧟♀️ Action
🖤Spice
October 11, 2025
Thank you so much to Lindsey Montgomery for this ARC! 💖
If zombie guts, dark pasts, and snarky banter had a baby, this book would be it.
Lyla, a former FBI agent turned zombie-slaying legend, is the FMC of dreams: sharp, ruthless, and seriously haunted by her past. Joanie, the 14-year-old who is equal parts kickass and adorable, is pure chaotic brilliance. And Jacob, the ex-firefighter MMC with his ragtag band of zombie annihilators, brings both heart and heat.
The plot was plotting hard with this one and the ways in which the events unfolded were just brilliantly crafted and the links between certain events were a thing of excellence - this is the type of story you need to go into it with no clue where it’s going & just enjoy every minute of the ride!
The romance is a medium burn masterpiece full of sarcastic banter, brutally cute roasts, and a “burn down the world for each other” energy, all while respecting each other’s fight. It’s messy, bloody, and utterly adorable. And the spice…. 🔥
The gore is plentiful, the one-liners are highlight-worthy, and the pacing never lets up. Lindsey Montgomery’s writing is addictive & I could devour her stories daily and never get tired. I cannot wait for more from this world.
If zombie guts, dark pasts, and snarky banter had a baby, this book would be it.
Lyla, a former FBI agent turned zombie-slaying legend, is the FMC of dreams: sharp, ruthless, and seriously haunted by her past. Joanie, the 14-year-old who is equal parts kickass and adorable, is pure chaotic brilliance. And Jacob, the ex-firefighter MMC with his ragtag band of zombie annihilators, brings both heart and heat.
The plot was plotting hard with this one and the ways in which the events unfolded were just brilliantly crafted and the links between certain events were a thing of excellence - this is the type of story you need to go into it with no clue where it’s going & just enjoy every minute of the ride!
The romance is a medium burn masterpiece full of sarcastic banter, brutally cute roasts, and a “burn down the world for each other” energy, all while respecting each other’s fight. It’s messy, bloody, and utterly adorable. And the spice…. 🔥
The gore is plentiful, the one-liners are highlight-worthy, and the pacing never lets up. Lindsey Montgomery’s writing is addictive & I could devour her stories daily and never get tired. I cannot wait for more from this world.
September 29, 2025
Dating in Decay by Lindsey Montgomery • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read: 8/28 2025
✨ Review ✨
Thank you so much Lindsey for this ARC!!
This was amazing!!! I love post apocalyptic stories and zombie shows, so I’m very proud to say that this was the first zombie book I’ve ever read. It was so good! The plot was eerie, yet hilarious and romantic. An interesting combo, but it works nonetheless.
I’m a true crime junkie, so I love that Lyla, the FMC, was an FBI agent and that she uses those skills in the zombie apocalypse. I’m also a sucker for found family, it’s just such a sweet trope and was written perfectly in this book.
Of course, we can’t forget the plot twists. I don’t want to spoil anything, so all I’m going to say is that the plot was definitely twisted and executed wonderfully.
Note: there are a number of content warnings being that this book is gory, so please do what’s best for you. Otherwise, I highly recommend this.
I’m so happy that I got to read your first story brought to life, I can’t wait to read more of your work!!
Releases October 21, 2025
Amazon Pre-order Link: https://a.co/d/d1uEJMp
Book 1 out of 4 from The Outbreak Responses interconnected standalone series, coming soon.
Read: 8/28 2025
✨ Review ✨
Thank you so much Lindsey for this ARC!!
This was amazing!!! I love post apocalyptic stories and zombie shows, so I’m very proud to say that this was the first zombie book I’ve ever read. It was so good! The plot was eerie, yet hilarious and romantic. An interesting combo, but it works nonetheless.
I’m a true crime junkie, so I love that Lyla, the FMC, was an FBI agent and that she uses those skills in the zombie apocalypse. I’m also a sucker for found family, it’s just such a sweet trope and was written perfectly in this book.
Of course, we can’t forget the plot twists. I don’t want to spoil anything, so all I’m going to say is that the plot was definitely twisted and executed wonderfully.
Note: there are a number of content warnings being that this book is gory, so please do what’s best for you. Otherwise, I highly recommend this.
I’m so happy that I got to read your first story brought to life, I can’t wait to read more of your work!!
Releases October 21, 2025
Amazon Pre-order Link: https://a.co/d/d1uEJMp
Book 1 out of 4 from The Outbreak Responses interconnected standalone series, coming soon.
October 26, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ 2🌶️
Think The Walking Dead… but make it romantic!
Lyla, our smart-mouthed, badass former FBI agent, and Jacob, the sizzling hot ex-fire chief, had amazing chemistry and banter right from the start. The tension between them was perfection, and when they finally gave in to that chemistry!
The side characters were just as entertaining and likable. I’d love to dive deeper into their stories in future books because they definitely added so much charm and heart.
There’s plenty of zombie-slaying action, a few non-zombie villains to keep things interesting, and just the right touch of spice.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, fun zombie romance with humor, heat, and heart—this one’s a must-read!
Think The Walking Dead… but make it romantic!
Lyla, our smart-mouthed, badass former FBI agent, and Jacob, the sizzling hot ex-fire chief, had amazing chemistry and banter right from the start. The tension between them was perfection, and when they finally gave in to that chemistry!
The side characters were just as entertaining and likable. I’d love to dive deeper into their stories in future books because they definitely added so much charm and heart.
There’s plenty of zombie-slaying action, a few non-zombie villains to keep things interesting, and just the right touch of spice.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, fun zombie romance with humor, heat, and heart—this one’s a must-read!
October 17, 2025
The banter and heart in this post-apocalyptic dating scene are enough to bring tears to my eyes. Da Vinci deserves everything Lyla wants to give him, and Jacob is the perfect partner-in-crime to help her carry it out. Joanie, Trish, Barbara, Earl, Edith, Clair, and Poppy were the kind of side characters who refused to stay in the background… they brought humor, warmth, and chaos in equal measure. Dear Jessica… you already know what I’m going to say. Smh. Spice, soul, and a whole lot of emotion make this story the real deal
October 10, 2025
I requested this ARC via my book club; there was a link to request it and was lucky enough to get it! I liked the idea of it and the cover is so cool looking. I read most of the story yesterday, as life gets in the way sometimes.
There is a lot going on and I kind of had to look back through the first few chapters to make sure what POV I was in- I think I got confused because there were so many characters introduced so quickly. I liked how strong Layla is and Jacob sounded pretty dreamy.
I don't want to say much, because I think I would drop spoilers. Just make sure you grab this one because it is a fun and wild ride.
There is a lot going on and I kind of had to look back through the first few chapters to make sure what POV I was in- I think I got confused because there were so many characters introduced so quickly. I liked how strong Layla is and Jacob sounded pretty dreamy.
I don't want to say much, because I think I would drop spoilers. Just make sure you grab this one because it is a fun and wild ride.
October 21, 2025
This book was SO fun! Think The Walking Dead X Zombieland X Brynne Weaver humor. And sprinkle in a little Silence of the Lambs with the cat and mouse game. I was smiling through a large portion of this book. I loved every character. And the next book is Leone and Claire?? 😍😍 But to be honest I’d read the next book just for Joanie 😂 I love her!
Thank you to author Lindsey Montgomery for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review! I’ll be anxiously awaiting book #2!
Thank you to author Lindsey Montgomery for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review! I’ll be anxiously awaiting book #2!
November 6, 2025
The apocalyptic setting is gory and fun. I kind of like that in chaos anything can happen in those stories. I loved the misfit crew of zombie slayers. Even with the gruesome horror elements (which I thoroughly enjoyed), the sharp, hilarious banter between the characters kept the story very entertaining. I will definitely be reading the next one about Leon.
October 12, 2025
My favorite books and movies have a good amount of romance, action, revenge, humor and found family. This book delivered on it ALL with the thrill of the post apocalyptic zombie world. The book truly sucked me in and I couldn’t stop thinking about it until I finished.
I am so invested with this group of characters in this zombie world. I really love each character and what they brought to the group. The banter was on point and the chemistry between Lyla and Jacob was perfection. I love that Jacob was there for her and fought with her but respected her enough to also let her fight her own battles while encouraging her through them.
I am so excited to read the next one! The journey has just begun as this is the first of four interconnected standalone books in this series.
Can’t forget the awesomely curated playlist.
I feel so fortunate to have received this book as an arc.
I am so invested with this group of characters in this zombie world. I really love each character and what they brought to the group. The banter was on point and the chemistry between Lyla and Jacob was perfection. I love that Jacob was there for her and fought with her but respected her enough to also let her fight her own battles while encouraging her through them.
I am so excited to read the next one! The journey has just begun as this is the first of four interconnected standalone books in this series.
Can’t forget the awesomely curated playlist.
I feel so fortunate to have received this book as an arc.
November 8, 2025
This was a fun time. Definitely what I was hoping/expecting from a zombie apocalypse situation where you also finds pockets of normal. It was funny but also had serious parts.
November 8, 2025
4.5 stars!
It was so close to 5 stars, but the miscommunication and secret keeping from Lyla was driving me insane!
No OW/OM drama.
It was so close to 5 stars, but the miscommunication and secret keeping from Lyla was driving me insane!
No OW/OM drama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2025
Oh my goodness what a debut!!
This chaotic, zombie-fueled book was everything I didn’t know I needed!
This book had it all, Romance, thrills, serial killers, found family, zombies and tons of laughs! I freaking loved this book from the very beginning.
I instantly was invested in all the MCs as well as the side characters as well. I will be patiently waiting for the next book following some new characters that we met in this book as well!
Lyla and Jacob were everything. Just the right amount of being in love as well as the right amount of crazy touch her and you die moments that we all love!
This book was almost nostalgic at times for my “Walking Dead” obsessed self from back in the day! I truly had so much fun with this one!
So proud of you Lindsey for one badass debut novel! Thank you so much for trusting me with one of your ARCs!
This book comes out tomorrow and everyone needs to read it!
This chaotic, zombie-fueled book was everything I didn’t know I needed!
This book had it all, Romance, thrills, serial killers, found family, zombies and tons of laughs! I freaking loved this book from the very beginning.
I instantly was invested in all the MCs as well as the side characters as well. I will be patiently waiting for the next book following some new characters that we met in this book as well!
Lyla and Jacob were everything. Just the right amount of being in love as well as the right amount of crazy touch her and you die moments that we all love!
This book was almost nostalgic at times for my “Walking Dead” obsessed self from back in the day! I truly had so much fun with this one!
So proud of you Lindsey for one badass debut novel! Thank you so much for trusting me with one of your ARCs!
This book comes out tomorrow and everyone needs to read it!
October 4, 2025
what a journey this book took me on ... found family ..banter...spice... adventure... bad @$$ fmc ... protective mmc... it was a fun read ... exactly what I feel going through a zombie apocalypse would be like..i was fortune enough to receive an early copy to review.. check it out
September 29, 2025
ARC Review: Dating in Decay
This book will have you pulled in from the first chapter and it’s not a wonder I ran through this book like I’d be running through the woods from zombies 🧟🥴
Dating in Decay is set in a post apocalyptic world where Lyla and Jacob are faced with not only battling zombies, but also people and parts of their past in order to fall for each other.
The action is thrilling, the romance is spicy, the banter is incredible, and the one-liners will have you chuckling!
If you love dual-POVs, zombie thrillers, a little spicy romance, and great character as well as story building, I highly recommend checking this one out on 10/21/25!
Ps. You may even get some useful tips to take on a real zombie apocalypse one day (I know I would need all the help I can get 😂)
This book will have you pulled in from the first chapter and it’s not a wonder I ran through this book like I’d be running through the woods from zombies 🧟🥴
Dating in Decay is set in a post apocalyptic world where Lyla and Jacob are faced with not only battling zombies, but also people and parts of their past in order to fall for each other.
The action is thrilling, the romance is spicy, the banter is incredible, and the one-liners will have you chuckling!
If you love dual-POVs, zombie thrillers, a little spicy romance, and great character as well as story building, I highly recommend checking this one out on 10/21/25!
Ps. You may even get some useful tips to take on a real zombie apocalypse one day (I know I would need all the help I can get 😂)
October 21, 2025
HAPPY RELEASE DAY 💚🩷
This book has it all - zombies, crime, romance and action! However, it didn't overload me. First, the main characters Lyla and Jacob were badass. They had their own agendas, but when they came together...whew! They were an unstoppable team! Plus I loved their banter. The side characters just added something special to the story - they were unique and each one was likeable.
Next, the action! This book started off with a bang and if I didn't have to work, I would've finished it in a day. I was hooked from the first chapter. These scenes were written SO well.
I loved the crime elements, the pacing, the plot, the setting and the plot twist! 😱 What a wonderful, entertaining read. I will be first in line for book 2!
If you like badass characters, action-packed fight scenes and a slow burn romance, this is for you!
This book has it all - zombies, crime, romance and action! However, it didn't overload me. First, the main characters Lyla and Jacob were badass. They had their own agendas, but when they came together...whew! They were an unstoppable team! Plus I loved their banter. The side characters just added something special to the story - they were unique and each one was likeable.
Next, the action! This book started off with a bang and if I didn't have to work, I would've finished it in a day. I was hooked from the first chapter. These scenes were written SO well.
I loved the crime elements, the pacing, the plot, the setting and the plot twist! 😱 What a wonderful, entertaining read. I will be first in line for book 2!
If you like badass characters, action-packed fight scenes and a slow burn romance, this is for you!
November 7, 2025
Things I didn't like: this entire books dialog is just one liners and quips stitched together so much of the time. Romance where? I don't even know why you like each other besides looks and convenience. Its basically only sexual chemistry, and even thats not great. Hate how the FMC is basically an cocky, annoying, untouchable, adult edgelord. Story is quite predictable. Huge problems get solved annoyingly quick and easy.
Things I liked: the setting was fun. Loved the apocalypse, loved their camps and small town runs. Some scenes really get you on the edge of your seat. I liked a lot of the background characters.
Am I going to read the second book? No. But I might recommend to someone who was looking for a fun apocalypse book.
Things I liked: the setting was fun. Loved the apocalypse, loved their camps and small town runs. Some scenes really get you on the edge of your seat. I liked a lot of the background characters.
Am I going to read the second book? No. But I might recommend to someone who was looking for a fun apocalypse book.
November 5, 2025
4.25 STARS
Not gonna lie, I had a blast reading this. Although I tend to love more dark romances that are completely depressing (yeah I know..), this gave me some of that angst mixed in with amazing banter, fun and meaningful relationships, and believable drama between characters that just did it for me.
The story moved quickly and kept me on my toes, even in moments where they are traipsing through a zombie apocalypse, that feeling of tension is there knowing something bad can happen at any moment. The relationships are great, even from the side characters and don't get me started with having a fun mom/son relationship.
Highly recommend and will be continuing this and anything else Lindsey writes moving forward.
Thank you to Lindsey Montgomery and her team for the eARC and opportunity to provide my honest review!
Not gonna lie, I had a blast reading this. Although I tend to love more dark romances that are completely depressing (yeah I know..), this gave me some of that angst mixed in with amazing banter, fun and meaningful relationships, and believable drama between characters that just did it for me.
The story moved quickly and kept me on my toes, even in moments where they are traipsing through a zombie apocalypse, that feeling of tension is there knowing something bad can happen at any moment. The relationships are great, even from the side characters and don't get me started with having a fun mom/son relationship.
Highly recommend and will be continuing this and anything else Lindsey writes moving forward.
Thank you to Lindsey Montgomery and her team for the eARC and opportunity to provide my honest review!
October 3, 2025
✨️ ARC Review ✨️
Was it ever in my bingo card to read a zombie romance?!? No, it was not. I had no idea it was a thing! Well, it is!! Thank you Lindsey for bringing this weirdly amazing subgenre to my life.
People this book is amazing!! It felt like I was reading a book after hearing recommendations everywhere but this time it's me recommending a book that I believe everyone will be reading! This story is addicting, full of action, funny, quite gory, and with the perfect amount of romance and spice! I can totally see this book becoming a series or a movie ♡
After reading it, I dare you to pick a character that you don't like. Each one of them, even the side characters are special, and I found myself connecting or liking all of them one one way or another.
But definitely my favorite characters were Lyla and Jacob ♡ their chemistry is electric! Both of these characters are amazing by themselves, but together?! Fireworks!! I truly enjoyed reading them!
The pace was perfect, I got everything that I wanted, and I was left wanting just the exact amount to not go crazy, but definitely expecting the next book... which won't come soon enough!
This is a must-read for this spooky season, Dating in Decay will be out on October 21st ♡
Thank you Lindsey for letting me be part of your ARC Team ♡ I'm so happy for you!
Qotd: Who do you rather face in an apocalyptic world? Zombies or survivors? I think zombies... 🙃
***
Alguna vez creí leer una novela romántica de zombis? No, para nada! No tenía ni idea de que existiera! Pues sí existe! Gracias Lindsey por traer este subgénero tan diferente y asombroso a mi vida.
¡Gente, este libro es increíble! Sentí que estaba leyendo un libro después de escuchar recomendaciones por todas partes, pero esta vez soy yo quien recomienda lo que estoy segura de que será un éxito. Esta historia es adictiva, llena de acción, divertida, bastante sangrienta y con la dosis perfecta de romance y spice. Me imagino totalmente este libro como una serie o una película ♡
Después de leerlo, te reto a que elijas un personaje que no te guste. Cada uno, incluso los personajes secundarios, son especiales, y me encontré conectando o simpatizando con todos ellos de una forma u otra.
Pero sin duda mis personajes favoritos fueron Lyla y Jacob ♡ Su química es electrizante! Ambos personajes son increíbles por sí solos, pero juntos?! ¡Fuegos artificiales! ¡Disfruté muchísimo leyéndolos!
El ritmo fue perfecto, me dió todo lo que quería y me quedé con las ganas de leer más justo lo necesario para no volverme loca, pero sin duda estoy esperando el próximo libro... que no llegará tan rápido como quiera!
Es una lectura necesaria para esta temporada de terror! Dating in Decay saldrá el 21 de octubre!
Gracias Lindsey por dejarme ser parte de tu ARC team ♡ Estoy muy feliz por ti!
Pdd: ¿A quién prefieres enfrentarte en un mundo apocalíptico? ¿Zombis o supervivientes? Yo creo que a los zombies... 🙃
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
🔥🔥 2/5
Was it ever in my bingo card to read a zombie romance?!? No, it was not. I had no idea it was a thing! Well, it is!! Thank you Lindsey for bringing this weirdly amazing subgenre to my life.
People this book is amazing!! It felt like I was reading a book after hearing recommendations everywhere but this time it's me recommending a book that I believe everyone will be reading! This story is addicting, full of action, funny, quite gory, and with the perfect amount of romance and spice! I can totally see this book becoming a series or a movie ♡
After reading it, I dare you to pick a character that you don't like. Each one of them, even the side characters are special, and I found myself connecting or liking all of them one one way or another.
But definitely my favorite characters were Lyla and Jacob ♡ their chemistry is electric! Both of these characters are amazing by themselves, but together?! Fireworks!! I truly enjoyed reading them!
The pace was perfect, I got everything that I wanted, and I was left wanting just the exact amount to not go crazy, but definitely expecting the next book... which won't come soon enough!
This is a must-read for this spooky season, Dating in Decay will be out on October 21st ♡
Thank you Lindsey for letting me be part of your ARC Team ♡ I'm so happy for you!
Qotd: Who do you rather face in an apocalyptic world? Zombies or survivors? I think zombies... 🙃
***
Alguna vez creí leer una novela romántica de zombis? No, para nada! No tenía ni idea de que existiera! Pues sí existe! Gracias Lindsey por traer este subgénero tan diferente y asombroso a mi vida.
¡Gente, este libro es increíble! Sentí que estaba leyendo un libro después de escuchar recomendaciones por todas partes, pero esta vez soy yo quien recomienda lo que estoy segura de que será un éxito. Esta historia es adictiva, llena de acción, divertida, bastante sangrienta y con la dosis perfecta de romance y spice. Me imagino totalmente este libro como una serie o una película ♡
Después de leerlo, te reto a que elijas un personaje que no te guste. Cada uno, incluso los personajes secundarios, son especiales, y me encontré conectando o simpatizando con todos ellos de una forma u otra.
Pero sin duda mis personajes favoritos fueron Lyla y Jacob ♡ Su química es electrizante! Ambos personajes son increíbles por sí solos, pero juntos?! ¡Fuegos artificiales! ¡Disfruté muchísimo leyéndolos!
El ritmo fue perfecto, me dió todo lo que quería y me quedé con las ganas de leer más justo lo necesario para no volverme loca, pero sin duda estoy esperando el próximo libro... que no llegará tan rápido como quiera!
Es una lectura necesaria para esta temporada de terror! Dating in Decay saldrá el 21 de octubre!
Gracias Lindsey por dejarme ser parte de tu ARC team ♡ Estoy muy feliz por ti!
Pdd: ¿A quién prefieres enfrentarte en un mundo apocalíptico? ¿Zombis o supervivientes? Yo creo que a los zombies... 🙃
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
🔥🔥 2/5
October 21, 2025
OVERALL RATING: 5🌟
SPICE: Hot Honey 🌶️🌶️
Format: 📱Kindle
“Hell is upon us, I’ll bring the snacks.”
Thank you Lindsey for providing me with this ARC!!!
Plot 5🌟
This is for the Walking Dead and Zombieland babes! I loved reading this romance in the zombie apocalyptic setting! To me, it’s such a unique setting and unlike anything I have read. Knowing Lindsey, of course this would have a comedic flair which was perfectly placed throughout the story. I loved that there was more than a romance plot in this, and the whole artist thing was so clever and I could happily read a mystery novel on that (Lindsey????)!
Characters 5🌟
I loved the two main characters and how they connect! Lyla and Jacob were both so fun and so wonderful to hang out with. I love that Lyla is a badass and is also hilarious. Jacob is a little more serious, but I like how romantic and feral he is! The side characters were so fun, Joanie and Trish getting a huge shoutout.
Writing & Pacing 5🌟
I loved Lindsey's writing style, it was so easy to read but also so descriptive (literally was gagging at some parts!!). I also gained a number of new tips for the pending zombie apocalypse and I am convinced that Lindsey has many more tips to come!!
Audio Experience N/A
Romance 5🌟
This is a faster paced romance! Not calling it an insta-love, but things do move at an appropriate pace for the apocalypse (expect many fuck-it moments because of the world they live in!). Needless to say, it was written with quite a bit of flirty, angst and tension which I love so much!
Plot to smut ratio 5🌟
The book is about 300 pages long so anything more than one spicy scene would have been too much for me, so this was perfect!
Spice Quality 5🌟
And the spice was spicing! This was such an excellent scene that was both spicy, romantic, and feral! I also appreciated the representation for realistic women’s experiences!
Overall Entertainment or Emotional Reactions 5🌟
I genuinely enjoy the crap out of this, Lindsey wrote such an entertaining novel! I would absolutely recommend for all my friends looking for a last minute spooky read for the season! I am so freaking excited for the next ones she will write!
SPICE: Hot Honey 🌶️🌶️
Format: 📱Kindle
“Hell is upon us, I’ll bring the snacks.”
Thank you Lindsey for providing me with this ARC!!!
Plot 5🌟
This is for the Walking Dead and Zombieland babes! I loved reading this romance in the zombie apocalyptic setting! To me, it’s such a unique setting and unlike anything I have read. Knowing Lindsey, of course this would have a comedic flair which was perfectly placed throughout the story. I loved that there was more than a romance plot in this, and the whole artist thing was so clever and I could happily read a mystery novel on that (Lindsey????)!
Characters 5🌟
I loved the two main characters and how they connect! Lyla and Jacob were both so fun and so wonderful to hang out with. I love that Lyla is a badass and is also hilarious. Jacob is a little more serious, but I like how romantic and feral he is! The side characters were so fun, Joanie and Trish getting a huge shoutout.
Writing & Pacing 5🌟
I loved Lindsey's writing style, it was so easy to read but also so descriptive (literally was gagging at some parts!!). I also gained a number of new tips for the pending zombie apocalypse and I am convinced that Lindsey has many more tips to come!!
Audio Experience N/A
Romance 5🌟
This is a faster paced romance! Not calling it an insta-love, but things do move at an appropriate pace for the apocalypse (expect many fuck-it moments because of the world they live in!). Needless to say, it was written with quite a bit of flirty, angst and tension which I love so much!
Plot to smut ratio 5🌟
The book is about 300 pages long so anything more than one spicy scene would have been too much for me, so this was perfect!
Spice Quality 5🌟
And the spice was spicing! This was such an excellent scene that was both spicy, romantic, and feral! I also appreciated the representation for realistic women’s experiences!
Overall Entertainment or Emotional Reactions 5🌟
I genuinely enjoy the crap out of this, Lindsey wrote such an entertaining novel! I would absolutely recommend for all my friends looking for a last minute spooky read for the season! I am so freaking excited for the next ones she will write!
October 5, 2025
💚💖🧟♀️Dating in decay🧟♂️💖💚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5
Author: @authorlindseymontgomery
RELEASE Date: October 21st
This is a completely different kind of book for me! I'm normally a Romantasy kinda girl, so Zombie apocalypse probably is the least likely thing I'd go for. However when I saw that the author was looking for Arc readers before the release of this, I read the tropes and decided that I needed it in my life 😂👌
From the start what got my attention was the humour, there were so many one liners that made me chuckle my way through the book..
This zombie filled, action packed, love story follows Lyla an FBI agent (during the end of the world), who is hunting down the bad guy she has been following on one of her cases and comes across Jacob a brooding Ex Fire chief.
Their slow burn relationship, chemistry and banter amidst the chaos of an apocalyptic era had me gripped. 🫶
If you don't like gore, then this may not be the book for you but there are plenty of warnings at the start. I enjoyed it more than expected and the twist was really good/unexpected too.
If any Movie producers are out there, pretty please consider making this into a film! 🙏🏻🧟♀️🧟♂️
Thank you so much, Lindsey Montgomery for introducing me to a new style of book 💖👌
See below for some quotes and non context pieces from the book (there were a lot that I loved as you can see🤣) !!! 💖🧟♀️
“So, the little psycho finally speaks?”
“Let’s cause some destruction.”
“I’ll be your torturer for the day. Please keep all hands and arms inside the ride at all times. Feel free to scream, cry, and beg for mercy, but do keep in mind . . We are severely understaffed and won’t be able to promptly address your complaints.”
“Saving people is easy. Talking to them is the hard part.”
“It’s other people that’ll keep you moving forward. They’ll give you light in all this shitty darkness.”
“Now, be a good girl and go make some friends.”
“Does that itinerary suit you, Lyla?”
“Ding, ding, ding. Congratulations, Lyla! You’ve just unlocked the praise kink”
“I don’t shy away from a challenge, sweetheart.”
"You’re not the nightmare anymore. I am.”
“Wow, Jessica, you look refreshed.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5
Author: @authorlindseymontgomery
RELEASE Date: October 21st
This is a completely different kind of book for me! I'm normally a Romantasy kinda girl, so Zombie apocalypse probably is the least likely thing I'd go for. However when I saw that the author was looking for Arc readers before the release of this, I read the tropes and decided that I needed it in my life 😂👌
From the start what got my attention was the humour, there were so many one liners that made me chuckle my way through the book..
This zombie filled, action packed, love story follows Lyla an FBI agent (during the end of the world), who is hunting down the bad guy she has been following on one of her cases and comes across Jacob a brooding Ex Fire chief.
Their slow burn relationship, chemistry and banter amidst the chaos of an apocalyptic era had me gripped. 🫶
If you don't like gore, then this may not be the book for you but there are plenty of warnings at the start. I enjoyed it more than expected and the twist was really good/unexpected too.
If any Movie producers are out there, pretty please consider making this into a film! 🙏🏻🧟♀️🧟♂️
Thank you so much, Lindsey Montgomery for introducing me to a new style of book 💖👌
See below for some quotes and non context pieces from the book (there were a lot that I loved as you can see🤣) !!! 💖🧟♀️
“So, the little psycho finally speaks?”
“Let’s cause some destruction.”
“I’ll be your torturer for the day. Please keep all hands and arms inside the ride at all times. Feel free to scream, cry, and beg for mercy, but do keep in mind . . We are severely understaffed and won’t be able to promptly address your complaints.”
“Saving people is easy. Talking to them is the hard part.”
“It’s other people that’ll keep you moving forward. They’ll give you light in all this shitty darkness.”
“Now, be a good girl and go make some friends.”
“Does that itinerary suit you, Lyla?”
“Ding, ding, ding. Congratulations, Lyla! You’ve just unlocked the praise kink”
“I don’t shy away from a challenge, sweetheart.”
"You’re not the nightmare anymore. I am.”
“Wow, Jessica, you look refreshed.”
October 16, 2025
Romance Is Dead (and So Is Half the Cast) Welcome to Dating in Decay 🧟♀️
Dating in Decay - by Lindsey Montgomery
🪦 Blurb 🪦
Agent Lyla Matthews had two rules in the zombie apocalypse: 1. Don't get attached. 2. Always aim for the head. She didn't plan to adopt a snarky teen sidekick or lead a rescue mission against a group of power-hungry captors-but the end of the world doesn't care about your five-year plan. Lyla's not looking for love. She's hunting a monster she's been chasing for years-and she won't stop until he's dead. Enter Jacob: a roguish ex-fire chief with solid combat skills, a dangerously sharp tongue, and a heart that refuses to die quietly.
When his people are taken by a ruthless faction, he'll burn the world down to get them back-even if it means teaming up with a sassy, knife-wielding woman covered in zombie guts. They've both been surviving on their own terms. But together, they might just figure out how to start living again.
💚💜💚💜💚💜💚💜💚💜💚💜💚💜💚💜💚💜
🧟♀️ Love in the Time of Decay: When Your Meet-Cute Involves a Machete
Lyla Matthews is a former FBI agent recently turned zombie-slaying icon. She’s witty, sassy, sharp, and definitely not looking for love.
Joanie, is the 14 year old bundle of chaos, sass, and brilliance that Lyla has “adopted” during the apocalypse.
Jacob is a former fire chief, equipped with combat skills, a sharp tongue, and an even stronger heart that Lyla can’t ignore.
When Jacob’s people are taken, it’s up to the three of them to team up and burn everything down to survive, and save his people.
What they didn’t expect during the literal apocalyptic end of days was to fall in love.
Listen. I didn’t mean to catch feelings during a zombie raid, but here we are. This book chewed me up, spit me out, and somehow still made me want a sequel.
It’s messy. It’s bloody. It’s hilarious. It’s also got more heart than half the survivors left on Earth. Consider me emotionally decomposing..in a good way.🧟♀️💚💜
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much to the Author for allowing me to ARC read this brilliant, hilarious, and fantastic book.
Dating in Decay - by Lindsey Montgomery
🪦 Blurb 🪦
Agent Lyla Matthews had two rules in the zombie apocalypse: 1. Don't get attached. 2. Always aim for the head. She didn't plan to adopt a snarky teen sidekick or lead a rescue mission against a group of power-hungry captors-but the end of the world doesn't care about your five-year plan. Lyla's not looking for love. She's hunting a monster she's been chasing for years-and she won't stop until he's dead. Enter Jacob: a roguish ex-fire chief with solid combat skills, a dangerously sharp tongue, and a heart that refuses to die quietly.
When his people are taken by a ruthless faction, he'll burn the world down to get them back-even if it means teaming up with a sassy, knife-wielding woman covered in zombie guts. They've both been surviving on their own terms. But together, they might just figure out how to start living again.
💚💜💚💜💚💜💚💜💚💜💚💜💚💜💚💜💚💜
🧟♀️ Love in the Time of Decay: When Your Meet-Cute Involves a Machete
Lyla Matthews is a former FBI agent recently turned zombie-slaying icon. She’s witty, sassy, sharp, and definitely not looking for love.
Joanie, is the 14 year old bundle of chaos, sass, and brilliance that Lyla has “adopted” during the apocalypse.
Jacob is a former fire chief, equipped with combat skills, a sharp tongue, and an even stronger heart that Lyla can’t ignore.
When Jacob’s people are taken, it’s up to the three of them to team up and burn everything down to survive, and save his people.
What they didn’t expect during the literal apocalyptic end of days was to fall in love.
Listen. I didn’t mean to catch feelings during a zombie raid, but here we are. This book chewed me up, spit me out, and somehow still made me want a sequel.
It’s messy. It’s bloody. It’s hilarious. It’s also got more heart than half the survivors left on Earth. Consider me emotionally decomposing..in a good way.🧟♀️💚💜
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much to the Author for allowing me to ARC read this brilliant, hilarious, and fantastic book.
October 21, 2025
📚✨ ARC REVIEW ✨📚
Dating in Decay by Lindsey Montgomery
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars)
Thank you to the author, @authorlindseymontgomery, for providing a free ARC!
The zombie apocalypse has happened, and survivor/FBI agent Lyla is on the trail of a serial killer, da Vinci, determined to stop him for good—even if it kills her.
Jacob, a former fire chief, will do anything to protect the small group of survivors who rely on him to lead. When he comes across Lyla and her teenage sidekick, he welcomes them into the group, and they prepare to head to a farm in Montana.
Along the way, they fight zombies and fall into as normal a relationship as one can have in a zombie apocalypse. When Lyla’s determination to stop da Vinci threatens the safety of the group, will Jacob protect them or put love first?
I absolutely fell in love with this book! It’s packed full of banter and action, but it doesn’t sacrifice meaningful emotional beats. It reminded me so much of Buffy the Vampire Slayer—but make it zombies. And that is a HUGE compliment coming from me, because Buffy is my all-time favorite show.
I want to be Lyla when I grow up. She’s a total badass—chasing a serial killer, fighting zombies, and somehow still having time for a love story. Her use of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5? Chef’s kiss. Zero notes.
Jacob is no slouch either. A former fireman with a traumatic past? Catnip. I love a responsible, supportive man, and he delivered. And he kisses well enough to make you forget the zombie apocalypse? I'm totally swooning.
I am dying (see what I did there?) to read the next book in this series. Honestly, Montgomery can't write it fast enough. In the meantime, I'll have to settle for re-reading while listening to the playlist (it's soooo good).
For fans of: 🧟♀️ Zombie apocalypse | ❤️ Action romance | 🎶 Awesome soundtrack | 💀 Morally grey characters | 🔥 Strong FMC | 😂 Dark humor | 💬 Banter
#DatingInDecay #LindseyMontgomery #ZombieRomance #ApocalypticRomance #ActionRomance #DarkHumorBooks #StrongFMC #RomanticSuspense #BanterRomance #Bookstagram #RomanceBookstagram #ReadersofInstagram #RomanceReaders #BookRecommendations #NewRelease #ARCReview
Dating in Decay by Lindsey Montgomery
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars)
Thank you to the author, @authorlindseymontgomery, for providing a free ARC!
The zombie apocalypse has happened, and survivor/FBI agent Lyla is on the trail of a serial killer, da Vinci, determined to stop him for good—even if it kills her.
Jacob, a former fire chief, will do anything to protect the small group of survivors who rely on him to lead. When he comes across Lyla and her teenage sidekick, he welcomes them into the group, and they prepare to head to a farm in Montana.
Along the way, they fight zombies and fall into as normal a relationship as one can have in a zombie apocalypse. When Lyla’s determination to stop da Vinci threatens the safety of the group, will Jacob protect them or put love first?
I absolutely fell in love with this book! It’s packed full of banter and action, but it doesn’t sacrifice meaningful emotional beats. It reminded me so much of Buffy the Vampire Slayer—but make it zombies. And that is a HUGE compliment coming from me, because Buffy is my all-time favorite show.
I want to be Lyla when I grow up. She’s a total badass—chasing a serial killer, fighting zombies, and somehow still having time for a love story. Her use of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5? Chef’s kiss. Zero notes.
Jacob is no slouch either. A former fireman with a traumatic past? Catnip. I love a responsible, supportive man, and he delivered. And he kisses well enough to make you forget the zombie apocalypse? I'm totally swooning.
I am dying (see what I did there?) to read the next book in this series. Honestly, Montgomery can't write it fast enough. In the meantime, I'll have to settle for re-reading while listening to the playlist (it's soooo good).
For fans of: 🧟♀️ Zombie apocalypse | ❤️ Action romance | 🎶 Awesome soundtrack | 💀 Morally grey characters | 🔥 Strong FMC | 😂 Dark humor | 💬 Banter
#DatingInDecay #LindseyMontgomery #ZombieRomance #ApocalypticRomance #ActionRomance #DarkHumorBooks #StrongFMC #RomanticSuspense #BanterRomance #Bookstagram #RomanceBookstagram #ReadersofInstagram #RomanceReaders #BookRecommendations #NewRelease #ARCReview
November 6, 2025
Thanks so much Lindsey Montgomery for the book. I was given this book as an advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am leaving this review completely voluntarily.
Lindsey Montgomery absolutely nailed her debut with Dating in Decay, the first book in her new series — and what an awesome way to kick it off! Each book will have a different theme, and this one centers around finding love in the middle of a zombie apocalypse.
The story follows a tough-as-nails heroine, Lyla, and a broody, protective survivor named Jacob as they navigate a world crawling with the undead and a few dangerous humans, too. Between dodging zombies, snarky banter, and slow-burn tension, they somehow find sparks in the rubble. It’s fast-paced, action-packed, and surprisingly heartfelt without taking itself too seriously.
Ok, I have a bunch of book boyfriends — but holy moly — after reading this, Jacob is definitely getting added to my list. 😍 I absolutely loved how strong our FMC was; she’s fierce, funny, and unapologetically capable. The chemistry between her and Jacob felt so natural and earned. It wasn’t insta-love, just genuine connection built through chaos. And the humor was totally unexpected. I was laughing throughout the book, even in the middle of zombie mayhem.
Honestly, I liked that there wasn’t a ton of world-building or heavy lore. It’s meant to be a fun, fast ride, and too much depth would’ve changed the vibe. My only gripe? I wish it were longer. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters yet.
If you’re into post-apocalyptic romance with badass leads, witty banter, and a story that keeps you grinning even as heads roll (literally), this book is for you. An impressive debut and I can’t wait to see what theme Lindsey tackles next!
Happy reading friends,
~ Maebae 💚
I’m a fellow book lover reviewing the good, the bad, and everything bookish in-between. All thoughts, opinions, and reactions are completely my own. I wasn’t paid, sponsored, or influenced in any way.
Lindsey Montgomery absolutely nailed her debut with Dating in Decay, the first book in her new series — and what an awesome way to kick it off! Each book will have a different theme, and this one centers around finding love in the middle of a zombie apocalypse.
The story follows a tough-as-nails heroine, Lyla, and a broody, protective survivor named Jacob as they navigate a world crawling with the undead and a few dangerous humans, too. Between dodging zombies, snarky banter, and slow-burn tension, they somehow find sparks in the rubble. It’s fast-paced, action-packed, and surprisingly heartfelt without taking itself too seriously.
Ok, I have a bunch of book boyfriends — but holy moly — after reading this, Jacob is definitely getting added to my list. 😍 I absolutely loved how strong our FMC was; she’s fierce, funny, and unapologetically capable. The chemistry between her and Jacob felt so natural and earned. It wasn’t insta-love, just genuine connection built through chaos. And the humor was totally unexpected. I was laughing throughout the book, even in the middle of zombie mayhem.
Honestly, I liked that there wasn’t a ton of world-building or heavy lore. It’s meant to be a fun, fast ride, and too much depth would’ve changed the vibe. My only gripe? I wish it were longer. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters yet.
If you’re into post-apocalyptic romance with badass leads, witty banter, and a story that keeps you grinning even as heads roll (literally), this book is for you. An impressive debut and I can’t wait to see what theme Lindsey tackles next!
Happy reading friends,
~ Maebae 💚
I’m a fellow book lover reviewing the good, the bad, and everything bookish in-between. All thoughts, opinions, and reactions are completely my own. I wasn’t paid, sponsored, or influenced in any way.
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