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Mayhem Manuscripts Season One: 1nf3ction
Ash on the Tongue
Humans were always secretly monsters, the rain just gave them an excuse.
Aubrey
The infected didn’t break me. They didn’t capture me for experiments and use me like an object. Humanity made me into the monster I am.
I’m reckless because it makes me feel alive, careless because I’m addicted to pain. And I’m dangerous because I’ve got nothing left to live for.
Nothing, until I meet a raider who seems to see right through me… who demands I do the one thing I said I’d never do again.
Let him in.
Phoenix
My mother left me to die on streets flooded with crimson rain. From the time I was born, all I’ve known is betrayal.
Now all I know is my pack. We take what we want when we want. We survive and we thrive because we know humans are as bad as the infected, and in this world, you eat or get eaten.
When I find a man who seems like he’s got a death wish… I know he’s mine. His reluctance makes me crave him. His defiance makes me burn like the fire in his eyes.
I’ve never wanted anything the way I want him. I need to know if his blood runs as red as the rain.
Ash on the Tongue is a Dual POV MM dystopian dark romance, and part of the 1nf3ction multi-author series. It features a man broken by the world around him and a raider who thrives on his chaos. Expect dark situations, high heat, and two men willing to burn down the world to keep what’s theirs.
Aubrey
The infected didn’t break me. They didn’t capture me for experiments and use me like an object. Humanity made me into the monster I am.
I’m reckless because it makes me feel alive, careless because I’m addicted to pain. And I’m dangerous because I’ve got nothing left to live for.
Nothing, until I meet a raider who seems to see right through me… who demands I do the one thing I said I’d never do again.
Let him in.
Phoenix
My mother left me to die on streets flooded with crimson rain. From the time I was born, all I’ve known is betrayal.
Now all I know is my pack. We take what we want when we want. We survive and we thrive because we know humans are as bad as the infected, and in this world, you eat or get eaten.
When I find a man who seems like he’s got a death wish… I know he’s mine. His reluctance makes me crave him. His defiance makes me burn like the fire in his eyes.
I’ve never wanted anything the way I want him. I need to know if his blood runs as red as the rain.
Ash on the Tongue is a Dual POV MM dystopian dark romance, and part of the 1nf3ction multi-author series. It features a man broken by the world around him and a raider who thrives on his chaos. Expect dark situations, high heat, and two men willing to burn down the world to keep what’s theirs.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2025
230 people are currently reading
860 people want to read
About the author
Lee McCormick
19 books416 followersLee McCormick has been writing since they were very young, and they've finally found the courage to offer up some of their favorite ideas to the world. Parent to two amazing kids and three pretty fantastic dogs, they've always been fascinated with dark romance and love that transcends time and reason.
When they aren't busy working on their novels, you can usually find them browsing queer romance recommendations or playing a video game.
When they aren't busy working on their novels, you can usually find them browsing queer romance recommendations or playing a video game.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
November 13, 2025
I'm a huge fan of this genre but this was my first by this author. I love the premise, which is why I started reading it but ... from page one, I simply could not have cared less about anything or anyone. So dull. 🥱 I will certainly continue with this multi-author series because, well, same genre/premise but ... different authors. 😉
October 1, 2025
"Safe for now— safe enough to keep this, as selfish as it was. I wasn’t sure I could give up the way it felt to be this Aubrey. Killer. Pet. Raider. Some part of me knew that my answer wasn’t going to be enough forever. I could see it now— the curiosity in his eyes. It was just a matter of time before Phoenix lit the little bubble of numbing comfort I’d built around his presence on fire and left me with nothing but the taste of ash on my tongue."
Ash on the Tongue, by one of my faves Lee McCormick, is the first book in the Mayhem Manuscripts Season One : 1nf3ction shared world series of stand-alone, MM dystopian romances and I loved it! This is Phoenix and Aubrey's story and it's a dark and delicious journey - BUT do make sure you check the author's TWs!
What To Expect:
🖤MM dark romance
🖤Dystopian world
🖤Dark themes
🖤"Mine"
🖤"Make Me"
🖤Morally grey (and then some)
🖤Touch him and D!e
🖤No kissing
🖤HEA
4.5 stars
Ash on the Tongue, by one of my faves Lee McCormick, is the first book in the Mayhem Manuscripts Season One : 1nf3ction shared world series of stand-alone, MM dystopian romances and I loved it! This is Phoenix and Aubrey's story and it's a dark and delicious journey - BUT do make sure you check the author's TWs!
What To Expect:
🖤MM dark romance
🖤Dystopian world
🖤Dark themes
🖤"Mine"
🖤"Make Me"
🖤Morally grey (and then some)
🖤Touch him and D!e
🖤No kissing
🖤HEA
4.5 stars
October 2, 2025
BRUTAL.. that’s the first word that rings in your head. The world is under siege by the infected and the order and the raiders do what they need to survive, the world building if this post apocalyptic earth is phenomenal- the author packs a lot into the story, seamlessly effortlessly transporting us into a world where it’s the base scale on maslow’s hierarchy reigning to survive.
Aubrey is … complicated - his heart I think oscillates into being open and being walled up and his temperament leaning towards risk and danger is only facilitated by his enhanced … biology?
Pheonix is more of a mystery .. young in years, a born leader commander dominant in all ways, his story when it’s revealed is a story of resilience.
These two hit the trifecta of insta l@st, smorgasbord of k1nk and high grade intensity. Yet they are racing towards revealing thier scars, their broken parts and the love comes easily for them even if accepting the same does not. Boy do they fight and resist the inevitable. Lee definitely likes to push the boundaries on the comfortable, that ending had me wicked grinning.
The possessiveness and protectiveness is hot and story is packed with action. An awesome start to the series, can’t wait to read more
Aubrey is … complicated - his heart I think oscillates into being open and being walled up and his temperament leaning towards risk and danger is only facilitated by his enhanced … biology?
Pheonix is more of a mystery .. young in years, a born leader commander dominant in all ways, his story when it’s revealed is a story of resilience.
These two hit the trifecta of insta l@st, smorgasbord of k1nk and high grade intensity. Yet they are racing towards revealing thier scars, their broken parts and the love comes easily for them even if accepting the same does not. Boy do they fight and resist the inevitable. Lee definitely likes to push the boundaries on the comfortable, that ending had me wicked grinning.
The possessiveness and protectiveness is hot and story is packed with action. An awesome start to the series, can’t wait to read more
October 27, 2025
“If there was hurt in his eyes, it was buried so deep beneath ice that it couldn’t touch him. In that moment, I knew I was born to make him melt.”
A really good start to this zombie apocalypse romance series. I’ve been so excited to start it, and I can say it was definitely a good book. It was a fun, crazy world to get into, full of dark romance, morally grey characters, and my favorite, survival in a post-apocalyptic world, so yeah, I really enjoyed it!!
Both Phoenix and Aubrey have painful, hard, and sad backgrounds, but I didn’t really feel their depth until the last part of the story. Their relationship started off very physical and gradually evolved into something more, and that’s when I finally connected with them. For me, that shift happened when Phoenix got hurt, but I was still missing more emotional connection from them. So when they finally shared their trauma and pain and showed each other what made them who they were, that’s when I became truly invested. I liked both characters from the start, but it was when their relationship moved from pure lust into vulnerability and honesty that I started to love them. Don’t get me wrong, they were still extremely physical and violent with each other, but that emotional connection was what I’d been craving.
“Phoenix was the physical manifestation of all the ways I wanted to die, and he was looking at me like he wanted to devour my pain.”
“I’d never craved anyone like this, but maybe it was because Aubrey was defiance and determination, a mask with broken edges. He was a mystery that I wanted to unravel with tongue and teeth and force”
“You’re mine, Aubrey.” I snarled the words, unable to make it a question.
“I—”
“Mine to break.” I slammed into him and felt the breath rock out of his chest. “Mine to put back together.” I thrust again, and he started to shiver. “Mine to keep whole.”
“Fuck… fuck,” he gasped, screaming one more time. When the echo of the sound faded into the storm above, he said the only thing he could. “Yours.”
“Aubrey.” He leaned in as I spoke, brushing salty kisses against my lips. “If you want to burn the entire world to the ground and leave it as nothing but ash, I’ll start the fire. If you want to kill every person who ever hurt you, I’ll be your weapon. Wherever you go, I’m with you.”
“I gave him everything. My pleasure. My pain. My past. Every broken piece that was a man named Aubrey. I couldn’t guard any of it, and I knew I couldn’t take it back now that I’d done it.”
I do feel like there was something missing in terms of the world-building. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t feel like I fully grasp the concept of the rain and the carriers. I mean, I understand it, but while reading the story, everything about the infection—what happens in the rain, the difference between those who are immune and those who aren’t—I just didn’t fully get it. Hopefully, as I continue with the series, I’ll start to make more sense of this crazy world. But honestly, it’s probably just me overthinking it or missing some details along the way.
“We were already feral, so it wasn’t weird when people started to act even more aggressive. We were already broken as a society, so it wasn’t a surprise that no one took the red rain seriously until it was too late and half the world was rotten.”
I have to say, the writing was really good, and I absolutely love how the author used small symbolic concepts to bring depth and emotion to such a violent story. When I say “concept,” I’m referring to things like the scars they both had and how Phoenix started to ask Aubrey where and how he got them, kissing them and making them his. It was such a strangely beautiful way for them to connect. My favorite moment, though, was the letter from Iris and Lyra. It’s details like that that made me enjoy this book so much, because while it’s full of blood, death, and pain, those softer, emotional touches balanced it perfectly for me.
“I want more than that. I want to know the first life you took, the first person you fucked. I want to know who you are.” He raised his hand and trailed his thumb along my lower lip. No, not my lower lip. The faint white line that ran across it. “I want your scars.”
“No.” His eyes widened at the defiance.
“What do you mean, no?”
“I mean no. You can fuck me, Phoenix. You can bite me and mark me, you can put a collar around my throat, but that doesn’t mean you get to know me. You made me a dog—you don’t get access to the man.”
“He dragged the blade down in an exact mirror of what he’d done to Aubrey. Fuck, now we had matching scars, didn’t we? I could bring that back to him too when I brought him Morris’s head. Was that a good way to confess that you loved someone?”
“I thrust the knife forward, digging it into Morris’s chest and twisting up. I used my forward momentum and came up on my tiptoes, leaning over his shoulder to press my lips to Phoenix’s in a kiss that tasted like blood. Like death. “I love you,” I gasped as I pulled away and stared at his crimson painted lips. Fuck. It made sense. Where else would I have confessed, other than over a dead body, covered in blood? Where else could I have confessed?”
“I didn’t think I could. I didn’t think I ever would again, but I can’t help it. You made me love you, and now it’s the only thing that matters.” He dropped his forehead to mine, drifting to run his nose along my jaw
“I fucking love you too, Aubrey. I wasn’t sure I knew how, but I do. Or I’ll learn… for you.”
Oh, and I have to talk about Bishop. I felt robbed—like, why?!! Just why? I liked Bishop and the whole prisoner and guard trope. I want that, I need a book like that, I got two chapters with Bishop and I already liked him, so yeah, I was sad he wasn’t the actual MMC. I’m not saying I don’t like Phoenix and Aubrey together, because I really do, but I don’t know, I just felt robbed.
“He’d told me more about it when we’d gotten back to Paradise. The way Bishop had been here—died here. The reason he wanted to come back. To say goodbye. I hated that a part of him still belonged to a ghost—that a part of him probably always would—but I could give him this.”
“Phoenix was a fucking ghost of my past, haunting me in all the hallways. He was Morris, pinning me down and taking what he wanted. He was Bishop, saving me, putting my broken pieces back together. He was the everything and the nothing inside me all at once”
I’m rating this book 3.5 stars. I really did enjoy it, though. I love dystopian books, and I’ve been needing a zombie apocalypse story—add to that that it’s MM, and yeah, I’m super excited for this series!!!
“And for the first time, I really felt like Aubrey was mine. No collar, no weakness… no past holding him back. Just us and the ash on our tongues, sealing the promise of a future where, for the first time, I was his too.”
A really good start to this zombie apocalypse romance series. I’ve been so excited to start it, and I can say it was definitely a good book. It was a fun, crazy world to get into, full of dark romance, morally grey characters, and my favorite, survival in a post-apocalyptic world, so yeah, I really enjoyed it!!
Both Phoenix and Aubrey have painful, hard, and sad backgrounds, but I didn’t really feel their depth until the last part of the story. Their relationship started off very physical and gradually evolved into something more, and that’s when I finally connected with them. For me, that shift happened when Phoenix got hurt, but I was still missing more emotional connection from them. So when they finally shared their trauma and pain and showed each other what made them who they were, that’s when I became truly invested. I liked both characters from the start, but it was when their relationship moved from pure lust into vulnerability and honesty that I started to love them. Don’t get me wrong, they were still extremely physical and violent with each other, but that emotional connection was what I’d been craving.
“Phoenix was the physical manifestation of all the ways I wanted to die, and he was looking at me like he wanted to devour my pain.”
“I’d never craved anyone like this, but maybe it was because Aubrey was defiance and determination, a mask with broken edges. He was a mystery that I wanted to unravel with tongue and teeth and force”
“You’re mine, Aubrey.” I snarled the words, unable to make it a question.
“I—”
“Mine to break.” I slammed into him and felt the breath rock out of his chest. “Mine to put back together.” I thrust again, and he started to shiver. “Mine to keep whole.”
“Fuck… fuck,” he gasped, screaming one more time. When the echo of the sound faded into the storm above, he said the only thing he could. “Yours.”
“Aubrey.” He leaned in as I spoke, brushing salty kisses against my lips. “If you want to burn the entire world to the ground and leave it as nothing but ash, I’ll start the fire. If you want to kill every person who ever hurt you, I’ll be your weapon. Wherever you go, I’m with you.”
“I gave him everything. My pleasure. My pain. My past. Every broken piece that was a man named Aubrey. I couldn’t guard any of it, and I knew I couldn’t take it back now that I’d done it.”
I do feel like there was something missing in terms of the world-building. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t feel like I fully grasp the concept of the rain and the carriers. I mean, I understand it, but while reading the story, everything about the infection—what happens in the rain, the difference between those who are immune and those who aren’t—I just didn’t fully get it. Hopefully, as I continue with the series, I’ll start to make more sense of this crazy world. But honestly, it’s probably just me overthinking it or missing some details along the way.
“We were already feral, so it wasn’t weird when people started to act even more aggressive. We were already broken as a society, so it wasn’t a surprise that no one took the red rain seriously until it was too late and half the world was rotten.”
I have to say, the writing was really good, and I absolutely love how the author used small symbolic concepts to bring depth and emotion to such a violent story. When I say “concept,” I’m referring to things like the scars they both had and how Phoenix started to ask Aubrey where and how he got them, kissing them and making them his. It was such a strangely beautiful way for them to connect. My favorite moment, though, was the letter from Iris and Lyra. It’s details like that that made me enjoy this book so much, because while it’s full of blood, death, and pain, those softer, emotional touches balanced it perfectly for me.
“I want more than that. I want to know the first life you took, the first person you fucked. I want to know who you are.” He raised his hand and trailed his thumb along my lower lip. No, not my lower lip. The faint white line that ran across it. “I want your scars.”
“No.” His eyes widened at the defiance.
“What do you mean, no?”
“I mean no. You can fuck me, Phoenix. You can bite me and mark me, you can put a collar around my throat, but that doesn’t mean you get to know me. You made me a dog—you don’t get access to the man.”
“He dragged the blade down in an exact mirror of what he’d done to Aubrey. Fuck, now we had matching scars, didn’t we? I could bring that back to him too when I brought him Morris’s head. Was that a good way to confess that you loved someone?”
“I thrust the knife forward, digging it into Morris’s chest and twisting up. I used my forward momentum and came up on my tiptoes, leaning over his shoulder to press my lips to Phoenix’s in a kiss that tasted like blood. Like death. “I love you,” I gasped as I pulled away and stared at his crimson painted lips. Fuck. It made sense. Where else would I have confessed, other than over a dead body, covered in blood? Where else could I have confessed?”
“I didn’t think I could. I didn’t think I ever would again, but I can’t help it. You made me love you, and now it’s the only thing that matters.” He dropped his forehead to mine, drifting to run his nose along my jaw
“I fucking love you too, Aubrey. I wasn’t sure I knew how, but I do. Or I’ll learn… for you.”
Oh, and I have to talk about Bishop. I felt robbed—like, why?!! Just why? I liked Bishop and the whole prisoner and guard trope. I want that, I need a book like that, I got two chapters with Bishop and I already liked him, so yeah, I was sad he wasn’t the actual MMC. I’m not saying I don’t like Phoenix and Aubrey together, because I really do, but I don’t know, I just felt robbed.
“He’d told me more about it when we’d gotten back to Paradise. The way Bishop had been here—died here. The reason he wanted to come back. To say goodbye. I hated that a part of him still belonged to a ghost—that a part of him probably always would—but I could give him this.”
“Phoenix was a fucking ghost of my past, haunting me in all the hallways. He was Morris, pinning me down and taking what he wanted. He was Bishop, saving me, putting my broken pieces back together. He was the everything and the nothing inside me all at once”
I’m rating this book 3.5 stars. I really did enjoy it, though. I love dystopian books, and I’ve been needing a zombie apocalypse story—add to that that it’s MM, and yeah, I’m super excited for this series!!!
“And for the first time, I really felt like Aubrey was mine. No collar, no weakness… no past holding him back. Just us and the ash on our tongues, sealing the promise of a future where, for the first time, I was his too.”
October 2, 2025
READ THIS BOOK!
Top tier spice perfectly balanced with plot action and emotional heart.
Is it gory? Yes.
Is it surprisingly wholesome and full of warm fuzzies? Also yes.
Did I binge it in one sitting? I have no regrets.
Top tier spice perfectly balanced with plot action and emotional heart.
Is it gory? Yes.
Is it surprisingly wholesome and full of warm fuzzies? Also yes.
Did I binge it in one sitting? I have no regrets.
November 24, 2025
4 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
format: ebook
how dare you make cannibals cute?!
i really liked this a lot. there was great world building and character development. i’m super excited to read more of this series!
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
format: ebook
how dare you make cannibals cute?!
i really liked this a lot. there was great world building and character development. i’m super excited to read more of this series!
October 9, 2025
I definitely enjoyed the world building in this book but it took me SO long before I actually felt anything towards either MC, which was disappointing because emotional connections to characters are what I'm looking for more than anything else.
By the end of the book I really liked Aubrey and Phoenix as individuals and as a couple. I liked how they shared their vulnerabilities and how they made a formidable duo. The emotional trauma did make me tear up a bit, but I wasn't as invested as I'd like to be.
The betrayal made sense, as did their love declarations, and I was happy with where they were when the book ended - it felt like things ended on a more positive note.
Definitely excited to see how the other authors intepreted the infection, I've already read All Our Days from Ali Woods which I loved, so I'm hopeful there'll be some really great stories!
By the end of the book I really liked Aubrey and Phoenix as individuals and as a couple. I liked how they shared their vulnerabilities and how they made a formidable duo. The emotional trauma did make me tear up a bit, but I wasn't as invested as I'd like to be.
The betrayal made sense, as did their love declarations, and I was happy with where they were when the book ended - it felt like things ended on a more positive note.
Definitely excited to see how the other authors intepreted the infection, I've already read All Our Days from Ali Woods which I loved, so I'm hopeful there'll be some really great stories!
October 4, 2025
I really loved this! Lee is one of my all time favorite authors so I knew I was going to love this before I even started reading. I loved how absolutely feral Phoenix was and when we got to see the more tender side of him? I just about lost it. 😭 I wasn't expecting to get so emotional reading certain parts but I did. Thanks for making me cry, Lee. 😭 Plus the spice was absolutely top tier. 👏🏻
I can't wait to read more in this series from the other authors and explore more of this world!
I can't wait to read more in this series from the other authors and explore more of this world!
September 28, 2025
all the stars for this book!
wow Lee you did it again!! every single story they write is a masterpiece!!
the way they make you feel all the emotions just by words on paper is insane!
from the first chapters I fell in love with the world, the writing and the characters!
Aubrey is this guy who's gone through hell multiple times and keeps going through it. My heart really hurt for him!
and Phoenix this unhinged infected man who wants to peel every layer of Aubrey and wants to know who he really is deep inside.
the way lee builds characters and makes you fall in love or hate that character from the first moment is crazy!
also this world the infected and the red rain which causes these people go feral and just the whole distopian world, I'm so in love with that vibe! I need more!
and we haven't talked about the spice yet. ooooh my god!!!! there is this rain scene which uuuugh slip and slide! 🙊
okaay but guys this was a great book to start this world and I'm so excited to read more of this world!
6 star read for me! it's definitely one of my favourite lee books!!
wow Lee you did it again!! every single story they write is a masterpiece!!
the way they make you feel all the emotions just by words on paper is insane!
from the first chapters I fell in love with the world, the writing and the characters!
Aubrey is this guy who's gone through hell multiple times and keeps going through it. My heart really hurt for him!
and Phoenix this unhinged infected man who wants to peel every layer of Aubrey and wants to know who he really is deep inside.
the way lee builds characters and makes you fall in love or hate that character from the first moment is crazy!
also this world the infected and the red rain which causes these people go feral and just the whole distopian world, I'm so in love with that vibe! I need more!
and we haven't talked about the spice yet. ooooh my god!!!! there is this rain scene which uuuugh slip and slide! 🙊
okaay but guys this was a great book to start this world and I'm so excited to read more of this world!
6 star read for me! it's definitely one of my favourite lee books!!
November 19, 2025
Dnf 42. 🥱🥱
dnf
October 4, 2025no thanks
September 26, 2025
Rating: 4.5/5 🌟
Spice: 3.5/5 🌶️
Characters: Phoenix and Aubrey
I've been so excited for this series since it was announced. Morally grey (or black) heroes, zombies, survival, romance, and steam...it's like it's coded specifically for me. And obviously coming out in October is absolutely perfect timing.
This is the perfect start of the series. Aubrey is a held captive and falls in the love with the guard that frees him only for their freedom to come to a devastating end.
Phoenix sees Aubrey one day and watches him kill another man. He decides right then and there that he wants him. A bit of light stalking, some saving and stitching later, and he has Aubrey in his grasp. From there is a story of two men surviving (sometimes enjoying the things they have to do to survive a bit too much), healing from past traumas, and learning to open their hearts for love again.
Make no mistake though, Phoenix is not a good guy. He is a cannibal roaming the land with a pack of cannibals that enjoy ending lives, especially when it rains. But despite that he is very sweet (at times) with Aubrey. He's this really nice balance of dominant and understanding and light. He's able to read him and give him what he needs, when he needs it.
These two men are deeply flawed, and I was obsessed with both of them right away. My only tiny gripe was the healing journey Aubrey went on. It felt like it lasted the entire book only for his grief to sort of settle and the new love for Phoenix to snap in place like a rubber band. It felt like it took forever but then was rushed at the same time. I am thinking that might have just been a me thing. I might have just been getting inpatient because I was ready to stop reading about him thinking about his past love and how he didn't want to love again. I know that's a me thing, it's why I tend to not love romance books where one of the heroes is a widow or widower. I struggle with the timeline of grief and new love...even in the zombie apocalypse.
I also love how this series isn't the typical zombie stereotype. You don't immediately turn once you're bitten. You carry it and when it rains (red rain) you sort of turn or go into a frenzy of sorts and then back to normal once the rain ends. Then of course, you have the ones that fully turn and the risk of that being you one day if you're bitten. It's extremely interesting and intriguing. I cannot wait for the rest of the books in the series!
Spice: 3.5/5 🌶️
Characters: Phoenix and Aubrey
I've been so excited for this series since it was announced. Morally grey (or black) heroes, zombies, survival, romance, and steam...it's like it's coded specifically for me. And obviously coming out in October is absolutely perfect timing.
This is the perfect start of the series. Aubrey is a held captive and falls in the love with the guard that frees him only for their freedom to come to a devastating end.
Phoenix sees Aubrey one day and watches him kill another man. He decides right then and there that he wants him. A bit of light stalking, some saving and stitching later, and he has Aubrey in his grasp. From there is a story of two men surviving (sometimes enjoying the things they have to do to survive a bit too much), healing from past traumas, and learning to open their hearts for love again.
Make no mistake though, Phoenix is not a good guy. He is a cannibal roaming the land with a pack of cannibals that enjoy ending lives, especially when it rains. But despite that he is very sweet (at times) with Aubrey. He's this really nice balance of dominant and understanding and light. He's able to read him and give him what he needs, when he needs it.
These two men are deeply flawed, and I was obsessed with both of them right away. My only tiny gripe was the healing journey Aubrey went on. It felt like it lasted the entire book only for his grief to sort of settle and the new love for Phoenix to snap in place like a rubber band. It felt like it took forever but then was rushed at the same time. I am thinking that might have just been a me thing. I might have just been getting inpatient because I was ready to stop reading about him thinking about his past love and how he didn't want to love again. I know that's a me thing, it's why I tend to not love romance books where one of the heroes is a widow or widower. I struggle with the timeline of grief and new love...even in the zombie apocalypse.
I also love how this series isn't the typical zombie stereotype. You don't immediately turn once you're bitten. You carry it and when it rains (red rain) you sort of turn or go into a frenzy of sorts and then back to normal once the rain ends. Then of course, you have the ones that fully turn and the risk of that being you one day if you're bitten. It's extremely interesting and intriguing. I cannot wait for the rest of the books in the series!
October 22, 2025
Oh my goodness, this book was amazing. I feel like it was written just for me. This a Dystopian/Post Apocalyptic romance that has so much packed into this story, and it feels like the author holds nothing back. This world is brutal and I loved every word of this story. I mean, come on, what's a better backdrop for a romance than a world devastated by a virus that's spread by red rain?
Aubrey and Phoenix are something else! Aubrey is walking around the world as an emotional zombie (ha!). He has gone through hell and just doesn't care anymore, until he is taken by a raider that unknowingly triggers all these emotions that are dormant. Phoenix is unhinged! He's a raider who has zero fucks to give and when he wants something, he takes it. And he wants Aubrey. There is a lot of push and pull between these two, a lot of possessiveness and jealousy - it was fantastic. And let me tell you something... this book has one of the best fight to fuck scenes I have ever read. Holy smokes it was good, and it not only is it steamy as all hell, it also brings the emotion!
Needless to say, this is a dark world with people that experience lots of trauma and do horrible things to survive, so check those TWs if needed. This is book one in an interconnect series from other authors and I cannot wait to explore more of this world!
MM Dark Romance
Dystopian/Post Apocalyptic
Morally Grey MCs
Touch Him and Die
Gory & Violent
'You Will Submit'
Fight To F*ck
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Aubrey and Phoenix are something else! Aubrey is walking around the world as an emotional zombie (ha!). He has gone through hell and just doesn't care anymore, until he is taken by a raider that unknowingly triggers all these emotions that are dormant. Phoenix is unhinged! He's a raider who has zero fucks to give and when he wants something, he takes it. And he wants Aubrey. There is a lot of push and pull between these two, a lot of possessiveness and jealousy - it was fantastic. And let me tell you something... this book has one of the best fight to fuck scenes I have ever read. Holy smokes it was good, and it not only is it steamy as all hell, it also brings the emotion!
Needless to say, this is a dark world with people that experience lots of trauma and do horrible things to survive, so check those TWs if needed. This is book one in an interconnect series from other authors and I cannot wait to explore more of this world!
MM Dark Romance
Dystopian/Post Apocalyptic
Morally Grey MCs
Touch Him and Die
Gory & Violent
'You Will Submit'
Fight To F*ck
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
September 28, 2025
3.75⭐️
A raw, gritty, and dark romance that follows two scarred men as they navigate the apocalypse.
Phoenix is a raider, a cannibal, and a fierce leader of his pack. When he meets Aubrey — a man with deep scars, both physical and emotional, he is instantly intrigued. Aubrey has a dark past and major trust issues, but his primal connection with Phoenix allows him to break these down.
This book has a whole bunch of really interesting content: a zombie virus spread by crimson rain, mutated animals and zombies to fight, violent raiders, cannibalism, an order of humans experimenting on those with immunity to the virus, and a whole lot of wild, kinky smut. 😈
This book definitely sets the scene for this series well. The plot is more vibes-based, and the characters’ backgrounds also heavily contributed to the world building. The premise is super neat. I was expecting more zombie involvement, but they were honestly more of a background thing. The story focuses more on the dynamic between the two characters. Though I didn’t find the actual plot super engaging, I still enjoyed the book overall.
This book is fast-paced and dark. The content could be shocking for some, but it’s still interesting, and I’m excited to read more in the series!
A raw, gritty, and dark romance that follows two scarred men as they navigate the apocalypse.
Phoenix is a raider, a cannibal, and a fierce leader of his pack. When he meets Aubrey — a man with deep scars, both physical and emotional, he is instantly intrigued. Aubrey has a dark past and major trust issues, but his primal connection with Phoenix allows him to break these down.
This book has a whole bunch of really interesting content: a zombie virus spread by crimson rain, mutated animals and zombies to fight, violent raiders, cannibalism, an order of humans experimenting on those with immunity to the virus, and a whole lot of wild, kinky smut. 😈
This book definitely sets the scene for this series well. The plot is more vibes-based, and the characters’ backgrounds also heavily contributed to the world building. The premise is super neat. I was expecting more zombie involvement, but they were honestly more of a background thing. The story focuses more on the dynamic between the two characters. Though I didn’t find the actual plot super engaging, I still enjoyed the book overall.
This book is fast-paced and dark. The content could be shocking for some, but it’s still interesting, and I’m excited to read more in the series!
September 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“Aubrey was defiance and determination, a mask with broken edges.”
WOW JUST WOW. This was everything I was hoping for for this multi author series. This world they have created SO GOOD. Aubrey had been through so much. Phoenix was just the right person to help overcome everything and allow him to be free from his grief and trauma. The spicy was varied which I always appreciate nobody wants the same thing over and over. It seemed pretty realistic for both the environment and MMCs. Plus that love confession 🤣 perfect timing if I do say so myself.
Just give it a chance but check your triggers as always. A really good start to the series. Plus I just love Lee McCormicks books ❤️
“I’d rather go out in a blaze of fire, then let myself drown in the storm.”
“Phoenix was the physical manifestation of all the ways I wanted to die, and he was looking at me like he wanted to devour my pain.”
“You made me a dog— you don’t get access to the man.”
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“Aubrey was defiance and determination, a mask with broken edges.”
WOW JUST WOW. This was everything I was hoping for for this multi author series. This world they have created SO GOOD. Aubrey had been through so much. Phoenix was just the right person to help overcome everything and allow him to be free from his grief and trauma. The spicy was varied which I always appreciate nobody wants the same thing over and over. It seemed pretty realistic for both the environment and MMCs. Plus that love confession 🤣 perfect timing if I do say so myself.
Just give it a chance but check your triggers as always. A really good start to the series. Plus I just love Lee McCormicks books ❤️
“I’d rather go out in a blaze of fire, then let myself drown in the storm.”
“Phoenix was the physical manifestation of all the ways I wanted to die, and he was looking at me like he wanted to devour my pain.”
“You made me a dog— you don’t get access to the man.”
September 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
What an incredible start to the series! I absolutely love the worldbuilding and the whole concept behind it—it’s brilliant. Scientists hold up a mirror to humanity to show them the kind of world they’ve created and then turn them into "monsters." Just wow. And it's so freaking hot, omfg!🥵
I adore Phoenix and Aubrey—both have a depth I didn’t expect at the beginning. They’re both broken boys, and let’s be honest, we love our broken boys. I’m going to go out on a limb and say I think this series might just be able to compete with Lily Mayne’s Monstrous series. After this first book, I’m already convinced. But lovies, I would say it is important to read the CW with this one!!!! DON’T SKIP IT! Not everyone will be fine with reading it!
🌶🌶🌶🌶
What an incredible start to the series! I absolutely love the worldbuilding and the whole concept behind it—it’s brilliant. Scientists hold up a mirror to humanity to show them the kind of world they’ve created and then turn them into "monsters." Just wow. And it's so freaking hot, omfg!🥵
I adore Phoenix and Aubrey—both have a depth I didn’t expect at the beginning. They’re both broken boys, and let’s be honest, we love our broken boys. I’m going to go out on a limb and say I think this series might just be able to compete with Lily Mayne’s Monstrous series. After this first book, I’m already convinced. But lovies, I would say it is important to read the CW with this one!!!! DON’T SKIP IT! Not everyone will be fine with reading it!
October 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
- MM
- Post-apocalyptic zombie-infected world
- Very dark themes/gore
- Cannibalism
- Primal play
- Rough/violent sex
- Turned on by violence/danger
- 🩸 play
- Marking/collaring/biting
- Praise/degradation
- No kissing/refunding to kiss
- Hurt/comfort
Ummmm I was NOT expecting that intro to the book…. I love going into a book blind so I didn’t fully read the book description and OMG my heart SHATTERED… (it still hurts to think about).
This book was so much deeper than I expected. There was so much loss and pain and the author did such an amazing job making you feel it all. Every time there was a spicy scene (and there were many) you could also feel the characters grow emotionally themselves, as well as grow a deeper meaningful connection together.
I think there was a perfect plot to spice ratio (chefs kiss). And that spice was 🔥🔥🔥. There are sooo many scenes and they are all great, they aren’t just copy/paste.
It is also one of my favorite things when the book’s title is creative and the author finds a way to creatively reference it in the book. I also think Phoenix was such a poetic name for his character. It’s the little things like that an author does that brings their book to a higher level.
“If you want to burn the entire world to the ground and leave it as nothing but ash, I’ll start the fire. If you want to kill every person who ever hurt you, I’ll be your weapon. Wherever you go, I’m with you.”
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
- MM
- Post-apocalyptic zombie-infected world
- Very dark themes/gore
- Cannibalism
- Primal play
- Rough/violent sex
- Turned on by violence/danger
- 🩸 play
- Marking/collaring/biting
- Praise/degradation
- No kissing/refunding to kiss
- Hurt/comfort
Ummmm I was NOT expecting that intro to the book…. I love going into a book blind so I didn’t fully read the book description and OMG my heart SHATTERED… (it still hurts to think about).
This book was so much deeper than I expected. There was so much loss and pain and the author did such an amazing job making you feel it all. Every time there was a spicy scene (and there were many) you could also feel the characters grow emotionally themselves, as well as grow a deeper meaningful connection together.
I think there was a perfect plot to spice ratio (chefs kiss). And that spice was 🔥🔥🔥. There are sooo many scenes and they are all great, they aren’t just copy/paste.
It is also one of my favorite things when the book’s title is creative and the author finds a way to creatively reference it in the book. I also think Phoenix was such a poetic name for his character. It’s the little things like that an author does that brings their book to a higher level.
“If you want to burn the entire world to the ground and leave it as nothing but ash, I’ll start the fire. If you want to kill every person who ever hurt you, I’ll be your weapon. Wherever you go, I’m with you.”
September 29, 2025
Wow, this book, people. This was an amazing first book in this multi author collab. This world is new and creative and reminds me a bit of the walking dead but it’s not the same. The red rain has created rabids and ferals and humans losing their humanity. There are raiders and the order and evil scientists. There is no shortage of vicious brutality. This is not a world meant for the soft and the good. Aubrey has lived a hard life, first with an abusive father, then captured by scientist and the order. He suffers a lot. Then comes Phoenix, a vicious raider who collars his conquests and claims Aubrey as soon as he lays eyes on him. This small group of raiders shows Aubrey a different way. A different kind of life and family. Phoenix shows him more. These two are brutal and vicious together and perfect for one another but neither want to be vulnerable. Neither want to be soft or love each other. Phoenix wants to claim and own and Aubrey wants to run the other way. This book is well written, the characters are amazing, the world is fantastic and new and unique and creative and there’s pain and brutality and so much violence. Heed the trigger warnings. I loved every moment of this. It is definitely a spicy read with lots of sexy, steamy scenes. And there is a lot of emotion. There’s loyalty in a world that doesn’t know honor and loyalty anymore. It’s a dark world with a lot of blood and violence and cannibals.
October 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC REVIEW
If you know me, you know how much I love a dark romance. Add a dystopian setting, and I’m sold. This book gave me everything I wanted and more!
Aubrey has endured so much pain, carrying grief that feels unshakable until Phoenix. He’s the spark that burns through the shadows, the one who helps Aubrey find freedom from everything holding him down.
Together, Aubrey and Phoenix are a wildfire, flame and gasoline, unstoppable once they collide. Their intensity is magnetic, consuming, and impossible to look away from.
What I loved most is how the author wove this fierce romance into a bleak, post-apocalyptic world. The atmosphere is as haunting as it is beautiful, and the connection between these two characters blazes right through it.
It’s dark. It’s intense. It’s the kind of story that pulls you under and leaves you breathless—an amazing first book to open this series.
I was absolutely sobbing at the ending! I need more 😭😭😭
Please, check the trigger warnings before diving in, because the story doesn’t shy away from heavy themes.
ARC REVIEW
If you know me, you know how much I love a dark romance. Add a dystopian setting, and I’m sold. This book gave me everything I wanted and more!
Aubrey has endured so much pain, carrying grief that feels unshakable until Phoenix. He’s the spark that burns through the shadows, the one who helps Aubrey find freedom from everything holding him down.
Together, Aubrey and Phoenix are a wildfire, flame and gasoline, unstoppable once they collide. Their intensity is magnetic, consuming, and impossible to look away from.
What I loved most is how the author wove this fierce romance into a bleak, post-apocalyptic world. The atmosphere is as haunting as it is beautiful, and the connection between these two characters blazes right through it.
It’s dark. It’s intense. It’s the kind of story that pulls you under and leaves you breathless—an amazing first book to open this series.
I was absolutely sobbing at the ending! I need more 😭😭😭
Please, check the trigger warnings before diving in, because the story doesn’t shy away from heavy themes.
Read
October 5, 2025Not for me. I was still stuck on Bishop and Aubrey, even if they only had the short time and a few chapters together. I couldn't move on to accept Phoenix and Aubrey, unfortunately.
No rating since this is my issue.
No rating since this is my issue.
November 1, 2025
If I could give this negative stars I would. This was seriously 98% inner dialogue. The ENTIRE story was told to us internally! Fucking ridiculous. Half of it didn’t even make sense. The story line was all over the place. I hated this book with a passion!
October 5, 2025
okay so i have some ✨thoughts✨. i did rate this book 4 stars but for the first 70% i really had to push myself through it and honestly, there was a decent chunk i was considering marking it a DNF.
i’m not a fast burn girlie so part of this is definitely a me issue but i just thought the relationship between aubrey and phoenix was really shallow for a large part of this book. phoenix captures aubrey in the beginning and then we instantly get a little primal play scene and it’s all fine and dandy from there? then it’s weeks later and they’re just fucking regularly and then they’re just suddenly a thing and i’m like, can you please show me and not just tell me how their relationship progressed?
also i could’ve done with a lot more world building and clarification around the rain and the infection. like i originally thought the rain was like acid rain, completely toxic and damaging but it actually just makes people reach carrying it feel a lil wild and nothing actually happens? though for some people it does turn them completely feral? and it’s just hanging out in the atmosphere chilling waiting to be turned into rain?
idk i usually love lee’s books but this one was a bit of a miss for me. it was sitting at 3 stars for a large majority and the only thing that really pushed it to a 4 was the fleshing out of their characters and relationship in the last 20%. also old mate coming back because he didn’t actually die in the fire was so predictable. i’m just kind of sad about this one but i know there will definitely be people that enjoy it.
edit: i’ve had to reduce my rating to 3 stars. i can’t have this many issues and still rate it a 4.
arc copy provided for an honest review.
i’m not a fast burn girlie so part of this is definitely a me issue but i just thought the relationship between aubrey and phoenix was really shallow for a large part of this book. phoenix captures aubrey in the beginning and then we instantly get a little primal play scene and it’s all fine and dandy from there? then it’s weeks later and they’re just fucking regularly and then they’re just suddenly a thing and i’m like, can you please show me and not just tell me how their relationship progressed?
also i could’ve done with a lot more world building and clarification around the rain and the infection. like i originally thought the rain was like acid rain, completely toxic and damaging but it actually just makes people reach carrying it feel a lil wild and nothing actually happens? though for some people it does turn them completely feral? and it’s just hanging out in the atmosphere chilling waiting to be turned into rain?
idk i usually love lee’s books but this one was a bit of a miss for me. it was sitting at 3 stars for a large majority and the only thing that really pushed it to a 4 was the fleshing out of their characters and relationship in the last 20%. also old mate coming back because he didn’t actually die in the fire was so predictable. i’m just kind of sad about this one but i know there will definitely be people that enjoy it.
edit: i’ve had to reduce my rating to 3 stars. i can’t have this many issues and still rate it a 4.
arc copy provided for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2025
ARC review
I just adore MM apocalyptic books, there is something in them that just calls me, don't know what it is.
This book was amazing, 4.5 stars for sure.
Aubrey had suffered a big loss and he didn't know or wanted to move on from it. He wanted pain but in the end, he could finally open his heart to someone new without ghosts from the past.
Phoenix was batsh*t crazy and I was here for it. The moment he saw Aubrey, it was it. Aubrey was his, no matter what anyone said. But I loved How beneath the mask (literally) and rough exterior, he just wanted Aubrey to want him too and open to him, mot leave him behind.
They made a perfect couple, just two pieces of the same puzzle destined to find each other
I just adore MM apocalyptic books, there is something in them that just calls me, don't know what it is.
This book was amazing, 4.5 stars for sure.
Aubrey had suffered a big loss and he didn't know or wanted to move on from it. He wanted pain but in the end, he could finally open his heart to someone new without ghosts from the past.
Phoenix was batsh*t crazy and I was here for it. The moment he saw Aubrey, it was it. Aubrey was his, no matter what anyone said. But I loved How beneath the mask (literally) and rough exterior, he just wanted Aubrey to want him too and open to him, mot leave him behind.
They made a perfect couple, just two pieces of the same puzzle destined to find each other
October 7, 2025
Phoenix and Aubrey. DNF at 34%. I was excited to get into this dark, gritty dystopian world, but unfortunately, I don't think Lee McCormick's writing style is for me. The book felt like it was trying too hard to be dark and edgy with little substance to back it up.
I was on board with the book right up until Phoenix and Aubrey met for the first time. There were a lot of deep and profound-sounding sentiments being said which felt unearned since they LITERALLY just met. There was little explanation behind the actions and decisions made; it’s like they were characters filling a role instead of real people with real motivations. The instant lust and the primal play with no substance backing it felt meaningless. It just wasn't doing it for me.
I was on board with the book right up until Phoenix and Aubrey met for the first time. There were a lot of deep and profound-sounding sentiments being said which felt unearned since they LITERALLY just met. There was little explanation behind the actions and decisions made; it’s like they were characters filling a role instead of real people with real motivations. The instant lust and the primal play with no substance backing it felt meaningless. It just wasn't doing it for me.
October 9, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up for getting me out of a reading slump.
I have been struggling with what to read recently and have dnf'd a few things. I decided to lean into spooky season and start this multi author zombie apocalypse shared universe. I generally like (but not love) Lee McCormick's work and that was the case here as well.
I didn't really feel much of a connection to either character - even up until the end I just didn't feel strongly about them, though it did get better over time. The speed at which they began their sexual relationship was crazy (truly, if there was any question about how fucked Aubrey's state of mind was, that answered that) and I was worried it was going to be insta everything. I'm glad that wasn't the case. About the halfway point was where Phoenix decided to actually try knowing Aubrey outside of sex and fighting alongside one another and the pacing for that part was much better. I really liked how Phoenix used Aubrey's scars to learn things about him - it fit really well. Aubrey was traumatized and closed off but Phoenix was obsessed and determined. They were a good match for each other even if I didn't feel super strongly about them. I did find the sex to be strangely underwhelming considering it was pretty much their entire relationship for a while. It was rough and there was a lot of blood around but it was kind of vanilla and didn't feel super sexy to me - and the collar was completely under/misused.
There were several tropes in this that I would normally avoid but, because of the uniqueness of the setting, they worked for me. I usually wouldn't pick up a book that featured a dead lover - tbh I didn't know that was going to be in here and I may have avoided it if I'd known so I'm glad I didn't. I guess in a zombie apocalypse that hits different for me and I actually enjoyed that aspect a lot. It really shaped who Aubrey was as a person and it propelled the plot. I liked that there was that emotional barrier for him that had to be worked through and I liked how the closure was handled. Another thing that I normally dislike in books is other person drama - I hate when there's former FWBs or exes hanging around. However, in a zombie apocalypse it makes sense that, when you're in a closed group of people, you might end up having sex with each other. And it's not so easy to just walk away once a hookup/relationship has ended - you have to stay with a group to survive. So the fact that there were a few people in Phoenix's "pack" that he'd previously had sexual relationships with was not an issue for me the way it normally would be. Plus, Phoenix makes has obsession with Aubrey very clear and doesn't play in to the jealousy from his one "pack"mate.
There were some parts that were too convenient for me and some bits that weren't super fleshed out (I still don't understand what happened with Aubrey in the beginning with that Ben guy or what he was doing in the 8 years between Bishop and the current timeline) and I do wish that I felt the connection between the characters more strongly. Also, side note, I absolutely do not understand the inclusion of cannibalism here. Do prions not exist anymore? Did the rain negate that? Cannibalism is a no no for more than just moral reasons but I guess that just goes into the "suspending disbelief" column. I did like the little addition of the letters at the beginning and end and the small story that took place with them - I thought that was nice. Overall I had a decent time, and props to any book that has two of my least liked plot devices but still has me enjoying myself. I'm excited to read the other books in this universe.
Nicknames: Killer
This quote had me in a chokehold istg
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*
*
*
Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: Aubrey alluded to his father selling him to someone in exchange for drugs (happened once, no details) and he was also raped by a guard while imprisoned (sort of on page but not detailed, the reader just knows it's happening)
Other person drama: Aubrey is still grieving the loss of his first love and it greatly effects his ability to have a relationship. Phoenix has had sex with several people in his "pack", including someone who he had given a collar to - who still wears it and is very much jealous of Aubrey and a problem.
I have been struggling with what to read recently and have dnf'd a few things. I decided to lean into spooky season and start this multi author zombie apocalypse shared universe. I generally like (but not love) Lee McCormick's work and that was the case here as well.
I didn't really feel much of a connection to either character - even up until the end I just didn't feel strongly about them, though it did get better over time. The speed at which they began their sexual relationship was crazy (truly, if there was any question about how fucked Aubrey's state of mind was, that answered that) and I was worried it was going to be insta everything. I'm glad that wasn't the case. About the halfway point was where Phoenix decided to actually try knowing Aubrey outside of sex and fighting alongside one another and the pacing for that part was much better. I really liked how Phoenix used Aubrey's scars to learn things about him - it fit really well. Aubrey was traumatized and closed off but Phoenix was obsessed and determined. They were a good match for each other even if I didn't feel super strongly about them. I did find the sex to be strangely underwhelming considering it was pretty much their entire relationship for a while. It was rough and there was a lot of blood around but it was kind of vanilla and didn't feel super sexy to me - and the collar was completely under/misused.
There were several tropes in this that I would normally avoid but, because of the uniqueness of the setting, they worked for me. I usually wouldn't pick up a book that featured a dead lover - tbh I didn't know that was going to be in here and I may have avoided it if I'd known so I'm glad I didn't. I guess in a zombie apocalypse that hits different for me and I actually enjoyed that aspect a lot. It really shaped who Aubrey was as a person and it propelled the plot. I liked that there was that emotional barrier for him that had to be worked through and I liked how the closure was handled. Another thing that I normally dislike in books is other person drama - I hate when there's former FWBs or exes hanging around. However, in a zombie apocalypse it makes sense that, when you're in a closed group of people, you might end up having sex with each other. And it's not so easy to just walk away once a hookup/relationship has ended - you have to stay with a group to survive. So the fact that there were a few people in Phoenix's "pack" that he'd previously had sexual relationships with was not an issue for me the way it normally would be. Plus, Phoenix makes has obsession with Aubrey very clear and doesn't play in to the jealousy from his one "pack"mate.
There were some parts that were too convenient for me and some bits that weren't super fleshed out (I still don't understand what happened with Aubrey in the beginning with that Ben guy or what he was doing in the 8 years between Bishop and the current timeline) and I do wish that I felt the connection between the characters more strongly. Also, side note, I absolutely do not understand the inclusion of cannibalism here. Do prions not exist anymore? Did the rain negate that? Cannibalism is a no no for more than just moral reasons but I guess that just goes into the "suspending disbelief" column. I did like the little addition of the letters at the beginning and end and the small story that took place with them - I thought that was nice. Overall I had a decent time, and props to any book that has two of my least liked plot devices but still has me enjoying myself. I'm excited to read the other books in this universe.
Nicknames: Killer
Death couldn’t have him. I was a jealous man, and he was mine.
“I don’t miss when I shoot, Phoenix. If I ever try, it won’t be a nearly.”
This quote had me in a chokehold istg
You can fuck me, Phoenix. You can bite me and mark me, you can put a collar around my throat, but that doesn’t mean you get to know me. You made me a dog—you don’t get access to the man.”
“Fuck, just let it go. Whatever the fuck it is that’s holding you back, let it go and be here.” I dipped my head and scraped my teeth on his shoulder, licked the rain from his skin and felt it burn my lungs. “Be with me.” Fuck, the rain made you honest. I’d never asked anyone to stay. But… “I can’t.”
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Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: Aubrey alluded to his father selling him to someone in exchange for drugs (happened once, no details) and he was also raped by a guard while imprisoned (sort of on page but not detailed, the reader just knows it's happening)
Other person drama: Aubrey is still grieving the loss of his first love and it greatly effects his ability to have a relationship. Phoenix has had sex with several people in his "pack", including someone who he had given a collar to - who still wears it and is very much jealous of Aubrey and a problem.
September 29, 2025
My absolute obsession with this book...these men, is unhealthy. Do I care?
Not even a little bit.
Infinite stars.
Infinite love.
Infinite emotions.
This book didn’t just scratch my dark romance itch, it sank it's claws in and didn’t let go. From the first page, to the last.
It isn’t cute, it’s not soft, and it sure as hell isn’t safe. It’s filthy, brutal, and heartbreakingly beautiful.
Aubrey & Phoenix shouldn’t work, but somehow they just do. Every interaction between them feels like fire. Every page drips with blood, danger, and that sharp kind of intimacy that makes your stomach knot.
The world is vicious...red rain, rabid infected, cannibals, experiments, and the kind of trauma that carves scars deeper than flesh.
But under all that ruin, there’s a thread of something devastatingly tender. When Phoenix calls Aubrey “mine,” it’s not just a word...it’s survival, possession, devotion, and a promise to stand in the fire together.
And the heat? Holy hell. This book is high octane primal play. Biting. Choking. Knifeplay. Blood as lube...
It’s raw, feral, and exactly what I wanted. Needed. Craved.
What a damn book.
I can, with absolute certainty say, that this is now my favorite Lee McCormick book.
Not even a little bit.
Infinite stars.
Infinite love.
Infinite emotions.
This book didn’t just scratch my dark romance itch, it sank it's claws in and didn’t let go. From the first page, to the last.
It isn’t cute, it’s not soft, and it sure as hell isn’t safe. It’s filthy, brutal, and heartbreakingly beautiful.
Aubrey & Phoenix shouldn’t work, but somehow they just do. Every interaction between them feels like fire. Every page drips with blood, danger, and that sharp kind of intimacy that makes your stomach knot.
The world is vicious...red rain, rabid infected, cannibals, experiments, and the kind of trauma that carves scars deeper than flesh.
But under all that ruin, there’s a thread of something devastatingly tender. When Phoenix calls Aubrey “mine,” it’s not just a word...it’s survival, possession, devotion, and a promise to stand in the fire together.
And the heat? Holy hell. This book is high octane primal play. Biting. Choking. Knifeplay. Blood as lube...
It’s raw, feral, and exactly what I wanted. Needed. Craved.
What a damn book.
I can, with absolute certainty say, that this is now my favorite Lee McCormick book.
October 8, 2025
Ash on the Tongue is the first in a multi-author interconnected series about a post-dystopian world. Aubrey has been beat down by his father, by a corrupt organization and basically the whole world. After losing the love of his life, he has built walls to let no one in. It’s ok, because Phoenix, a cannibalistic raider, will tear those walls down one by one. He finds Aubrey and decides to claim and collar him.
Even though Aubrey puts a fight, the moment Phoenix gets him on his knees, he is hooked.
This is a dark, dystopian world, filled with bad people, zombies and survival of the fittest.
I enjoyed the story, loved Phoenix and how he just knew who he was and didn’t apologize for it. Aubrey’s character was sad because he was molded to fit the world, but wasn’t born for it and was too nice. It was sad how he was forced to become something darker than what he was.
Good read! Excited to read more!!
Even though Aubrey puts a fight, the moment Phoenix gets him on his knees, he is hooked.
This is a dark, dystopian world, filled with bad people, zombies and survival of the fittest.
I enjoyed the story, loved Phoenix and how he just knew who he was and didn’t apologize for it. Aubrey’s character was sad because he was molded to fit the world, but wasn’t born for it and was too nice. It was sad how he was forced to become something darker than what he was.
Good read! Excited to read more!!
January 16, 2026
My first ♾️ star read of the year!!
Wow just wow!! I went into this book only knowing it was MM and distopian (2 of my favorite things), and holy shit I loved it!! My first Lee McCormick book as well and I need more!!!
First off I found the way the apocalypse came about refreshing (if that's the right word.) Like same zombie concept but the red rain was an amazing difference and I ate it up.
The relationship between our MMCs Aubrey and Phoenyx was absolute perfection!! The breaking each other completely open to piece each other back together again. Especially in this new fucked up world! Chapter 21 was EVERYTHING! There was alot of spice in this book, but it was the use of that sex that just hit me straight in my chest!! I felt everything with these characters and that's why this book gets the infinity stars. Great spice, all the feels, original concepts, and action. Bravo!! Will I be continuing on with this shared world, absolutely!! The bar is set high though!
Wow just wow!! I went into this book only knowing it was MM and distopian (2 of my favorite things), and holy shit I loved it!! My first Lee McCormick book as well and I need more!!!
First off I found the way the apocalypse came about refreshing (if that's the right word.) Like same zombie concept but the red rain was an amazing difference and I ate it up.
The relationship between our MMCs Aubrey and Phoenyx was absolute perfection!! The breaking each other completely open to piece each other back together again. Especially in this new fucked up world! Chapter 21 was EVERYTHING! There was alot of spice in this book, but it was the use of that sex that just hit me straight in my chest!! I felt everything with these characters and that's why this book gets the infinity stars. Great spice, all the feels, original concepts, and action. Bravo!! Will I be continuing on with this shared world, absolutely!! The bar is set high though!
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