Broken Demon

by Dante St John

Twenty years ago, during the catastrophic event known as the Breaking, when all end-of-the-world myths happened simultaneously, realities collided, resulting in a shattered Earth full of gods and monsters. In the years since, humanity has carved out a tenuous existence alongside their nightmares. Humans, now the minority in the populous, live in walled enclaves in an attempt to protect themselves. Outside of those walls, gods, demons, vampires, fae, and every other imaginable horror have taken over the ruined landscape and abandoned cities.

Andromeda Stirling, a child when the Breaking occurred, had her family brutally ripped away from her. During those chaotic first days, when magic swelled and technology crashed, she developed the unique ability to temporarily neutralize supernaturals’ healing abilities. Now, as an adult, she works for an elite mercenary group, known as the Island. With the title of Inquisitor, she’s the Island’s top interrogator.

When Andromeda is hired to help locate the missing family of her recent one-night-stand, Viktor Greaves, her life gets more complicated than she could ever have imagined.

Dealing with torture, demonic possession, human trafficking, and a man she was never supposed to see again but can't deny her attraction to, Andromeda must fight against ever-increasing odds in order to carve out the future she's never allowed herself to dream of.

Genres: Audiobook, Fantasy

326 pages, Paperback

Published September 11, 2025

About the author

Dante lives in Georgia with her cat, Doug, who is far more interesting than she is. Dante listens to the voices in her head that do smutty things together and demand to be let out. That's why she writes.

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 – 4.5 stars

Who doesn’t love a garlic roll?

Broken Demon is the first captivating instalment in Dante St. John’s dark paranormal urban fantasy series, blending elements of heated romance, magic, demons, and a post-apocalyptic world, all featuring garlic rolls.

I didn’t want the story to end because it showcased effortless writing. The witty banter made me laugh, while the action kept me engaged, and the steamy moments added to the excitement. The story features a few quirky, badass misfits who are strong, sassy, and likable. The excellent world-building allows readers to easily lose track of time among the pages.

Broken Demon is an outstanding paranormal action thriller, and Dante’s clever, multilayered plot is one that no one should miss. I can’t wait to get my hands on the second book, Broken Angel, which continues Ivy’s story.

[Ron Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never think of garlic rolls the same again. A dark and spicy fantasy where worlds have collided. A brilliant piece of story telling. Can’t wait to see what comes next from this author!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The "garlic rolls as a seduction technique" drew me in.

The plot and the story and the spice kept me going.

This book was fantastic - magic, demons, post-apocalyptic setting, carbs. It has it all!

[Finley K. James · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Broken Demon” is one heckuva ride. Gritty and dark, it’s full of nearly impeccable world-building—the backstory of the Breaking is rather unique. The main character, Andi, is beautifully sassy and a pretty awesome badass. She had wonderful chemistry with the other characters, and I found myself kinda wishing I knew her in real life.

All in all, this is a great read for anyone interested in a gritty, well-written story with amazing spice and realism—as realistic as this can be, that is.

[Kristina Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

ohhhh this was so good!

Great characters! Loved the world building

The females in the story are strong. HEA. Even side characters had enough to make the lovable and some quirks. Dark shadows. Loved it. Spice was hot.

[James Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excuse me...I just need a second...just to get a drink...the spice here. The spice! Dante St. John has managed to make a spicy supernatural romance that does all things well. It is, at its core, an excellent paranormal action thriller. You will find yourself turning page after page to see how she fights and scraps through all sorts of dangerous situations. Even if you took all the spice out, this book is a great story. But, the spice, is excellent. It is very well written, and offered up from a variety of points of view, deliciously steamy, but does not overpower the story itself. She has managed to balance both aspects of the story perfectly.

[Alexis Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m still trying to get the hang of leaving reviews but I couldn’t help it. I love the story! You have dark romance/ paranormal. Can’t wait to see what comes next. I wasn’t ready for it to be over. I need more. It will make you laugh. Not a whole lot of smut but when it comes to those scenes 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ I loved andromeda and her sass. Viktor 🫠🥰he is amazing

[KatieLouWho · Rating 5 out of 5]

100% Awesome!

This book will pull you in. It’s a perfect easy read fantasy with not a lot of unnecessary backstory and world building. It was a great story with fun banter and strong, likable characters. Also was good amount of terrific action scenes and awesome steamy scenes!

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fastpaced

I loved being captivated immediately, I didn't have to wait for the story to "get going". It was adventure, steamy, and a bit of mystery. Very enjoyable from start to finish

[Emily Fahy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It had a great pace and the story was fascinating. I went in blind but it caught my attention right away and I couldn’t. Put it down. Now I’m just waiting for the next one! Highly recommend

[Becky Brakefield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read after seeing the author on tiktok

The story took a little bit to get into but once i got past the beginning it really started to pick up. I enjoyed it and willbe reading future books in this series and by this author.

[Melissa Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Striking

I stumbled upon this book while scrolling through Tik Tok, and was pulled in deep on page one. The plot twists were amazing. I wanted more of this world before I even reached the end, and the cliffhanger let me know I would find more.

[Alinar Den · Rating 5 out of 5]

I WAS JUST TRICKED INTO READING IT... with garlic rolls...

Joking... 🤣

This book is awesome, with just the right amount of spice and adventures! I truly enjoyed it!
Highly recommended! ☺️

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚Broken Demon
✍🏻Dante St.John
Blurb:
Andromeda just wanted a night to forget her problems. Now her one-night stand is her new client...and all hell is about to break loose.

It's been twenty years since the end of the world, and Andromeda Stirling is still trying to figure out her place in it.
A burnt-out interrogator for a mercenary group, Andromeda's skills are her ticket to staying alive. But when a brutal interrogation pushes her to the edge, she drowns her guilt in a one-night stand with Viktor Greaves.

She was never supposed to see him again. So, naturally, he hires her mercenary crew to find his missing family. He's willing to pay top dollar to keep her involved--and close. But as the two grow closer, the case spirals into bloodier territory and Andromeda makes a terrifying discovery--one that will change the course of her future.

Now, fighting for her life--and her heart--in a world she never prepared for, Andromeda must figure out how to save herself.
My thoughts:
This book is a great fantasy story that really pulls you in from the start. The world building and overall story are unique, as it is set in a time period 20 years after the world "ends" called the breaking. The main female character is Andromeda, who has a specifically unique set of skills and supernatural abilities that make her an assest as an interrogator for a mercenary group. Her connection and relationship with the MMC, Viktor, was fun, spicy and very intriguing. Their chemistry didn't feel forced, even with the instant attraction. The story is a little slow in the beginning, but, does pick up and is a thrilling read with a mix of action and spice. I 100% recommend this book if you like a super strong FMC who is only submissive for her morally grey possessive MMC.
Broken Demon is an outstanding paranormal action thriller, and Dante’s clever, multilayered plot is one that no one should miss. I can’t wait to get my hands on the second book, Broken Angel, which continues Ivy’s story.
Thanks NetGalley and Author Dante St. John for the advanced copy of "Broken Demon" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#DanteSt.John
#BrokenDemon
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Human trafficking, Demonic possession, Suicidal ideation, Parental/family loss, Dehumanization, Torture, Murder, Apocalypse/End of world scenarios, The end of organized religion, Child labor, Child Abandonment and Theft

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 - 4.5 Stars

‘Humanity was still trying to recover from the end of the world twenty years ago. The Breaking essentially threw us back into the Dark Ages. Technology crashed in its entirety. Cars, computers, phones, hell, even lights, stopped working all at once. Then alternate realities collided, and all the monsters from our nightmares suddenly lived on the same planet as us. It’d been a clusterfuck ever since. And I had the dubious pleasure of working for a company of mercenaries specifically trained in countering supernatural bs.’

Broken Demon is the first book in the After Breaking series, and debut novel by Dante St John. Being a debut novel, I really wasn’t sure of what I could expect from one Of Ms. St John’s stories, but the cover and blurb intrigued me enough to want to find out. This proved to be a really great read and I found that I loved my time between Ms. St John’s covers.
This is a dark paranormal romance/urban fantasy with a post-apocalyptic element, demons, the supernatural, paranormal characters, chemistry, tension, spice, action, adventure, dramatic developments, danger, intrigue, a mercenary crew, pulse-pounding discoveries, emotion, and a feisty snarky sarcastic witty kick-a FMC who won me over from the very first page. Hello … garlic rolls and bunny slippers for the win here 😉
As I mentioned above, I loved Andromeda right from the get-go, and her witty, sarcastic inner dialogue gave the story and extra element of interest and fun. But she proved to be so much more – then adding Viktor to the mix I was well and truly hooked, following along on the adventure and reading well past my bedtime just so I could find out how everything played out in the end.
Ms. St John is definitely an author to keep an eye out for in the future, and I look forward to reading much more of her work.
Happy Reading…

***the story includes subject matter that could be triggering for some readers, so I recommend checking those out before diving into the book.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALC review for Broken Demon by Dante St. John

Thanks to Dante and High Gravity Productions for the ALC opportunity!

Featured tropes: dystopian romantsy, vampire/human, age gap, one night stand, possessive MMC, romantic suspense-ish, workplace romance-ish, hidden identity

Trigger warnings: I don't want to give away any spoilers but the author has a comprehensive list of trigger warnings at the beginning of the book. Check it out if you have any triggers that might be set off in a fantasy/gray romance world.

Review: 4/5

I am not going to lie to you. When the ALC link came through and one of the "features" of the book was "garlic rolls as a seduction technique," I was SOLD and hit download SO fast. I too would do questionable things for some really good garlic rolls. ANYWAYS, romantasy is not my typical genre so I always enjoy my traipses into the fantasy worlds. Andromeda was a boss FMC shrouded in a little bit of human/supernatural mystery. And Viktor was a great partner for her. The man woos her with garlic rolls. We've established I'm a fan of that. The undercurrent of mystery was captivating and I appreciated the quickness of the story. A lot of romatasty books get lengthy (I'm NOT saying that's a bad thing, FYI) so the relative brevity of this story was refreshing. I'm definitely hooked and want to know how the next story will develop.

The narration:
Both narrators, Paige Reisenfeld and Jonathan Waters, were new to me. They did a good job. I don't think I can say I was enthralled enough to purposely seek more books *specifically* because they were a narrator but I won't be deterred from books if they are either. Both performed well within the book.

I'm not sure when book two is set to come out but I'm invested in how the story will continue. Definitely hoping we see more of Andromeda and Viktor within its pages!

[Roxsanne Lesieur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andromeda Stirling is a young woman with a fearsome reputation, but to anyone outside her inner circle, she is just a beautiful, normal consultant who has a small circle of friends and a pretty boring job, but in reality, her alias is feared and as "The Inquisitor" someone who gets information out of anybody with her brutal methods. Unfortunately for Andromeda, she doesn't actually enjoy her job and afterwards she sometimes needs to release the pent up frustration and aftermath.

One night she meets up with a friend and heads to a club where the boss decides to send out some drinks, with her suspicious nature, she gives her drink to others, but an off hand remark about garlic rolls leads to a one night stand with the owner, a one night stand which may just ruin her for all other men, but a one night stand none the less. As she is called in to work the next day, she comes face to face with that man and has to remain professional despite the flashbacks invading her brain and she manages, just, to find out that she has to go into the field and unfortunately be in close quarters with the client, Viktor Greaves.

Meanwhile, Viktor is completely taken with Andromeda from the start and when he has the meeting with the mercenaries, he has hired them for her skill set in particular, he knew the surprise was for Andromeda, to walk in the room, but he is pleasantly surprised that she remains professional and also, close to him at all times so when the passion between them grows, it becomes an all consuming flame, but while on mission, something isn't right and a secret will be revealed which none of them were expecting.

This is a romantasy which is full of spice, secrets and revelations throughout as one burnt out mercenary and one demon prepare for the fight for their lives against the shadows which surround them if.

[Amanda Kimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Demon (After the Breaking #1) by Dante St. John

5 out of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve read by the author, but it won’t be my last. I’m looking forward to reading more books by the author. Broken Demon is the first book in the After the Breaking Series. Reading this makes me love my Shadow-Daddy books even more. If you like Fourth Wing then you will love this book. Andi and Viktor make me fall in love with each chapter.

Andromeda was an orphan after the Breaking happened. Now 20 years later she is making a name for herself. Little does she know it’s because she’s been sharing her body with someone for her entire life. She goes out with a friend only to meet someone she hooks up with for a night. She just doesn’t realize that he won’t be able to let her go after that night. Her job required her to be forced to see him again shortly after their hookup. When she is hurt not once, but twice she quits her job. So when she gets a visitor she says: “I’m sorry. Do we know each other?”

Viktor decides he is going to find out who is stealing from him and watches the security cameras around his club. He sees Andromeda and is immediately hooked. He sends out a drink thinking that would get her back to his office, but instead she says something about garlic rolls. So he has some delivered to her table which makes her follow the server back to his office. Then he knows he has to bring in a team to track down his siblings. He’s just shocked to see his hookup standing in the office. He tells Andromeda this: “I informed Duncan you would no longer be returning to the Island. All your belongings have been transferred here. I have several homes in the city. You can take your pick of those. Or… you could stay here.”

[Anna Hirsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Demon by Dante St.John
4 Stars

Broken Demon pulls you straight into a world that’s dark, dangerous, and strangely hopeful. The author blends supernatural grit with real emotional depth, creating a story that feels both high stakes and personal. The main character, Andromeda, absolutely stands out. She’s flawed, powerful, and carries more scars (emotional and otherwise) than she’d ever admit. Watching her struggle between what she is and who she wants to be keeps the story moving, and you can’t help rooting for her even when the world seems stacked against her. The tension between survival, identity, and loyalty gives the book a solid emotional backbone.
One of the biggest standouts is the chemistry between Andromeda and Viktor — it’s intense, complicated, and easily one of the most addictive parts of the book. Their dynamic has that perfect “push and pull” energy. Andromeda’s strength and guarded vulnerability plays so well against Viktor’s brooding steadiness. Every scene they share feels charged, like there’s always something simmering under the surface — whether it’s tension, attraction, or the weight of everything they aren’t saying out loud. As their connection builds, the sparks grow into something deeper.
The post-Breaking world feels harsh and lived-in, with just enough detail to paint vivid scenes without slowing the pace. The action is punchy, the supernatural elements feel fresh, and there’s a great blend of grit and vulnerability throughout the narrative. This is a character-driven urban fantasy with a side of darkness and redemption, Broken Demon is an engaging read that pulls you along from start to finish. It hits that sweet spot of action, emotion, and world-building. I’m looking forward to reading book two.

[Pernille · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have wanted to be an ARC reader for a while and signed up to read Broken Angel by Dante St. John, not knowing it was the second in the series. I started reading the book I signed up for only to realise, I really needed to read the first book. Since I live in Denmark I cannot have KU so I went looking. The audiobook was available on Apple Books and the price was ok. So I bought this one. And WOW! I love love love this book! I never give 5 stars unless I laugh or cry out loud. And I laughed. In fact, I, for the first time ever, wrote a quote from an audiobook. Here it is:

"And he brought me bread."
" I was basically a duck. Toss some bread at me and I'd follow you around".

Coming from a kick ass woman whom I adored from the first page to the last had me laughing out loud.

And Andromeda Stirling is one, if not my absolute, favorite female leads. Sure she is kick ass, sure there is spice where she allows Victor to be in charge, but she is also not scared to be weak, not scared to be scared. Her crying in the shower, her falling asleep from exhaustion made her feel so freaking real. And of course, she is not the only person obsessed with bread :)

I had never heard of Dante St. John before I joined a certain facebook group. Now I am about to start the book I actually was supposed to read :) But eventhough I have it as an E-book I am pretty sure I am going to get the audiobook if the female narrator is as amazing next time as she was for this one. The male not as perfect. But wow. Paige Reisenfeld is on my: If she reads it I will hear it list.

now onto number two. I cannot wait.

[Jessica Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first installment of the After the Breaking series. It's a fast-paced and steamy urban fantasy/romantasy that dives headfirst into a unique, apocalyptic world. The story is set twenty years after a cataclysmic event known as "The Breaking," where multiple mythologies and end-of-the-world scenarios collided, leaving Earth populated by humans alongside demons, angels, and other mythical creatures. The narrative centers on Andromeda Stirling, a burnt-out interrogator for a mercenary crew trying to survive in this chaotic new reality. After a one-night stand with the enigmatic Viktor Greaves, she quickly discovers he is far more than just a handsome stranger when he hires her to find his missing family—a job that spirals into a violent, bloodier investigation involving demonic possession. St. John excels at building tension, both in the action sequences and in the escalating relationship between Andromeda and Viktor. The world-building is instantly intriguing, establishing a dystopian setting where magic and gritty mercenary life exist side-by-side. The book is characterized by its blend of dark themes, paranormal thrills, and high-heat romance. While the overall narrative is packed with high stakes, the story truly shines due to the compelling chemistry between the morally gray protagonists, excellent pacing, and strong character development. These elements, including the explicit scenes, are what hold the story together, making it a true page-turner. This is perfect read for people who enjoy a strong blend of action, paranormal elements, and explicit, emotionally charged romance.

[Beejai Bohls · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to start a series. Holy Crud!!! This book has everything. I was never bored and was firmly planted on the edge of my seat the whole time reading this. This book took me to places I couldn't have ever visioned on my own. What do you do when the world has suffered insurmountable loss and everything is having to start over? That is what the characters have to decide. I feel that the characters are complex enough that you as a reader are intrigued but also relatable enough that you root for them throughout the book. This book has a great give and take between steamy chemistry and actual gore. The action in this book is something that I didn't know I needed. It really helped me feel more for the characters in the book. They have this hard edge for having to live in the time that they do, but also are soft when they need to be. It really gave a lot of character growth throughout the book. I love when the leading female isn't just a whimsical character. This book gives her so much depth and really makes her tough. The action scenes that blend into steamy chemistry are written masterfully well, that you don't even notice that there might be some blood here and there. Ok, that's a lie, I noticed the blood but it just made it better. I can't wait to read the second book if this is how the series starts off. You will be invested from chapter one. I can't recommend this book more.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Demon follows the story of a burnt-out mercenary heroine who takes a job she knows is a bad idea: her one-night stand hires her to find his missing family. That setup alone gives the book such an emotional hook that it pulled me right in. The swirling guilt, unresolved tension, and high stakes are compounded by the supernatural realm of vampires, demons, fae, witches, and the wreckage of a world reshaped by “The Breaking.”
Following a jaded, competent, and bone-deep-tired female lead, this story brought a type of realness that just called to me. Her voice carries a lot of the book’s humor and heart, especially when she’s trying (and failing) not to care about the people around her. In contrast, her male counterpart is “morally grey but trying to hide it,” with his dangerous, secretive nature, yet clearly devoted to his family and, gradually, reluctantly, to her. Their background as a one-night stand added a new layer of delicious awkwardness and tension, giving a fresh twist to this tale.
Overall, Broken Demon is a post-apocalyptic paranormal romp with real heart under it all. A story about two very broken people trying to claw out a future in a world that shouldn’t have any hope left, and somehow still finding room for carbs, banter, and desire. As the first book in the series, I say it knocked my socks off. I can’t wait to see where the rest of the series goes, when the world starts to expand, and how we will continue with the storyline.

[Heather Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Demon by Dante St. John

Broken Demon is set in a post-apocalyptic Georgia following an event known as “The Breaking,” a cataclysm that occurred twenty years earlier and permanently altered the world. Borders were redrawn, society fractured, and mythical creatures—long hidden from humanity—were suddenly exposed and forced into the open.

The story follows Andromeda, an investigator for a powerful agency known as The Island. Gifted with the ability to generate lightning and inflict pain that overwhelms even supernatural regenerative abilities, she is both formidable and deeply complex. Her role places her at the intersection of law enforcement, politics, and the morally gray reality of controlling a world that no longer follows familiar rules.

St. John does not shy away from darker themes. The novel is gritty, intense, and unapologetically raw, blending urban fantasy with dystopian elements and sharp-edged humor. The plot itself is fast-paced and undeniably fun, layered with twists, action, and a generous amount of spice that adds heat and tension. Andromeda’s internal monologue further deepens her character, revealing vulnerability beneath her hardened exterior and providing moments of wit and emotional resonance.

Overall, Broken Demon is a compelling and immersive read that will appeal to fans of dark urban fantasy and post-apocalyptic worlds. With strong world-building, a powerful female lead, a playful yet dangerous plot, and plenty of spice, this novel stands out as a bold and highly entertaining entry in the genre.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the After Breaking series. As this is the debut book by the author I wasn't sure what to expect. I was drawn in by the cover and blurb and wasn't disappointed. This story is fast paced and grips you from the first page. Our main female character Andromeda is strong, determined and speaks her mind very clearly. It was funny following her as she describes things from her point of view. This is a paranormal steamy romance with an end of the world feel to it. It is action packed and I couldn't put it down.
After the end of the world everything went back to the ways of the past. Technology no longer existed and humans had to learn to share the world with creatures and demons they thought were make believe. Andromeda has found a way to survive in this new world as an interrogator. After one session she wishes to forget she finds herself heading out looking for something to distract her. And she finds it in Viktor Greaves.
This was just supposed to be one night and then she would never see him again, that is until Viktor hires her to find his missing family.
As the pair get closer Andromeda finds herself going down bloodier amd bloodier tracks trying to find his family all the while uncovering secrets. Secrets which will make Andromeda question everything in her life.

This is a gripping read and I can't wait to read more from this author

[Santana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andromeda Stirling only wanted one night where the weight of survival could slip off her shoulders. Instead she wakes to discover her escape partner Viktor Greaves has become her newest client. Their one night mistake turns into a very messy partnership the moment he hires her mercenary crew to hunt for his missing family. He keeps her close, partly for the job and partly because neither of them can seem to stay away.

The world is twenty years past its collapse and every corner feels worn, haunted, and strangely alive. Andromeda carries her own ghosts from a brutal career as an interrogator, and the story makes good use of the strain she lives under. When the search spirals into something far bloodier than expected, she uncovers a truth that knocks her off balance and forces her to rethink her future entirely. It fits neatly with the heat, humour, and tension that already drives the book.

I did notice certain moments circling familiar territory, but the twists, the chemistry, and the chaotic blend of spells, demons, and desire kept the book going strong. Plus the steam between Andromeda and Viktor was spicy. I was hooked. I strongly recommend this book! Next on the list to read is the next instalment of the series, Broken Angel.

[Britni Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was just great! I loved the banter between Viktor and Andromeda, not to mention the garlic rolls, iykyk!!


I thoroughly enjoyed the world and character building. Becoming attached to the characters and left wanting more when the story came to an end. Really hoping for a second book.


I give this book 4 stars and 3 peppers. The spice went with the plot and added an element to the story and character building.


I got to listen to the audiobook, narrated by Paige Reisenfeld and Jonathan Waters, and they did a fantastic job at it. They brought a world of emotions and energy to the table and I definitely recommend checking it out if you are an audiobook lover like myself.

[Caryn Oles · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read but far from a great piece of literature, although I doubt anyone would pick this up thinking it would be.

The magic system/lore from the Breaking was an interesting concept. I rather enjoyed it and all of the potential it offered. The FMC Andromeda was enjoyable if not a bit cliche as was her counterpart Viktor. Viktor’s siblings, Eli and Echo, were quite humorous but came across a bit forced since we’re given so little time to get to know them.

As for the addition of Andromeda’s possession, I can’t quite tell if that was a necessary side plot, additional plot to make the book longer, or what. We went from a rescue of Eli and Echo from a trafficking ring to an abnormal demonic possession, even for this world. Maybe it was just the way the story as a whole unfolded to me that it felt disjointed in a way. Despite that, I liked how Ivy showed up at the end to hire Andromeda to find Emma. I’d be willing to read that story.

Aside from all that, this book could have used another round of edits or a proofreader. There were so many typos, wrong words, missing words, and extra words that it made reading portions of the book difficult and a bit stilted.

[Torya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book hooked me right away with its mix of grit, heat, and end-of-the-world chaos. Andromeda is exactly the kind of heroine I love in a post-apocalyptic setting. She is sharp, jaded, and more than a little dangerous, but underneath all that fire is someone who is exhausted from doing whatever it takes to survive. Watching her try to outrun her own guilt and then crash straight into Viktor again made the whole thing even more addictive.

Viktor is the perfect morally gray match for her. Their chemistry is instant, intense, and messy in a way that fits the world they live in. I liked that their connection felt grown-up and complicated rather than soft and tidy. And when he makes sure she stays on the job by paying extra just to keep her close? Absolutely delicious tension.

The plot itself is full of sharp turns, bloody surprises, and a steady thread of danger that keeps the momentum going. The worldbuilding is dark but believable, and the mystery surrounding his missing family adds layers of suspense that kept me invested. Andromeda’s discoveries hit hard, and by the time everything unravels, she feels like someone who has earned every inch of growth she gets.

If you like fierce heroines, flawed men with secrets, high-stakes missions, and romance born in the middle of absolute chaos, this one delivers. It is gritty, engaging, a little violent, and impossible to put down.

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, if you love morally gray men, formidable women, and post-apocalyptic chaos, you need to read this. Andromeda is the kind of main character who’s exhausted, capable, and absolutely done with everyone’s nonsense which makes her incredibly fun to follow. The whole “one-night stand turns into my new client” situation is messy in the best way, especially since Viktor is so incredibly charming. I really liked how their relationship develops alongside the investigation instead of stopping the plot dead. The world feels gritty and lived-in without drowning you in exposition. There’s plenty of action, but the emotional stakes hit just as hard, especially when Andromeda starts questioning who she is and what she’s willing to survive. The story doesn’t shy away from dark choices, and I appreciate that no one is pretending to be a hero here. It’s tense, a little bloody, and surprisingly heartfelt at times. If you enjoy sharp banter, slow-burn tension, spicy perfection, and women who save themselves, I’d absolutely recommend this one.