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The Atom Between Us
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jan 26I woke up with nothing. No name. No past. No memories. Just a body full of scars and a single, burning finish the mission I don’t remember starting.
The world outside is a wasteland. A place called The Zone, where radiation still clings to the air and the people are ruled by something called The Authority. I’m told I’m dangerous. I’m treated like a threat. But no one will tell me why.
Not even him.
Captain Lance Kang. Cold. Controlled. Feared. He watches me with restrained violence and impossible familiarity—like he knows something about me I don’t.
I shouldn’t trust him. He’s the enemy. He belongs to the regime that wants me wiped out, forgotten. But when his voice cuts through the static in my mind… something responds. Something buried, instinctive, and dangerously real.
The more fragments of my past I claw back—labs, fire, blood—the clearer a single truth
I’m not just a prisoner in this broken world.
I’m the key to changing it.
Or ending it.
I just have to remember before it’s too late.
The Atom Between Us is a tense, emotional, slow-burn dystopian romance perfect for fans of Shatter Me, The Last of Us, and The 100.
You’ll love this book if you’re
post-apocalyptic vibesAmnesia & broken identity
Opposites forced together
Slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers energy
A heroine who’d rather fight than fall
A soldier who breaks every rule to follow her
Psychological depth and emotional stakes⚠️ Content Warning: This book contains mature themes, strong language, and explicit content. Reader discretion is advised.
The world outside is a wasteland. A place called The Zone, where radiation still clings to the air and the people are ruled by something called The Authority. I’m told I’m dangerous. I’m treated like a threat. But no one will tell me why.
Not even him.
Captain Lance Kang. Cold. Controlled. Feared. He watches me with restrained violence and impossible familiarity—like he knows something about me I don’t.
I shouldn’t trust him. He’s the enemy. He belongs to the regime that wants me wiped out, forgotten. But when his voice cuts through the static in my mind… something responds. Something buried, instinctive, and dangerously real.
The more fragments of my past I claw back—labs, fire, blood—the clearer a single truth
I’m not just a prisoner in this broken world.
I’m the key to changing it.
Or ending it.
I just have to remember before it’s too late.
The Atom Between Us is a tense, emotional, slow-burn dystopian romance perfect for fans of Shatter Me, The Last of Us, and The 100.
You’ll love this book if you’re
post-apocalyptic vibesAmnesia & broken identity
Opposites forced together
Slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers energy
A heroine who’d rather fight than fall
A soldier who breaks every rule to follow her
Psychological depth and emotional stakes⚠️ Content Warning: This book contains mature themes, strong language, and explicit content. Reader discretion is advised.
551 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 2, 2026
13 people want to read
About the author
Natasha Wingfield
3 books11 followersNatasha is a UK-based author whose lifelong love of reading naturally evolved into a passion for writing her own stories. A dedicated devourer of dark romance—and all things morally grey—she thrives on exploring complicated characters, twisted emotions, and the beautiful chaos that happens when danger and desire collide.
Living with ADHD means her mind is always sparking with new ideas, so her writing roams across multiple genres. But no matter where each story lands, readers can always expect high tension, slow-burn or fast-burn chemistry, and a generous dose of smut woven into the plot.
Circus of Sins is her debut novel and the first step into a world of dark, romantic, genre-mixing tales she can’t wait to share.
Living with ADHD means her mind is always sparking with new ideas, so her writing roams across multiple genres. But no matter where each story lands, readers can always expect high tension, slow-burn or fast-burn chemistry, and a generous dose of smut woven into the plot.
Circus of Sins is her debut novel and the first step into a world of dark, romantic, genre-mixing tales she can’t wait to share.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc review ✨️📖
This was one of my first post apocalyptic, dystopian book and i was pleasantly surprised!
Diana wakes up in a bunker with no memory of who she is or how she got there. Just the hum of failing machinery, a Geiger counter ticking like a countdown and a strange hunger to finish something she doesn't remember starting.
Captain Lance Kang is cold, ruthless and feard by everyone, but Diana isn't just anyone!
This book was definitely a slow build for me, it took me a bit to really get into the story and it being the first of its genre for me it took some time to get into! But i thought the writing was so well done, the setting is dark, immersive and captivating in a way that pulls you in and leaves you wondering what will happen next!
that ending 🫣🫣
If your wanting to read something gritty with a beautiful slow burn I'd recommend picking this up when it's released! This is apocalyptic, dystopian reading done right and if that's your vibe definitely add this to your 2026 tbr!
Releases January 2026! ✨️
Thank you so much Natasha and Whimsy words for the privilege of receiving this arc! 🥰🫶
This was one of my first post apocalyptic, dystopian book and i was pleasantly surprised!
Diana wakes up in a bunker with no memory of who she is or how she got there. Just the hum of failing machinery, a Geiger counter ticking like a countdown and a strange hunger to finish something she doesn't remember starting.
Captain Lance Kang is cold, ruthless and feard by everyone, but Diana isn't just anyone!
This book was definitely a slow build for me, it took me a bit to really get into the story and it being the first of its genre for me it took some time to get into! But i thought the writing was so well done, the setting is dark, immersive and captivating in a way that pulls you in and leaves you wondering what will happen next!
that ending 🫣🫣
If your wanting to read something gritty with a beautiful slow burn I'd recommend picking this up when it's released! This is apocalyptic, dystopian reading done right and if that's your vibe definitely add this to your 2026 tbr!
Releases January 2026! ✨️
Thank you so much Natasha and Whimsy words for the privilege of receiving this arc! 🥰🫶
Review of advance copy received from Author
"We walk into the light, side by side, hearts pounding. Let the world watch."
✨️ARC REVIEW✨️
Wow. It's been a while since I read a book, where I genuinely did not know what to do with myself afterward. I am still processing. Bear with me 😂😂🤯☢️🌶
I went into this read knowing the synopsis and all the tropes but wow. I was still not prepared. I love a good dystopian romance and this one came PUNCHINGGGG!
The brutal battles and fight scenes, the anger and loss, the emotion, the creatures, the secrets/amnesia, desperation, desire and the spice. Hunnnniies. It is jam packed! One strong bad ass FMC and a MMC that is your morally gray goodness. It's a strong, slow burn enemies to lovers story that brings the heat, with heavy post-apocalyptic and sci-fi elements that delivers! 🧪🔥💅
If you’re a dystopian fan, you’ll love the world that’s built right from the start - its giving Fallout and Annihilation vibes. The writing is incredibly inmersive and just consumed me! I did get a little lost at times (doesn't take much though sometimes, after a long day at work), but I intend of rereading because... obsessed. It's a rollercoaster I am more than happy to ride again, trust me!
The ending. ruined me.
I cannot WAIT to see more of Natasha's work, keep them coming! 🙏
(Circus of Sins I'm coming for you 😂)
☢️Post-apocalyptic vibes
💭Amnesia & broken identity
❤️🔥Slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers energy
🌬A heroine who’d rather fight than fall
🪖A soldier who breaks every rule to follow her
⚠️ Reader discretion is advised ⚠️
💛 Thank you Natasha and WhimsyWordsPr for the opportunity to delve into this world for an honest ARC review 💛
Also changed from 4 to 5 stars as I couldn't stop thinking about this read.
✨️ARC REVIEW✨️
Wow. It's been a while since I read a book, where I genuinely did not know what to do with myself afterward. I am still processing. Bear with me 😂😂🤯☢️🌶
I went into this read knowing the synopsis and all the tropes but wow. I was still not prepared. I love a good dystopian romance and this one came PUNCHINGGGG!
The brutal battles and fight scenes, the anger and loss, the emotion, the creatures, the secrets/amnesia, desperation, desire and the spice. Hunnnniies. It is jam packed! One strong bad ass FMC and a MMC that is your morally gray goodness. It's a strong, slow burn enemies to lovers story that brings the heat, with heavy post-apocalyptic and sci-fi elements that delivers! 🧪🔥💅
If you’re a dystopian fan, you’ll love the world that’s built right from the start - its giving Fallout and Annihilation vibes. The writing is incredibly inmersive and just consumed me! I did get a little lost at times (doesn't take much though sometimes, after a long day at work), but I intend of rereading because... obsessed. It's a rollercoaster I am more than happy to ride again, trust me!
The ending. ruined me.
I cannot WAIT to see more of Natasha's work, keep them coming! 🙏
(Circus of Sins I'm coming for you 😂)
☢️Post-apocalyptic vibes
💭Amnesia & broken identity
❤️🔥Slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers energy
🌬A heroine who’d rather fight than fall
🪖A soldier who breaks every rule to follow her
⚠️ Reader discretion is advised ⚠️
💛 Thank you Natasha and WhimsyWordsPr for the opportunity to delve into this world for an honest ARC review 💛
Also changed from 4 to 5 stars as I couldn't stop thinking about this read.
December 22, 2025
Arc Review
The Atom between Us by @author.natashawingfield
Thanks you @whimsywordspr for the e arc
Tropes you like
post-apocalyptic Vibes
amnesia & broken identity
Opposites forced together
Slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers energy
A heroine who’d rather fight than fall
A soldier who breaks every rule to follow her
My Thoughts 💭
Diana, you are resilient, you try to right the wrong, cling on to the past which is the lead to the now. It comes it glimmers in your mind. The memories. The feelings. You awaken the sliver of hope what everyone is cautious about.
The chemistry and pull of opposite attracts with Diana and Kang is so delicious, whether they want to rip each other apart or rip their clothes off. It's off the charts. He will disobey and burn the world down for her. He might be cold and stand offish but he will snap for her.
Even if you can't remember, your mind will somehow cling to it all, especially muscle memory. The science will remain. You will survive.
It really gives me the vibes of the 100, and simi Divergent. It's so good.
The Atom between Us by @author.natashawingfield
Thanks you @whimsywordspr for the e arc
Tropes you like
post-apocalyptic Vibes
amnesia & broken identity
Opposites forced together
Slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers energy
A heroine who’d rather fight than fall
A soldier who breaks every rule to follow her
My Thoughts 💭
Diana, you are resilient, you try to right the wrong, cling on to the past which is the lead to the now. It comes it glimmers in your mind. The memories. The feelings. You awaken the sliver of hope what everyone is cautious about.
The chemistry and pull of opposite attracts with Diana and Kang is so delicious, whether they want to rip each other apart or rip their clothes off. It's off the charts. He will disobey and burn the world down for her. He might be cold and stand offish but he will snap for her.
Even if you can't remember, your mind will somehow cling to it all, especially muscle memory. The science will remain. You will survive.
It really gives me the vibes of the 100, and simi Divergent. It's so good.
December 20, 2025
This was a true dystopian romance which I think are actually quite rare. Our FMC wakes up in a world with no memories of who she is but her body remembers the science. Although this is a romance the focus only shifts to the romance element towards the second half of the book and holy shit what a romance it is! Its one of the most real, raw, I would love you in any lifetime, romances I’ve read and it really did break my heart. This book is very clever, not my usual genre but I loved it and would 100% recommend to any science fiction/ dystopian fantasy/ romance fans ⭐️
Review of advance copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.9/5)
i received an advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
the atom between us is a thoughtful, emotionally heavy piece of speculative fiction that prioritizes atmosphere, voice, and theme over fast-paced plotting. the story unfolds in layers, relying on sensory detail and internal discovery to move the narrative forward rather than constant external twists.
story line
• strength: the opening drop-in is immediately sensory and disorienting in a controlled way (bunker/lab imagery, geiger counter pulse, “labels aren’t there yet”). it establishes stakes + tone fast without info-dumping.
• progression: the plot feels structured in “reveal layers” rather than plot twists. it’s the kind of story where momentum comes from what the character remembers/realizes and what the environment implies, not from constant external events.
• critical note: because the narrative leans atmospheric and introspective, the middle can risk feeling same-note if revelations aren’t spaced with enough variation (either in setting, conflict type, or the kind of question being answered). when it works, it’s gripping; when it lingers too long in one emotional register, pacing can soften.
character progression
• strength: the protagonist voice reads hyper-observant, trained, and self-contained, which fits the “body remembers” concept really well. there’s a clear sense of competence underneath the fog.
• arc texture: the character growth is less “i become a new person” and more i reclaim/choose what i am, which suits the story’s themes. the physicality (pain cataloguing, calibration, instinct) is a smart way of showing identity returning.
• critical note: when the internal voice is very polished and metaphor-forward, it can sometimes create a slight distance from raw vulnerability. sprinkling a few moments of unfiltered thought (short, blunt sentences) can make the emotional hits land even harder.
themes
• memory vs identity: the book clearly argues that identity is not just recollection, it’s instinct, habit, bodily response, moral reflex. that’s a strong thematic backbone and the writing supports it.
• control/surveillance: the “authority” presence + intimidation-as-ritual gives a sharp theme of power: control through fear, systems, and forced roles.
• love as tether: the later excerpts lean into devotion and grief as a kind of anchor (“i’m still here”), which makes the romance/emotional bond feel like more than a subplot, it’s part of the book’s philosophy.
• critical note: these themes are heavy, and the book is at its best when it lets them emerge through scene action rather than overt reflection. the excerpts mostly do this well; continuing that balance is key.
dialogue
• strength: dialogue has bite and subtext (“if you were going to crack…” / “i want to know what you’re hiding.”). it reads like two people fencing for control, not exchanging information.
• character voice: the protagonist’s dialogue feels consistent with the narration. controlled, sharp, occasionally darkly funny.
• critical note: sometimes the dialogue leans very “quoteable” (which can be great), but the risk is that it can feel slightly constructed if too many lines carry thematic weight. mixing in more mundane, grounding exchanges (even briefly) can make the big lines hit harder.
overall takeaway:
this reads like emotionally-driven speculative fiction with a strong voice and a theme-first spine: identity as bodily memory, power as structure, love as insistence. the writing style is one of its biggest assets; the main craft risk is pacing/variety in the middle and making sure the emotional intensity has peaks/valleys so it doesn’t blur into one continuous ache.
i received an advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
the atom between us is a thoughtful, emotionally heavy piece of speculative fiction that prioritizes atmosphere, voice, and theme over fast-paced plotting. the story unfolds in layers, relying on sensory detail and internal discovery to move the narrative forward rather than constant external twists.
story line
• strength: the opening drop-in is immediately sensory and disorienting in a controlled way (bunker/lab imagery, geiger counter pulse, “labels aren’t there yet”). it establishes stakes + tone fast without info-dumping.
• progression: the plot feels structured in “reveal layers” rather than plot twists. it’s the kind of story where momentum comes from what the character remembers/realizes and what the environment implies, not from constant external events.
• critical note: because the narrative leans atmospheric and introspective, the middle can risk feeling same-note if revelations aren’t spaced with enough variation (either in setting, conflict type, or the kind of question being answered). when it works, it’s gripping; when it lingers too long in one emotional register, pacing can soften.
character progression
• strength: the protagonist voice reads hyper-observant, trained, and self-contained, which fits the “body remembers” concept really well. there’s a clear sense of competence underneath the fog.
• arc texture: the character growth is less “i become a new person” and more i reclaim/choose what i am, which suits the story’s themes. the physicality (pain cataloguing, calibration, instinct) is a smart way of showing identity returning.
• critical note: when the internal voice is very polished and metaphor-forward, it can sometimes create a slight distance from raw vulnerability. sprinkling a few moments of unfiltered thought (short, blunt sentences) can make the emotional hits land even harder.
themes
• memory vs identity: the book clearly argues that identity is not just recollection, it’s instinct, habit, bodily response, moral reflex. that’s a strong thematic backbone and the writing supports it.
• control/surveillance: the “authority” presence + intimidation-as-ritual gives a sharp theme of power: control through fear, systems, and forced roles.
• love as tether: the later excerpts lean into devotion and grief as a kind of anchor (“i’m still here”), which makes the romance/emotional bond feel like more than a subplot, it’s part of the book’s philosophy.
• critical note: these themes are heavy, and the book is at its best when it lets them emerge through scene action rather than overt reflection. the excerpts mostly do this well; continuing that balance is key.
dialogue
• strength: dialogue has bite and subtext (“if you were going to crack…” / “i want to know what you’re hiding.”). it reads like two people fencing for control, not exchanging information.
• character voice: the protagonist’s dialogue feels consistent with the narration. controlled, sharp, occasionally darkly funny.
• critical note: sometimes the dialogue leans very “quoteable” (which can be great), but the risk is that it can feel slightly constructed if too many lines carry thematic weight. mixing in more mundane, grounding exchanges (even briefly) can make the big lines hit harder.
overall takeaway:
this reads like emotionally-driven speculative fiction with a strong voice and a theme-first spine: identity as bodily memory, power as structure, love as insistence. the writing style is one of its biggest assets; the main craft risk is pacing/variety in the middle and making sure the emotional intensity has peaks/valleys so it doesn’t blur into one continuous ache.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2025
✨ARC review✨
“The world out here is a boneyard, every step is a calculation in risk and every breath is an audition for what counts as oxygen.”
✨ Amnesia & fractured identity
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Slow burn & tension
✨ Post-apocalyptic / dystopian
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Touch her and die
I don’t usually gravitate toward dystopian stories, but this one surprised me.
Diana wakes with no memory of who she is in a world ruled by the Authority, where survival in the Zone is brutal and every decision feels loaded. The setting is dark, immersive, and oppressive in a way that really works, especially as hints of resistance through the Sanctuary Network begin to surface.
“Cheekbones that could slice you open, a jaw with enough tension to warp steel and eyes that could sit somewhere between ‘calculating’ and ‘dead’, the kind that make your skin forget how to breathe.”
Captain Lance Kang is cold, controlled, and unreadable, and their dynamic lives in that delicious grey space between enemies, reluctant allies, and something far more dangerous. The slow burn builds steadily through forced proximity, simmering distrust, and moments of connection that feel risky in a world like this.
“Remind me never to underestimate you again.”
The story balances dark tension with themes of defiance, survival, and human connection. The plot twist genuinely caught me off guard and added a layer of depth I wasn’t expecting.
“And for the first time in a long time, I wonder if I’m not just surviving but living. But I know, with the certainty of a chemical reaction, that I’ll be seeing Captain Kang again.”
Thank you to Natasha Wingfield and Whimsy Words PR for the ARC, I appreciated the opportunity to read and review this early 🫶🏻
“The world out here is a boneyard, every step is a calculation in risk and every breath is an audition for what counts as oxygen.”
✨ Amnesia & fractured identity
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Slow burn & tension
✨ Post-apocalyptic / dystopian
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Touch her and die
I don’t usually gravitate toward dystopian stories, but this one surprised me.
Diana wakes with no memory of who she is in a world ruled by the Authority, where survival in the Zone is brutal and every decision feels loaded. The setting is dark, immersive, and oppressive in a way that really works, especially as hints of resistance through the Sanctuary Network begin to surface.
“Cheekbones that could slice you open, a jaw with enough tension to warp steel and eyes that could sit somewhere between ‘calculating’ and ‘dead’, the kind that make your skin forget how to breathe.”
Captain Lance Kang is cold, controlled, and unreadable, and their dynamic lives in that delicious grey space between enemies, reluctant allies, and something far more dangerous. The slow burn builds steadily through forced proximity, simmering distrust, and moments of connection that feel risky in a world like this.
“Remind me never to underestimate you again.”
The story balances dark tension with themes of defiance, survival, and human connection. The plot twist genuinely caught me off guard and added a layer of depth I wasn’t expecting.
“And for the first time in a long time, I wonder if I’m not just surviving but living. But I know, with the certainty of a chemical reaction, that I’ll be seeing Captain Kang again.”
Thank you to Natasha Wingfield and Whimsy Words PR for the ARC, I appreciated the opportunity to read and review this early 🫶🏻
Review of advance copy received from Author
Author review—
This is a slightly dark, slow-burn dystopian romance set in a post-apocalyptic world shaped by nuclear fallout, strange science, and hard choices. It follows a strong, intelligent female lead navigating survival and unanswered questions, alongside a morally questionable male lead who keeps readers guessing.
The focus is very much on atmosphere and tension—mutated landscapes, abandoned places, and a world that feels both dangerous and deeply wrong. The romance builds slowly and emotionally, and the mystery unfolds layer by layer without rushing the payoff.
If you enjoy dystopian romance, morally complex characters, and stories that leans dark, moody, and immersive, I hope The Atom Between Us finds its way onto your TBR.
Also when the spice eventually hits…it hits hard 🔥
And thank you to anyone who picks this up and gives it a chance. Whether you loved it, hated it, or landed somewhere in between, I’m genuinely grateful you spent your time with this story.
This is a slightly dark, slow-burn dystopian romance set in a post-apocalyptic world shaped by nuclear fallout, strange science, and hard choices. It follows a strong, intelligent female lead navigating survival and unanswered questions, alongside a morally questionable male lead who keeps readers guessing.
The focus is very much on atmosphere and tension—mutated landscapes, abandoned places, and a world that feels both dangerous and deeply wrong. The romance builds slowly and emotionally, and the mystery unfolds layer by layer without rushing the payoff.
If you enjoy dystopian romance, morally complex characters, and stories that leans dark, moody, and immersive, I hope The Atom Between Us finds its way onto your TBR.
Also when the spice eventually hits…it hits hard 🔥
And thank you to anyone who picks this up and gives it a chance. Whether you loved it, hated it, or landed somewhere in between, I’m genuinely grateful you spent your time with this story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed the worldbuilding through the FMCs pov. The story develops through her interactions and her memories unlock throughout. It made for some interesting plot progression.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews