The Purge: Wicked Truths a novella

by Xochitl Garcia Guillen

A purge reimagining novella with a thriller romance twist.
Camila and Em must unite to survive. But one dark revelation tears them apart. As the night closes in, love lies, and survival collides. Who will make it out when trust dies?

191 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2025

About the author

Xochitl Garcia Guillen is a romance author who loves spending time with her family when not ignoring the world to write. She lives in Chicago with her husband, two kids, and their lab-mix, Daisy. Xochitl enjoys exploring new restaurants, being outdoors, and freezing in hockey rinks.

Reviews

[Keishia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me and Novellas man!! There is such a love/hate relationship that I have with them because I always want More! But...I digress.

Camilla and Em are living in a time where the government has allowed the Purge to be an annual event.
Camilla is a mysterious hard ass who usually goes into a bunker with her honaray grandfather, but this year, she is staying out to deploy some revenge.
Em has always been obsessed with the quiet hot as hell neighbor and tonight, he needs her help, even if she doesn't know it. He and a band of crazy misfits need Camillas help to free their loved ones from the BERU.
Em corners Camille and she decides to help, but has no idea what her role will really be....
Until shit hits the fan.

Whew! This baby was a quick read that packed a punch! Violence, carnival mayhem, masks, machetes, music, twins, heat, and carnage. It gave all I wanted without too much fluff and just enough of a burn to keep us on the edge of our seat. The ending was very well done and wrapped up in a nice bow with no loose ends. Xochitl, you did it again boo! Book 4 Well DONE!

[Addy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Purge: Wicked Truths by XG Guillen is a thrilling, dystopian romance told from the dual narrative perspectives of Camila and Em. Thank you for allowing me to ARC read!

Personally, it just wasn't for me. That's totally okay though! I feel like the story was good in premise, but didn't quite live up to what I had hoped. For a while, it felt a bit all over the place, and I was so lost. However, I will say that I do fully agree with the main point behind the story. What goes on, and has only been getting worse lately, is something that I don't support or stand for. I love that the author used their story to subtly get the message out there because it's definitely important!

REMINDER!!!

Just because I wasn't a fan, doesn't mean that you won't be! It's all personal preference, and I highly recommend checking it out and making your own decisions!<3

And, as always, check the TWs besties!

[Maritza Palacios · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC opportunity!

The inspiration behind this novella was one that hit close to home. Although my immigrant parents have gone thru the naturalization process , with how things are going rn no one is safe (I carry my passport and I was born here😭🤣) I loved how this had that " free game chaos" for one night theme, and the main goal was to get to the BERU! Cause F*CK them! The representation was so spot on and I loved it! But actually thinking about a Purge night in our current society would be Hella scary, but in a fictional world yeh id 1000% take advantage if that opportunity! Ok now to the romance, the FMC and the MMC from the beginning she had to be a menace cause girl, just let him in! Lol
😭 the roommate scene was a punch in the heart but im glad it had a happy ending eventually
Also loved that she had a bunny 😅

[Kristal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thank you to Xochitl and her ARC team for giving me the opportunity to read before it's officially out!

The novella starts hours before the Purge, a story and concept very familiar if you've seen even one movie. It was very seamless to be dropped back into the world and I love the uniqueness Xochitl came up with for her spin on a story set in such an intense world. I wanted to keep reading to know what happens with our two main characters, Camila and Emmanuel.

Camila is a strong, tough FMC that takes no shit and has a mission from the jump. Emmanuel is hooked on Camila since the moment he saw her. I felt the yearning from Emmanuel, wanting to know Camila is safe during a scary night where anything could happen to her, and loved every second of it. Who doesn't want a big, strong man to look out for you and show he cares?

It was a novella so the relationship did have to develop pretty quickly and in one night, however despite those limitations, there still was enough tension and enemies to lovers to get a nice burn before the heat really begins! The spice was spicyyyy and I was wanting them to hurry up and get it together already! 😂

On a serious note, the story is set in a heavy world and I would check any trigger warnings before going into it. It also adds an element of anti-immigration that we sadly see in our world today. I think Xochitl seamlessly created a story that was realistic to the world where the Purge exists and sadly relatable to what exists in our world today. For someone who wants to see this type of story but see a "fight the system" ending to feel a little hope and escapism through our country today, this is definitely for you.

I'm so excited to read more from this author and give 4 stars for the plot, characters, and writing! I wish it were a longer novel so I can get more juicy details and follow Camila and Em's story, but it was a great story and easy read! ❤️

[Willie Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

🚨 THE PURGE 🚨 Short. Dystopian. Thriller. Romance. Novella. Yes, it’s doing the absolute MOST—and I loved every second.

This reimagined take on The Purge had me hooked from page one and did not let go. Today marks the fifteenth anniversary of the Celebratory Purge: twelve hours of sanctioned chaos, violence without consequences, and survival as the only rule.

For Camilla, life has always been about preparation—training, planning, and learning how to sleep beneath the terror. But not tonight.
Tonight? She’s done surviving. She’s hunting revenge.

Emanuel has his own mission: a dangerous rescue tied to the BERU facility —and he needs Camilla’s help to pull it off. Secrets collide, trust is tested, and making it through the night may be harder than the purge itself.

High stakes. Relentless tension. A dash of romance in the middle of the carnage.
Read if you like your love stories sharp, dark, and running for their lives. 🔥🩸

Things to know

Enemies to lovers, latine rep, forbidden love, morally grey hero, “love as rebellion”, system vs soul, dystopian night of chaos, fight the system, fiery fmc, chicago setting, puerto rican fmc x mexican mmc, horror elements, thriller/action, sexual/explicit content, there are some mentions of political issues that pertain to immigration but mostly it’s about love.

[Lira · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a big fan of The Purge movies, I obviously had to read this novella and I’m really glad I did. The Purge: Wicked Truths completely surprised me in a good way and felt like a fresh take on a world I already love.

The story follows Camila and Emanuel during a terrifying Purge night, where they have no choice but to work together to survive. The tension is there from the start, and the chaos and madness we know from the movies are very present. If you enjoy the intense, crazy moments that define The Purge, you’ll definitely find them here.
I especially enjoyed the romance. It was well placed and didn’t feel forced at all, it actually added more emotion to the story. Emanuel quickly became one of my favorite characters, and Camila was amazing. Her constant grumpiness made her feel very real and honestly made me laugh a few times. Their dynamic was one of the highlights of the novella.

Overall, this was a fast, engaging read that mixes action, survival, and romance really well. It explores trust, love, and hard choices in a world where everything can fall apart in one night. I’d definitely recommend this novella to fans of The Purge and to anyone looking for a quick, intense read with a romantic twist!

𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝑰 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒕.

[Jasmine Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great read! It was spicy and bloody a good mix between action/ thriller and romance. Definitely fast paced but not necessarily in a bad way it is a novella Reimagining of the Purge (unique concept that I loved) which follows Camilla and Em on a rescue mission with a small group of others. I do wish there was a little more purge explanation and the romance aspect was spread out a bit differently becuase even though they had great chemistry it felt like it was steady then rushed towards the end. I would definitely love to see this turned into a series following other couples and given more info on the Purge. I will also note that this book did a great job of blending fiction into an important message of the state of our world right now which I felt was a nice and important touch! Overall this was a great read, I definitely recommend and I can't wait to see what's next for this author!

[Simply alenaaaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will forever be ENGRAVED in my heart. So much of this story hits so very close to home in more ways then one. I always think it's such a beautiful thing when a work of fiction can be so real, but for me and I'm sure for many others this book dealt with very much REAL struggles, losses, and a fight that is fought everyday.

Em and Camila are too cute whenever they tease or bicker with each other. Sometimes the tension would have me bitching at them just to kiss each other already 🤣 but beyond all the heat and tension the genuine care for each other between the two stole my heart!

Camila isn't someone to open up easily but Em was able to find his way in and give her the love she deserved so damn much.

I loved these two and this story so much and it'll be one that sticks with me.

[Leta Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

She’s bloody and she’s smutty….

This Purge retelling touches on the immigration bureaucracy that’s been going on, in America, this year.

With a side of slaughter.

One night, for 12 hours, mayhem ensues. There’s only one group you can’t touch, the gov. Convenient right?

Set in Chicago, Emanuel and Camila are complete opposites. She’s the grump. He’s the golden retriever. Fighting for her friend, Camila has her eyes set on one prize during The Purge. That is until Emanuel steps in.

I loved this book. It really gives you an insight on what evil truly takes place. While also being able to get revenge. Em and Camila’s banter was very entertaining. Once she finally gives in, it’s explosive!

[Nicole Falcon · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I want to give her everything she wants. My tongue, my cock, my heart and as well as my fucking name. This is it. She is the only woman for me."

One night. 12 hours. The Purge. On top of trying to survive the night, Camila and Emanuel are dancing around this attraction and pull they both feel. Em doesn't want to push his friend but he needs her to know how serious he is about her. Camila had one agenda for the night and falling for her annoying neighbor was not it.

Emanuel Flores is already hot, add him speaking spanish and beyond head over heels for Camila?! This novella is going to put you in all the feels. Love, anticipation, sorrow, betrayal, heartbreak and love all over again.

Latina rep, Fight the system, 1st gen Mexican MMC, Puerto Rican FMC, 1st person POV, dual

[Mariah Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw the this was a purge reimagined I had to read. You have no idea how excited to see that Xochitl Gracia Guillen had a book written about it. How she incorporated some of the events that some of us/ families are going through was creative. It’s an amazing love story. They were both overprotective over each other. I loved those parts!! Especially when Emanuel gets all touch her and you dïe. 🫠😍🥵 I also loved how bad ass Camila was. She literally takes no one’s shit and isn’t afraid to show that. Emanuel is my everything!! I love him so much!! And I love this book so much too!! I need to read it again during Halloween next year. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Helene Svendsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was a fun novella, it’s pretty fast paced. i’d wish there was more of the purge though. i felt like the main part was camila&ems relationship.
there was a thing with la llorna, which while i understand it’s a latin folklore (if i am correct here) and i guess that’s why the author added it, it felt so out of place. it didn’t do anything to the story, and it was just weird and felt misplaced for me.

i did like the fact that the story kinda blends in the realities of the horrors of what’s happening with immigrants, because that is very important to talk about.

i like the spanish language in the dialogue, cause it makes it very authentic. the footnotes are there so it’s easy to see the translation to english as well.

overall it was a pretty fun & quick read.

[Jessica G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novella. Camila and Em’s chemistry was off the charts. While everything around them is chaos, they find each other. I liked their banter and when Em spoke to her in Spanish, it pushed them to another level. I enjoyed the supporting cast and there were some twists in the cast that I didn’t see. The plot of the story was heartbreaking, but the all of the banter lightened the mood. I do wish it was longer and the only reason it’s not a higher rating is because I feel the ending was kind of rushed and what happened was glossed over. Still, I would recommend this novella.

[Marylou Menjivar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camila and Em were two souls who needed each other to survive, the crazy times!

She COULDN’T tolerate him at all but she was just putting up a front!

Em was a goner! And through it all he just wanted to protect Camila at all costs!

This book is different because it sorta mirrors what is going on in the world today.

Hope you guys give Camila and Emanuel a chance with this fast paced novella.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to beta and arc read! TQM!

[Kendra Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may be a standalone but I’d love to read more from this universe. One night a year, a purge occurs and all types come out to play. Each with their own agenda and a thirst for blood. Loved this dystopian romance! I absolutely loved the grumpy bunny to touch her & die dynamic between the FMC and MMC. The storyline was engaging and each character added an interesting element to the plot.

[Mala · Rating 4 out of 5]

The purge with a heavy Latin influence and romance thrown in. It’s a very fast paced read, which I enjoyed.
I like that the author included a lot of Spanish, but also added footnotes for non Spanish speaking readers.

[Crista · Rating 3 out of 5]

 I really enjoyed that it was different than most books and the representation was fantastic. It was a little scary how not far off from current reality this book is but the book was great i struggled to put it down. 

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reimagined take on The Purge absolutely hooked me from the first chapter. Emmanuel is 🥵 especially whenever he slips into Spanish. The chemistry and sexual tension between him and his conejita is off the charts.

I also loved how the story weaves in the realities faced by immigrants. It brings awareness in a way that feels natural and impactful without ever taking away from the action or romance. And as someone who loves bilingual books, the mix of English and Spanish made the story feel even more immersive.

Overall, a gripping blend of heat, heart, and high-stakes suspense. I couldn’t put it down.

P.S. its not a Christmas novella but it does have a chapter during Christmas so ima say its Christmas enough like Die Hard 🤣