The Atom Between Us

by Natasha Wingfield

I 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.

Genres: Dystopia

532 pages, Paperback

Published January 2, 2026

About the author

Natasha 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.

Reviews

[Nicole Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

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! 🥰🫶

[Ja’Laya Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this ARC of The Atom Between Us by Natasha Wingfield. The story pulls you into a bleak, post-apocalyptic world from the very first page and never lets go. Diana’s amnesia is handled beautifully, making the mystery of her identity feel urgent and emotional rather than confusing. I was especially drawn to the slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers tension between her and Captain Lance Kang—every interaction felt charged with unspoken history, restraint, and danger. The psychological depth, fractured memories, and high emotional stakes kept me fully invested, and I loved how the story explores identity, control, and choice in a world determined to erase her. This book taught me that even when your past is stripped away, your strength and instincts remain. A gripping, emotional ARC that stayed with me long after I finished. Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Tash Holmes || tomesandtash]

Thanks to Whimsy Words PR and the author, Natasha Wingfield, for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

The Atom Between Us marketed itself as a post nuclear apocalypse, dystopian, dark romance however after reading 30% of this book over 5 days, it sadly lacked the substance and coherency needed to achieve what it promised.

The writing style is slow and meandering and, while I was expecting a slow burn, I was not expecting to be struggling to stay focussed on the 5% I read every day. Diana wasn’t interesting enough to follow. She remembers nothing about her life but I wasn’t left wanting to know more about her because she retains all the skills and know how relevant at whatever situation she is in.

The worldbuilding was inconsistent and confusing. The author tried to paint a picture of the landscape and the technology but none of it made sense to me and I found it really hard to follow the story because I was confused most of the time.

I didn’t really understand the point of the story. I didn’t feel like there was a goal or something the characters were working towards. It was just one thing after another with no real reason. Maybe if I kept reading it would have all come together but by the 30% mark, it should have been clear where the story was heading.

I found the other characters bland and lacking in personality. Every one Diana comes across just seems to instantly trust her and be willing to follow her into her dangerous side quests for no reason, which was particularly distracting given the setting is a post-apocalyptic world controlled by an evil government and overrun by raiders.

I think this book makes a lot of sense in the author’s head but could do with more workshopping to make it understandable and enjoyable for a general audience.

[Steffs.Chapter · Rating 5 out of 5]

"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.

[Reading with Shaan ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review – The Atom Between Us by Natasha Wingfield

I absolutely loved The Atom Between Us by Natasha Wingfield. I’ve always been drawn to dystopian stories, and this one did not disappoint. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the story follows Diana, a girl whose memory has been wiped. From the very beginning, there’s a compelling mystery surrounding her identity, and we get to experience the journey alongside her as she uncovers who she really is.

The slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Diana and Captain Lance Kang was both intriguing and captivating. There’s a constant pull between them—almost like an invisible tether—that keeps drawing them together, even when they resist it. Their relationship added so much emotional depth to the story.

I especially loved how complex the narrative was in its exploration of identity, control, and choice. Diana’s strength shines throughout the book as she trusts her instincts and pushes back against the forces trying to define her. Her character arc was empowering and deeply emotional.

Overall, this was a truly enjoyable and moving read, and one that stayed with me long after I finished. I highly recommend it to fans of dystopian fiction and slow-burn romance.

[made_for_reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so addictive! I couldn’t stop thinking about it and I was consistently thinking ‘what’s next’ or ‘don’t die’. What a read!
This one’s a dystopian stem read about a female scientist who wakes up with a lost memory in a lab on her own and somehow knows what to do but doesn’t know why. Before you know it there’s a stranger helping her stay alive from all the mutations and authorities that are hunting her down. Teaching her the necessary survival skills to keep going and stay alive, even if it means barely surviving.
She finds herself in an outpost trying to stay alive and this is where she meets Kang, an authoritarian captain that screams ‘perfect soldier’ but the second he sees Diana- there’s a shift and things are never the same again. The slow burn between these two isn’t like your normal slow burn read either.
It’s brutal, it’s relentless, it’s resilient and it’s a fight against impossible odds and I was here for all of it!

[Addy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Atom Between Us by Natasha Wingfield was my first read of 2026, and I could be more grateful for that! It was the absolute best start to my year. Thank you for the ARC! 💜 The novel is a dual POV, dystopian, yearning, slow-burn romance that makes the wait fully worth it! I cannot fully express how much I enjoyed this book. 5 stars!

Both MCs, Diana and Lance, were so well-done! They each had a depth to them that you can't help but to adore. Their love for one another is beautiful, transcending multiple lifetimes as they always find their way back to one another. While reading, I was in a permanent state of "Oh my God, what is happening?" I laughed, yelled at the book, sat in utter shock, and even cried! The last 10% or so of the book was BRUTAL yall! It was so good that by the end, I was left with one of those headaches you get after devouring a phenomenal book.

[Paige Ottaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 ⭐️

[Lauren Brodie]

This was the first time I’ve tried a dystopian novel and I think the issue is it is just not for me.

I really struggled to get behind the characters and find a connection to them. I stopped reading at 66% and while I will say if you are into this genre of book I think it would be a good 4 star read it just sadly wasn’t for me.

[Tammy-Rose Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[a r u s h i · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (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.

[MJ | fortheloveofbooks01 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and all opinions are honest and my own.

Reading this book was a wild ride in the best of ways! The Atom Between Us is packed full of action that keeps you on your toes from the first page. The concept of a world broken and remade by science combined with a dark, eerie, "death is around every corner" vibe felt like a love child birthed from The 100 and The Walking Dead - a combination I absolutely loved.

Diana starts her journey with no memory, wading into "The Zone" with nothing more than her name and an inkling that she's important to The Authority. She is fierce, strong - both in body and mind - and downright badass. The way she still functions with so much self-assurance and intrinsic scientific knowledge after having her memories wiped is both enticing and thought provoking, and I found myself instantly interested in her. “…the hands remember what the brain can’t…”

However, the real gem of this book is the unexpectedly epic romance that I didn't see coming. The romance between Diana and the MMC is slow, subtle, with a quiet presence that underlies every step of Diana's journey, but is initially overshadowed by the plot heavy dystopian world she is navigating. By the end of the book, the depth of this romance both completely shattered me and put me back together. I don't have the right words to describe how utterly beautiful I find the way that the love between these characters was woven throughout this book to create a love story that not only withstands the test of time, but quite literally burns the whole world down to be made anew.

"I will always find you, Dee. Even if the world burns. I will always choose you. I will always love you."

For those of you who love dystopian romance novels, this is definitely one you won't want to miss. The writing is beautiful, captivating and Diana's story - both as a woman and simply a human being - is one that will stay with you.

[Janet Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amazingly Brutal, Beautiful and Unforgettable Story

This was such a beautiful story. Brutal, but beautiful. It hit hard and it’s one of those books I know is going to linger long after I’ve moved on to other books. I want to go back and read it again, maybe multiple times.

This book is techie, mathy, sciency, geeky, and I loved all of it. Natasha Wingfield weaves in little clues throughout and I found such joy in deciphering them, but then she hit me with all the details and the depth and, while I was right in my assumptions, I had only scratched the surface.

I couldn’t put this book down. The tension and the mystery grab you from the first pages and the pacing is superb and relentless as Diana uncovers more of her memories and has to navigate this treacherous post-apocalyptic world and the oppressive Authority regime that can’t seem to make up its mind if it wants to control her or kill her. But survival isn’t the hardest part—trust is.

Diana is thrown into one unsurvivable situation after another and she adapts and shows such resilience, and the one constant in her world is Lance Kang. Like an atom between them, they constantly find themselves in each other’s orbits. Even without memories, there is a strong magnetic pull between them.

The plot is solid, but where this book truly shines is in all the characters. They just feel so real. Diana and Lance are top tier main characters. They are complex with depth, and they share a connection we wish we all could have. The side characters are rich and deep and leave lasting impressions. The writing is efficient and every character has a purpose and I found myself cheering for all of them. Well, not the main antagonist. He was loathsome.

This book is simply amazing and I highly recommend it, but make sure you have a box of tissues handy because you’re going to need it when you hit the end game. But read it! It’s worth it!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Whimsy Words PR for providing with me an arc for this story!!!!

3.5 ⭐️

This was a book of resilience, strength and love through a time of war and the worlds deterioration. Wingfields writing was absolutely phenomenal throughout this entire story!! I was dragged in from page one and taken on an amazing journey throughout this book. We follow Diana who awakes in a lab having lost her memory but seemingly having a large part in the way the word had changed. I really enjoyed the dystopian aspect of this story, especially the political struggles between the people and the Authority.

Diana was an extremely strong, resilient character which we see through her actions. As the book is in first-person we experience the same memory loss as Diana as we read from her perspective, but her history and subsequent rage at the world she’s living in is shown through her actions throughout the book.

I found that I struggled to connect to the characters in this story. Diana was the focal point of the book and I felt her pain and challenge throughout the story, but the other characters I struggled to for that same connection. This book was very slow burn (which I love) but I felt there wasn’t much dialogue to help me to connect to Kang and Diana’s relationship. I adored the writing style in this book, particularly enjoying the prison arc of the story.

This book was beautifully written and explored resilience and rage in a time of loss and danger, however I struggled to connect to the characters and storyline in places. I would still recommend!!

[Hannah Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Thank you to Words of Whimsy PR for the opportunity to read and review this e-ARC✨

3.5⭐️s rounded up to 4

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Spice:🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
🧪Slow Burn
🧪Enemies to Lovers
🧪Post Apocalyptic World
🧪Prisoner and Soldier
🧪Amnesia
🧪Forgotten Identity
🧪Opposites Attract
🧪FMC who’d rather fight than fall
🧪Soldier who will break all the rules for her
🧪Dark Romance
🧪Morally Gray MMC


As soon as Diana wakes up with no memory I was in. I will say, I was a bit confused as to what was happening in the beginning, like the technology/science, why she suddenly is being trained by a military man, and what her goals were. Wingfield puts you right into the action and us readers are confused just as Diana is. The world building was great to read. The post apocalyptic world had total Fallout vibes and definitely fit the dystopian box perfectly. The politics help to confirm this as a dystopian story. The ruling government is mysterious and as the story evolves, us as readers try to unravel the truth behind them. But this book is not simply a dystopian survival story, it’s a romance. This is definitely a slow burn, as the romance really picks up in the second half. But it’s worth the wait! Kang’s dangerous, but protective. The tension between the two is absolutely delicious! The pacing was really good and there weren’t many dull moments. My only complaints were that there was some confusion as to what Diana’s goals were and the science behind it. There were a couple plot holes that didn’t make complete sense and took me out of the story. But, I was able to keep reading and still enjoyed myself.

[Chasity Trimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the second that I’ve read by this author and it immediately drew me in with Diana’s memory loss, which added a layer of mystery and tension right from the first chapter. Wingfield’s writing is astounding and she created a fascinating post-apocalyptic setting for this story and her world-building is awe-inspiring.

Diana is a strong, fiery and compelling heroine. Her intelligence, resilience, and gradual rediscovery of herself make her relatable and engaging. I liked her character from the get-go. Captain Lance Kang, on the other hand, I wasn’t sure how much at liked him in the beginning. He was ruthless, cold and not one to be reckoned with.

The setting is dark and immersive and the writing is so well done that the emotions, anger, loss and tension are felt throughout the story. The battles in this one? Epic! The romance? SUCH a good slow burn, which I loved! The enemies-to-lovers tension is strong and the gradual shift from mistrust to connection felt natural and earned.

I will say, it took me a little bit to get into the story however that usually happens for me when the author is building such a fascinating world view and immersive atmosphere for the readers. There were also a few predictable plot points but that didn’t diminish how much I thoroughly enjoyed the story. So if you like dystopian romances with tension and a unique twist, then you will enjoy this one and I’d absolutely recommend picking it up.
4.5/5

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super action-packed post-apocalyptic/dystopian read and whilst I did find some parts confusing, it kept me hooked right to the end. Diana wakes up in a lab missing large amounts of her memories so we get to learn a lot along with her as she starts to remember, and try to figure out what on earth is going on. It soon becomes clear that she’s a genius scientist and also kind of a badass, and the corrupt government wants her kept firmly under their control. Without her memories she’s not even sure what her role is in any of this, although she suspects it’s nothing good, and there’s a nice mystery element of trying to figure it out. The romance is great - slow burn, lots of tension and satisfying overall. Diana and Kang were both well written, however I did feel that most of the other characters were unmemorable. The world-building is very well done, I can tell that so much love went into creating this world with so much detail and so much going on, even if a lot of the science-y terms went totally over my head. I feel like I’m going to keep thinking about this one for a while. I’ll be on the lookout for more from this author.


Thanks to Whimsy Words PR for providing me with an ARC.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐
2 🌶️
“I woke up with nothing. No name. No past. No memories.”

That line alone sets the tone for The Atom Between Us, set in a post-apocalyptic world called The Zone—where radiation lingers, people live under the control of The Authority, and nothing is as it seems.

Our FMC wakes up with no memories, a body full of scars, and a burning instinct to finish a mission she can’t remember starting. Everyone treats her like a weapon, but no one will tell her why. Especially not Captain Lance Kang—cold, controlled, dangerous, and clearly hiding something. Their connection is tense, emotional, and filled with that delicious enemies-to-lovers energy.

I really enjoyed the characters; they were strong and emotionally layered and I enjoyed how their lives were slowly woven together. The psychological tension was intense—I genuinely felt anxious imagining myself in her position. (Personally? I don’t think I would’ve survive. 😅) The world felt dangerous, unpredictable, and heavy with stakes. The beginning was a little slow for me and I was confused with some of the tech-heavy jargon.

If you’re looking for a romance-forward story, this might not be your jam, but if you love post-apocalyptic worlds, with romantic tension woven in, this is definitely worth checking out!

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dove into this believing I was getting a post-apocalyptic slow-burn romance, but oh my god it was so much more than that. Diana truly embodies the human spirit and just how much we can endure - waking up with no memories in a wasteland under an oppressive force named The Authority. All she knows is that she has a mission she must complete, and no idea why. Lance Kang stands in her way, an Authority Captain who looks at her with too much familiarity in his gaze- torn between trusting him and unlocking the secrets inside her own mind, Diana journeys through the wasteland to complete her objective.

This book is definitely a slow burn, and the amnesia added a raw feel to the story as the reader is enlightened alongside Diana, with the story reaching a dramatic and intense climax as mysteries become uncovered and truths are revealed. Natasha’s writing style made this for such a visceral read, with high emotional stakes and low psychological depths being explored. This is definitely one of those books that stay with you after reading, and blew all my expectations away!

Thank you so much to Natasha and Whimsy Words PR for the eARC and this is my honest review✨

[Beka · Rating 2 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨
📖 The Atom Between Us — Natasha Wingfield
⭐️⭐️ / 5

This one had a lot of elements I wanted to love. The atmosphere and world-building were incredibly vivid — the descriptions of places, emotions, and the desolate setting were detailed and immersive, and you could really feel the weight of the world the characters were living in.

I did personally struggle with the overall flow and clarity of the story, and found it hard at times to fully grasp where the plot was heading, which made it a challenging read for me. That said, I can absolutely see how readers who enjoy slower, mood-driven dystopian romances with a strong focus on setting and internal experience might connect with this one more than I did.

🖤 Tropes & Themes:
• Amnesia / forgotten past
• Dystopian, post-apocalyptic world
• Slow burn romance
• Dark romance vibes
• Reclaiming identity & survival

As always, this is just my personal reading experience — and I’m really grateful to have had the opportunity to read and support an indie author 🖤
Thank you for the ARC ✨

[Crystal Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book like no other I have read. This year my goal was to read different genres and this dystopian sci-fi romance was the perfect start. When I tell you the author gives such good details and descriptions, I mean you feel like you are in the journey with the characters.

Diana wakes up with no memory, but her body and mind remember her scientist ways. She is strong, fierce, determined, and brilliant. She is one tough FMC that is determined to find answers. At first she has an enemy, Captain Kang. He is cold, dangerous, and calculated. But there is so much more to him. Buuuut what I didn’t expect, the love story that begins between Diana and Kang. I did not see that coming, but I was rooting for them. With Diana we start to see another side of Kang, where he isn’t so cold and calculated.

I will say the very beginning was slow for me, I was not sure if it was for me with all the techy words and vocabulary. But I am so glad that I pushed through because the story is so deep and well crafted. It’s full of high tension, danger, deep emotions, and secrets.

[Sara Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't even know what to say about this book!

Post-apocalyptic dystopian setting, immensely dark and an incredible slow burn!

It was beautifully written and unbelievably unique. I've never really read a book that was as descriptive as this one, but ohhh my... I'm so glad I got to read it! You peel back so many different layers of the story and i just couldn't get enough!

The connection between the FMC Diana and the MMC Kang was all about love & survival and the way their story progressed had been hooked! I felt every bit of emotion throughout their journey!

I also loved that it was your standard dystopian romance, but it ended up being a traumatic and gut wrenching story! Worth every minute of reading!

Thank you so much to the Author and Whimsey Words PR for my arc.

4.5 stars from me!! 🖤🖤

[Zara Dal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about setting the reading bar high for 2026. My first 5⭐ read of the year!

The Atom Between Us is a masterclass in immersive, description-rich dystopian fiction. The world building is outstanding, with haunting locations, remnants of old and new worlds colliding and genuinely unsettling creatures that feel terrifyingly real.

The story explores both the very best and very worst of humanity with morally grey characters and a corrupt regime, all while delivering gripping characters — a stellar FMC in Diana, a compelling MMC in Captain Lance Kang, and richly written side characters throughout.

Add in survival against the odds, found family, and a beautifully woven slow burn romance and this book completely consumed me. I was rooting, crying, and left wondering how to return to normal life after finishing it.

Absolutely incredible.

[Romantasy Bookbird · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dystopian novel had me gripped from the beginning until the very end. The adrenaline rush and anxiety this book gives is no joke and I loved every minute of it. In a world where you can’t trust anyone, not even your own mind!
Diana wakes with amnesia but has this urge to complete some unknown task and is hunted by the authority. She meets Captain Lance Kang, a hot, restrained and protective man who is instantly pulled into her orbit. They become allies and through forced proximity, lovers that would do anything for each other.

This book is alluringly descriptive with side characters that add to the mystery and feels. The plot is so fast paced that you have no way of guessing what’ll happen next and the twists and turns you take is impressive.
This was out of my usual go to genre but one I wouldn’t hesitate to read again.

[Sapphyre Haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You asked me once why I burned my life away for you,” he says, voice ragged and raw. “The truth is, I would burn the whole fucking world twice over for you, Dee.”

This is a highly emotionally charged dystopian romance.
I did not expect the first book I finished this year to hit me in the feels so hard!
Diana's amnesia is written so well, things are revealed to the reader at the same time as it is to Diana.
Lance Kang, well damn. Strong, stoic and embodiment of "touch her and 💀".
The worldbuilding was done really well. Diana is a believable scientist and the science in the book is a bit of a lifeline to Diana when she can't remember who she is or her history.

“I can’t do this,” I whisper. “I can’t keep surviving and pretending it means anything. I need to remember who I am, or I’m going to fucking break.”

[Emma Tea Cakes and Book Dates · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE ATOM BETWEEN US is pure post-apocalyptic Dystopia

Diana wakes in an underground science lab with no memories- only a fierce will to survive! As fragments of her past return, her badass indistinct begin to shine through and have others questioning who she truly is!
Enter Captain Kang: a rule- breaking soldier drawn to Diana by dangerous, undeniable chemistry. With brutal fight scenes, a terrifying antagonist, and non stop tension, this immersive, gripping read pulls you straight into its dark world and doesn't let go!

Promises to be a really gripping read, full of suspense, tension and intrigue. Not to mention a fierce FMC who will go to any length to fight than fall for a corrupt regime.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Whimsy Words PR and Natasha Wingfield for the eARC of The Atom Between Us. I wasn’t paid to read and review this book and any thoughts or opinions expressed are my own.

I enjoyed this book enough because it drops you straight into the story, we follow our FMC Diana, she has woken up with no memories of who she is or what she does and we have to figure it out along the way with her. I like when books do this as it does help you get to know the characters better, however, the pacing was slow. I love a good slow-burn, this was painfully slow at times.

Overall, I’ve rated this book 4 stars, based on my enjoyment of the plot. 1 star was taken off due to the slowness and the ending, which was very abrupt.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for Advanced Reader Copy:

Diana was an incredible character. Her rage, passion, dedication, and determination shone through all of her decisions. I truly appreciated the depth of this character; it was Diana and the need to know her whole story that made me finish this novel. The spice was tastefully sprinkled in and did not diminish from the well-formed storyline.

I didn't connect with the story as much as I would have liked due to the detailed and scientific way of writing. It felt longer than needed, but that is just my perspective. If you like science fiction / dystopian worlds with strong characters, this is for you!

3.5 ⭐️
3 🌶

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨A story of defiance, connection and humanity that survives even after the world ends✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Natasha had me hooked from the first chapter - ughh the tension and mystery! The Atom Between Us is the epitome of slow burn dystopian sci-fi romance, enemies to lovers, forbidden love, government conspiracy and amnesia fuel mysteries that will have you flipping page after page to find out what happens.

Diana and Kang are such raw complex characters, filled with emotional depths, and an undeniable connection that could set the world ablaze.

 A perfect read for fans of Shatter Me, The Last of Us, and The 100.

[Leanne (Queen_and_the_wolf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dystopian novel gets 4.5⭐️ from me.

I really enjoyed reading this. A dystopian book always has me asking "what if?" to everything.

The main characters are complex with multiple layers that need finding as you progress through the book. The slow burn romance is exquisite. The yearning is 🤌🏼

Certain potential trigger points have been handled exceptionally well by the author.

The world or what's left of it has been created with some intensely creative writing. I was easily immersed in this novel.

I definitely recommend adding this to your TBR if your a fan of
Dystopian, slow burn romance, bad ass FMC and MMC