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Annover Park #2
Not Of My Flesh: A Found Family Post Apocalyptic
The Last of Us meets A Quiet Place & Annhilation in this Found Family Nature Based Post Apocalyptic without Zombies.
After agreeing it’s safer to stick together, Anson takes Quinn & Ava to the one place he swore never to return to. He believes it’s the only safe place left to survive the winter, but when it proves as dangerous as the rest of the world, the unlikely family is out of time. Winter has come, and with it, a whole new host of attacks. Now forced to face an increasingly hostile environment and humans alike, as well as the growing tensions in their own relationships, the trio sets out to find a place they can call home in this apocalypse.
Not Of My Flesh is the second book in the Annover Park Trilogy, a nature-based post apocalyptic. This series is perfect for fans of The Last of Us, Earth Abides, Annihilation, and The Quiet Place series (more so as the series continues). Filled with natural disasters, a sloooooooooow burn age gap romance, and a literally found family, this trilogy will end on minor cliffhangers with unanswered questions until the resolution in book 3.
After agreeing it’s safer to stick together, Anson takes Quinn & Ava to the one place he swore never to return to. He believes it’s the only safe place left to survive the winter, but when it proves as dangerous as the rest of the world, the unlikely family is out of time. Winter has come, and with it, a whole new host of attacks. Now forced to face an increasingly hostile environment and humans alike, as well as the growing tensions in their own relationships, the trio sets out to find a place they can call home in this apocalypse.
Not Of My Flesh is the second book in the Annover Park Trilogy, a nature-based post apocalyptic. This series is perfect for fans of The Last of Us, Earth Abides, Annihilation, and The Quiet Place series (more so as the series continues). Filled with natural disasters, a sloooooooooow burn age gap romance, and a literally found family, this trilogy will end on minor cliffhangers with unanswered questions until the resolution in book 3.
342 pages, Hardcover
Published January 15, 2026
About the author
Nicole Scarano
23 books628 followersNicole Scarano is a Multi Genre Author who writes Romantic Crime Thrillers/Police Procedurals with twists, Fantasy romances, and Sci-Fi romances because we're here for the same vibes/emotions not the same genres. She doesn't like to box herself into one genre, but no matter the book, they all have action, true love, found family, a dog when she can fit it into the plot, swoon-worthy men & absolutely feral females. *She occasionally writes steamy fantasy & sci-fi romances as N.R. Scarano*
In her free time, Nicole is a dog mom to her rescued pitbull, a movie/tv show enthusiast, a film score lover, and sunshine obsessive. She loves to write outside, and she adores pole dancing fitness classes.
In her free time, Nicole is a dog mom to her rescued pitbull, a movie/tv show enthusiast, a film score lover, and sunshine obsessive. She loves to write outside, and she adores pole dancing fitness classes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 23, 2026
4.5⭐️ The slowest burn ever. I mean, slooooow, like 3 years without even a kiss. But Anson and Quinn are finally together. 🙌
This series is well-written, action-packed, and suspenseful. How many times do Anson or Quinn need to almost-die by terrifying plant monsters and a vengeful Mother Nature? The answer is a lot, a lot.
I loved their character development as they build a life together for their baby Ava in an abandoned zoo. I thought it was such a smart take on post-apocalyptic living. Sure there are some small plot holes, as there almost always are in these types of stories. But they’re easy to overlook.
Highly recommend the audio. I’m sad book 3 isn’t out yet.
This series is well-written, action-packed, and suspenseful. How many times do Anson or Quinn need to almost-die by terrifying plant monsters and a vengeful Mother Nature? The answer is a lot, a lot.
I loved their character development as they build a life together for their baby Ava in an abandoned zoo. I thought it was such a smart take on post-apocalyptic living. Sure there are some small plot holes, as there almost always are in these types of stories. But they’re easy to overlook.
Highly recommend the audio. I’m sad book 3 isn’t out yet.
January 22, 2026
After finishing the first in this series (must be read in order), I was so excited to start this story.
I thought the first 40% of this story killed any momentum Quinn and Anson made in the first book. I was frustrated with the constant back and forth. After this point, the story picked up and became more enjoyable. There were a few 'mother nature attacks' but this story primarily focused on their relationship and their new home. We finally get to learn more about Anson and his background. There were several moments with these characters that I absolutely loved. But it was a trial to get there. I wish this story was trimmed down and possibly was a novella. I think the story was a bit tortured with the grief these characters were working through and not enough hope to balance it until the end.
I am invested in this little family and hope that the third book can deliver a strong finale.
I thought the first 40% of this story killed any momentum Quinn and Anson made in the first book. I was frustrated with the constant back and forth. After this point, the story picked up and became more enjoyable. There were a few 'mother nature attacks' but this story primarily focused on their relationship and their new home. We finally get to learn more about Anson and his background. There were several moments with these characters that I absolutely loved. But it was a trial to get there. I wish this story was trimmed down and possibly was a novella. I think the story was a bit tortured with the grief these characters were working through and not enough hope to balance it until the end.
I am invested in this little family and hope that the third book can deliver a strong finale.
July 14, 2026
3.5 stars.
January 23, 2026
This is the second book in the "Annover Park Trilogy", and unfortunately, for me, it didn’t live up to the emotional impact of the first installment.
I went into this book genuinely excited.
I loved book one, the atmosphere, the premise, the quiet intensity of survival mixed with found family.
This sequel had all the right ingredients on paper: a hostile, nature-driven apocalypse, constant danger, a slow-burn romance, and the continuation of characters I already cared about.
But the execution made this one hard to get through.
The biggest issue for me was Quinn, the female lead.
While I understand what the author was aiming for, grief, trauma, youth, survivor’s guilt, her characterization became exhausting rather than emotionally complex.
She spends a large portion of the book complaining, doubting every decision, regretting adopting Ava, then regretting regretting it… over and over again.
At some point, it stops feeling raw and starts feeling repetitive.
Yes, she’s only 21 and has lost her family, but that doesn’t make her particularly enjoyable or easy to connect with as a reader.
She does improve toward the end, but it takes years (literally) and a lot of patience to get there.
Anson, on the other hand, works better as a character.
He’s not warm or easy to like, but he feels solid and believable.
Learning more about his past in this book helps contextualize his behavior and emotional distance. He evolves, but he doesn’t fundamentally change and that feels realistic in a world that has been actively trying to wipe humanity out for five years.
One of the book’s strongest points is the constant action.
There are very few dull or stagnant moments, which helps push the story forward even when the character dynamics feel frustrating.
I also really enjoyed the idea of the trio choosing an abandoned zoo as their potential home, strange, symbolic, and fitting for a world where nature has reclaimed control.
The emotional payoff comes late, but when Quinn and Anson finally acknowledge their feelings and fully embrace being a family, it does work.
It just takes far too long to get there.
Overall, it isn’t a bad book, it just didn’t meet the expectations set by its predecessor.
I finished it feeling more tired than fulfilled, which is disappointing given how much potential this story and this world have.
I truly hope the final book delivers the emotional depth and resolution this trilogy deserves.
I went into this book genuinely excited.
I loved book one, the atmosphere, the premise, the quiet intensity of survival mixed with found family.
This sequel had all the right ingredients on paper: a hostile, nature-driven apocalypse, constant danger, a slow-burn romance, and the continuation of characters I already cared about.
But the execution made this one hard to get through.
The biggest issue for me was Quinn, the female lead.
While I understand what the author was aiming for, grief, trauma, youth, survivor’s guilt, her characterization became exhausting rather than emotionally complex.
She spends a large portion of the book complaining, doubting every decision, regretting adopting Ava, then regretting regretting it… over and over again.
At some point, it stops feeling raw and starts feeling repetitive.
Yes, she’s only 21 and has lost her family, but that doesn’t make her particularly enjoyable or easy to connect with as a reader.
She does improve toward the end, but it takes years (literally) and a lot of patience to get there.
Anson, on the other hand, works better as a character.
He’s not warm or easy to like, but he feels solid and believable.
Learning more about his past in this book helps contextualize his behavior and emotional distance. He evolves, but he doesn’t fundamentally change and that feels realistic in a world that has been actively trying to wipe humanity out for five years.
One of the book’s strongest points is the constant action.
There are very few dull or stagnant moments, which helps push the story forward even when the character dynamics feel frustrating.
I also really enjoyed the idea of the trio choosing an abandoned zoo as their potential home, strange, symbolic, and fitting for a world where nature has reclaimed control.
The emotional payoff comes late, but when Quinn and Anson finally acknowledge their feelings and fully embrace being a family, it does work.
It just takes far too long to get there.
Overall, it isn’t a bad book, it just didn’t meet the expectations set by its predecessor.
I finished it feeling more tired than fulfilled, which is disappointing given how much potential this story and this world have.
I truly hope the final book delivers the emotional depth and resolution this trilogy deserves.
May 9, 2026
“we're living through an apocalypse and raising a child together. it's the end of the world, yet we still found someone worth loving. is there any more married than that?"
★5.00★ જ⁀➴ ♡ 𝟞/𝟝/𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟞 - 𝟠/𝟝/𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟞
i genuinely can't remember the last time i refused to savour a book and finished it in two days because it was quite literally all i could think about when i wasn't immersed in this world. this series has exceeded all of my expectations, which were already so so so high to begin with. the story and worldbuilding is incredible (although i'm biased because i loveee apocalypse settings anyway), the slow-burn and lack of explicit smut between quinn and anson is so beautiful, and ava is just the sweetest little girl ever and witnessing anson as a sappy girl dad is actually so precious. how on earth am i meant to wait until JANUARY for the next book??? nonononono put me right back at annover park NOW please!!
quinn does a hell of a lot of crying, freaking out, and throwing a tantrum in this book, but by the end, she's a changed woman and i just love that about her. she shows so much strength because even though she's been through so much and been forced by anson to adapt to the changing world, she hasn't crumbled like she was always convinced she would - the final page where she offers to kill anyone to keep anson safe is the most perfect character development. she's so confident in herself because anson makes her feel safe enough to see herself as the capable woman she's grown into. and in turn, anson is the same man that he's always been, but so much softer around the edges, empowered with a new outlook on life now that he has his family to look out for. i just love them so much and wish i could literally ingest this book into my soul. it's just perfection!!!!
the way that quinn and anson approach the kind of relationship they have is so refreshing. at first, i wasn't sure i liked the two year time jump in the penultimate chapter, but it made a lot of sense - we've seen the entire progression of their relationship already, because they're not really any different to how they were before except that there's just an openly romantic component to their dynamic that was previously suppressed. we didn't really need to see what happened in those two years after they confessed their love for each other, because we already know the kind of couple that they are. after declaring themselves as being married, they started to remind me so much of maggie and glenn from the walking dead, acknowledging that marriage isn't actually something that needs to be legally bound, but is more about choosing each other every single day and always showing up for the person you love. did i perhaps mention how much i love them? because i do, fyi
i'm rubbing my greasy little hands together in the hopes that quinn and anson have a baby of their own, because i'd give anything to witness the potential of how much more their bond could strengthen with the presence of their own child. and also getting to see ava play with another little human would be the sweetest thing ever, i really can't get enough of how utterly adorable she is!! i can't wait for my fave little family to have the happy ending they so badly deserve, so please please please don't break my heart in the finale nicole scarano!!!
★5.00★ જ⁀➴ ♡ 𝟞/𝟝/𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟞 - 𝟠/𝟝/𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟞
i genuinely can't remember the last time i refused to savour a book and finished it in two days because it was quite literally all i could think about when i wasn't immersed in this world. this series has exceeded all of my expectations, which were already so so so high to begin with. the story and worldbuilding is incredible (although i'm biased because i loveee apocalypse settings anyway), the slow-burn and lack of explicit smut between quinn and anson is so beautiful, and ava is just the sweetest little girl ever and witnessing anson as a sappy girl dad is actually so precious. how on earth am i meant to wait until JANUARY for the next book??? nonononono put me right back at annover park NOW please!!
quinn does a hell of a lot of crying, freaking out, and throwing a tantrum in this book, but by the end, she's a changed woman and i just love that about her. she shows so much strength because even though she's been through so much and been forced by anson to adapt to the changing world, she hasn't crumbled like she was always convinced she would - the final page where she offers to kill anyone to keep anson safe is the most perfect character development. she's so confident in herself because anson makes her feel safe enough to see herself as the capable woman she's grown into. and in turn, anson is the same man that he's always been, but so much softer around the edges, empowered with a new outlook on life now that he has his family to look out for. i just love them so much and wish i could literally ingest this book into my soul. it's just perfection!!!!
the way that quinn and anson approach the kind of relationship they have is so refreshing. at first, i wasn't sure i liked the two year time jump in the penultimate chapter, but it made a lot of sense - we've seen the entire progression of their relationship already, because they're not really any different to how they were before except that there's just an openly romantic component to their dynamic that was previously suppressed. we didn't really need to see what happened in those two years after they confessed their love for each other, because we already know the kind of couple that they are. after declaring themselves as being married, they started to remind me so much of maggie and glenn from the walking dead, acknowledging that marriage isn't actually something that needs to be legally bound, but is more about choosing each other every single day and always showing up for the person you love. did i perhaps mention how much i love them? because i do, fyi
i'm rubbing my greasy little hands together in the hopes that quinn and anson have a baby of their own, because i'd give anything to witness the potential of how much more their bond could strengthen with the presence of their own child. and also getting to see ava play with another little human would be the sweetest thing ever, i really can't get enough of how utterly adorable she is!! i can't wait for my fave little family to have the happy ending they so badly deserve, so please please please don't break my heart in the finale nicole scarano!!!
June 19, 2026
This continues right where we left off and it was equally as compelling as the previous book. The danger and tension are amped up as Anson and Quinn attempt to find a safe haven in this unpredictable, dangerous new reality. Anson is spiralling he never expected to be the girl's permanent protector and the responsibility of all of this combined with some dark and negative thoughts due to his past demons, is affecting his headspace and we get to discover here just what all that entails. Quinn is growing in maturity by the day it's slow progress but by the end of this, I really felt she had turned a corner. It took a while but these two are finally both on the same page and Quinn is willing to make the hard choices she needs to by the end of this.
I liked how human and flawed these two are there struggles with their new reality and each other were not glossed over in any way. We felt all of the despair, loneliness, and self-hatred right alongside them. We also experienced the good stuff as well which offset all of the down times. These two had to work out how to communicate something Anson struggles with immensely due to his mental health and prior baggage and Quinn had to fully grow into herself.
The romance here is a heartfelt one and it is very slow this isn't a fast burn by any means and the romance takes a back seat to everything else here. It's not an explicit one either and I liked how plot-focused this was.
This furthers the timeline spanning quite a while we have time jumps which normally I am not a fan of but this didn't bother me here and it worked. Ava grew up before our eyes and by the time this concludes she is five and Quinn and Anson have some tough choices that will decide the trajectory of their lives going forward. The last book is yet to be released, but this didn't leave you hanging just at a crossroads and I will definitely be reading the last book. I am completely invested now.
I liked how human and flawed these two are there struggles with their new reality and each other were not glossed over in any way. We felt all of the despair, loneliness, and self-hatred right alongside them. We also experienced the good stuff as well which offset all of the down times. These two had to work out how to communicate something Anson struggles with immensely due to his mental health and prior baggage and Quinn had to fully grow into herself.
The romance here is a heartfelt one and it is very slow this isn't a fast burn by any means and the romance takes a back seat to everything else here. It's not an explicit one either and I liked how plot-focused this was.
This furthers the timeline spanning quite a while we have time jumps which normally I am not a fan of but this didn't bother me here and it worked. Ava grew up before our eyes and by the time this concludes she is five and Quinn and Anson have some tough choices that will decide the trajectory of their lives going forward. The last book is yet to be released, but this didn't leave you hanging just at a crossroads and I will definitely be reading the last book. I am completely invested now.
January 25, 2026
he built her a freaking dance studio in the middle of an apocalypse? and killed to protect her and their daughter? and you expect me not to swoon over anson ford 🫠🥵🥰❤️🔥
June 28, 2026
3,5✨
This one was fun! Loved how Quinn and Anson made a home out of the abandoned Zoo and I loved that in this book we finally got some serious apocalypse vibes! Both characters are obviously traumatized and I really liked that we got actual deep conversations this time with both of them growing and fighting their demons. The time jumps were fine too and I am excited to see what happens next!
This one was fun! Loved how Quinn and Anson made a home out of the abandoned Zoo and I loved that in this book we finally got some serious apocalypse vibes! Both characters are obviously traumatized and I really liked that we got actual deep conversations this time with both of them growing and fighting their demons. The time jumps were fine too and I am excited to see what happens next!
February 9, 2026
4.25/5 I’m really enjoying this series and can’t wait for the final in the trilogy! I loved the development of the relationship between Anson and Quinn. I felt like parts were a bit repetitive but not necessarily in a bad way and I wish the time jumps had been a little more fluid. Like having one jump in the final 1-2 chapters of the book felt a little abrupt but overall really loved!
January 26, 2026
First 5⭐️ of the year! (It’s really for the series as a whole though!)
March 14, 2026
SUMMARY:
After agreeing it’s safer to stick together, Anson takes Quinn and Ava to the one place he swore never to return to. He believes it’s the only safe place left to survive the winter, but when it proves as dangerous as the rest of the world, the unlikely family is out of time. Winter has come, and with it, a whole new host of attacks. Now forced to face an increasingly hostile environment and humans alike, as well as the growing tensions in their own relationships, the trio sets out to find a place they can call home in this apocalypse.
REVIEW:
Not of My Flesh is the second book in Nicole Scarano's Annover Park trilogy which picks up right where We Are Not Blood had ended on a cliffhanger. Anson, Quinn and baby Ava are traveling to Anson's father's cabin that is off the grid with no technology that the earth thinks is a threat to itself. But when they get there a group of men have already taken it over with Anson having to kill several in order to get the girls out of there alive. They are able to find a safe haven when Quinn remembers the Annover Zoo that her father took her to as a child when they drive by a sign with the name of the zoo. They find the place overgrown and abandoned with no new technology but is the place that throughout the next five years they make into a home with a garden and several farm animals that help them survive.
When Anson, Quinn and Ava finally found the Annover Zoo that Quinn's father use to take her to visit as a child was an emotionally exciting moment as it gave this found family the possibility of having a safe haven to call home in this post apocalyptic world that is filled with violent people and mother nature. It was a very scary moment when on a run Quinn and three year old Ava fall into the mutated killer vines and terrified Anson does everything he can to save them both which changes the dynamic between Quinn and Anson. When Quinn gets speared in the leg by a mutated vine Anson cuts deeply into her leg to get it out which leads to his journey with Ava to a hospital for medicine that was an emotionally scary and draining moment as he had to kill many savage men in front of Ava to keep them alive to get home.
Nicole Scarano has delivered yet another addictive age gap found family slow burn post apocalyptic Sci-Fi romance that had me captivated from start to end. I absolutely loved the growing relationship between Quinn and Anson though she has to break down his strong walls as it is the only way she can get him to actually be apart of the family they are trying to build together. I loved the mother daughter relationship between Quinn and Ava since they both lost their biological mothers even though Ava is too young to know anything about the world before so she just feels the love that Quinn gives her. The relationship between Anson and Ava isn't as strong since he has always kept his distance because of his past experiences from his childhood and the only other mother and child he had when he was younger. It was amazing when Quinn was finally able to get through Anson so that he would finally give into the strong loving feelings that they both shared for each other which will make their family all the much stronger for the uncertain future they have before themselves. With that unexpected cliffhanger ending I have to say that I am anxiously waiting for when the third and final book finally releases to find out how everything will end for Anson, Quinn and Ava.
After agreeing it’s safer to stick together, Anson takes Quinn and Ava to the one place he swore never to return to. He believes it’s the only safe place left to survive the winter, but when it proves as dangerous as the rest of the world, the unlikely family is out of time. Winter has come, and with it, a whole new host of attacks. Now forced to face an increasingly hostile environment and humans alike, as well as the growing tensions in their own relationships, the trio sets out to find a place they can call home in this apocalypse.
REVIEW:
Not of My Flesh is the second book in Nicole Scarano's Annover Park trilogy which picks up right where We Are Not Blood had ended on a cliffhanger. Anson, Quinn and baby Ava are traveling to Anson's father's cabin that is off the grid with no technology that the earth thinks is a threat to itself. But when they get there a group of men have already taken it over with Anson having to kill several in order to get the girls out of there alive. They are able to find a safe haven when Quinn remembers the Annover Zoo that her father took her to as a child when they drive by a sign with the name of the zoo. They find the place overgrown and abandoned with no new technology but is the place that throughout the next five years they make into a home with a garden and several farm animals that help them survive.
When Anson, Quinn and Ava finally found the Annover Zoo that Quinn's father use to take her to visit as a child was an emotionally exciting moment as it gave this found family the possibility of having a safe haven to call home in this post apocalyptic world that is filled with violent people and mother nature. It was a very scary moment when on a run Quinn and three year old Ava fall into the mutated killer vines and terrified Anson does everything he can to save them both which changes the dynamic between Quinn and Anson. When Quinn gets speared in the leg by a mutated vine Anson cuts deeply into her leg to get it out which leads to his journey with Ava to a hospital for medicine that was an emotionally scary and draining moment as he had to kill many savage men in front of Ava to keep them alive to get home.
Nicole Scarano has delivered yet another addictive age gap found family slow burn post apocalyptic Sci-Fi romance that had me captivated from start to end. I absolutely loved the growing relationship between Quinn and Anson though she has to break down his strong walls as it is the only way she can get him to actually be apart of the family they are trying to build together. I loved the mother daughter relationship between Quinn and Ava since they both lost their biological mothers even though Ava is too young to know anything about the world before so she just feels the love that Quinn gives her. The relationship between Anson and Ava isn't as strong since he has always kept his distance because of his past experiences from his childhood and the only other mother and child he had when he was younger. It was amazing when Quinn was finally able to get through Anson so that he would finally give into the strong loving feelings that they both shared for each other which will make their family all the much stronger for the uncertain future they have before themselves. With that unexpected cliffhanger ending I have to say that I am anxiously waiting for when the third and final book finally releases to find out how everything will end for Anson, Quinn and Ava.
June 15, 2026
3.75 🌟 Quinn continues to be one of the most frustrating aspects of this series. The small amount of progress she made at the end of the previous book—finally starting to think and act like a survivor—seems to have completely disappeared. The logical part of my brain understands that this is probably a realistic reaction for a 21-year-old who has lost everything, but by this point it's been weeks, if not months, since the apocalypse began. She keeps repeating the same thoughts about how she can't do this, and as a reader it's reaching the point of being intolerable (with the time jumps it becomes better).
One of my biggest issues with this book is the repetition. Six months have passed since the start of the series, yet we're still getting the same internal struggles and thought patterns over and over again. In the first book, that made sense because everything was new and overwhelming. Here, however, it feels like the characters are stuck in place. Quinn continues to dwell on things that feel increasingly irrelevant, while he keeps insisting that he's not good enough and can't let people in. By the end of the novel, they finally seem to have adapted to their new reality, and I sincerely hope the next book doesn't undo that progress.
That said, once the emotional walls start coming down and the characters settle into a routine, the story becomes much more enjoyable. This book contains more quiet moments than the first, focusing heavily on relationships, family dynamics, and the found-family aspect of the series. Since they've found a place to live and build a life, the story feels more centered on character development and community than constant survival.
There is still plenty of intense action, and when it happens it's incredibly engaging. The action scenes are difficult to put down, but like in the first book, they tend to appear suddenly and resolve just as quickly. At times that can be frustrating because the action is so well written that I wanted those moments to be more developed and last longer.
However, it seems clear that the author is more interested in exploring how society survives and rebuilds after the apocalypse rather than focusing solely on action or ending the story with unanswered questions. Because of that, the frequent time jumps and rapidly moving timeline feel intentional, even if they occasionally make the story feel rushed.
Overall, I'm hopeful for the final book. Up to this point, the characters have largely been on their own, but the possibilities hinted at near the end of this novel could significantly change the group's dynamics. I'm looking forward to seeing how the series concludes. If the third book can reduce the repetition, continue the character growth established here, and avoid reverting the characters back to their old behaviors, it has the potential to be the strongest installment in the series yet.
One of my biggest issues with this book is the repetition. Six months have passed since the start of the series, yet we're still getting the same internal struggles and thought patterns over and over again. In the first book, that made sense because everything was new and overwhelming. Here, however, it feels like the characters are stuck in place. Quinn continues to dwell on things that feel increasingly irrelevant, while he keeps insisting that he's not good enough and can't let people in. By the end of the novel, they finally seem to have adapted to their new reality, and I sincerely hope the next book doesn't undo that progress.
That said, once the emotional walls start coming down and the characters settle into a routine, the story becomes much more enjoyable. This book contains more quiet moments than the first, focusing heavily on relationships, family dynamics, and the found-family aspect of the series. Since they've found a place to live and build a life, the story feels more centered on character development and community than constant survival.
There is still plenty of intense action, and when it happens it's incredibly engaging. The action scenes are difficult to put down, but like in the first book, they tend to appear suddenly and resolve just as quickly. At times that can be frustrating because the action is so well written that I wanted those moments to be more developed and last longer.
However, it seems clear that the author is more interested in exploring how society survives and rebuilds after the apocalypse rather than focusing solely on action or ending the story with unanswered questions. Because of that, the frequent time jumps and rapidly moving timeline feel intentional, even if they occasionally make the story feel rushed.
Overall, I'm hopeful for the final book. Up to this point, the characters have largely been on their own, but the possibilities hinted at near the end of this novel could significantly change the group's dynamics. I'm looking forward to seeing how the series concludes. If the third book can reduce the repetition, continue the character growth established here, and avoid reverting the characters back to their old behaviors, it has the potential to be the strongest installment in the series yet.
February 2, 2026
I AM LOVING THIS SERIES!!
There isn’t a dull moment in this new world controlled by Mother Nature!! Learning to respect nature and live in harmony with it has to be difficult to get used to, but when it comes down to life or death you find a way! Anson, who was raised by a mean and abusive father, learned to live this way as a boy. His father believed nature would turn on mankind one day for the abuse she has taken from them. Anson just thought his father had been crazy, until now. So Anson helps to teach Quinn how to do this. Quinn became a mother the day everything fell apart. She was running and heard the baby crying in the back seat of a car, and the baby’s mother was dead in the driver’s seat. She risked her life to say the baby when Anson saw they weren’t going to make it in time he grabbed them both and got them to safety. This is how book one started, and by the end of the first book they were a family of sorts. Now in book two they struggle to live, which isn’t easy with plants attacking and acid snow falling. Ava, the baby, is growing up fast and by the end of book two she is five years old. Quinn is a great mother, trying to live up to the way her mother was with her. She’s still dealing with the fact that her mom and dad are dead. But she tries to remain positive for Ava and for Anson. Anson doesn’t really know how to be part of a normal family and he pushes them away by remaining stand-offish. This is hard on Quinn, but even harder on Anson.
They deal with many horrors and dangers. At times they come close to death. The pacing is really good, there’s never a dull moment. I love the characters, especially Anson because he is such a complex character. But we see their growth throughout the story. I’m worried about the ending and what is going to happen, and I’m really looking forward to book three! This Apocalyptic Survival Horror is definitely a favorite series of mine! Of course I love everything that Scarano writes!!
There isn’t a dull moment in this new world controlled by Mother Nature!! Learning to respect nature and live in harmony with it has to be difficult to get used to, but when it comes down to life or death you find a way! Anson, who was raised by a mean and abusive father, learned to live this way as a boy. His father believed nature would turn on mankind one day for the abuse she has taken from them. Anson just thought his father had been crazy, until now. So Anson helps to teach Quinn how to do this. Quinn became a mother the day everything fell apart. She was running and heard the baby crying in the back seat of a car, and the baby’s mother was dead in the driver’s seat. She risked her life to say the baby when Anson saw they weren’t going to make it in time he grabbed them both and got them to safety. This is how book one started, and by the end of the first book they were a family of sorts. Now in book two they struggle to live, which isn’t easy with plants attacking and acid snow falling. Ava, the baby, is growing up fast and by the end of book two she is five years old. Quinn is a great mother, trying to live up to the way her mother was with her. She’s still dealing with the fact that her mom and dad are dead. But she tries to remain positive for Ava and for Anson. Anson doesn’t really know how to be part of a normal family and he pushes them away by remaining stand-offish. This is hard on Quinn, but even harder on Anson.
They deal with many horrors and dangers. At times they come close to death. The pacing is really good, there’s never a dull moment. I love the characters, especially Anson because he is such a complex character. But we see their growth throughout the story. I’m worried about the ending and what is going to happen, and I’m really looking forward to book three! This Apocalyptic Survival Horror is definitely a favorite series of mine! Of course I love everything that Scarano writes!!
March 31, 2026
slow burn love that was worth the wait
Not of My Flesh (Book 2) by Nicole Scarano was definitely a book I enjoyed overall. After reading the first one, I was already invested in Quinn and Anson, and this book continued to build on their story in a meaningful way.
One of the biggest highlights for me was the slow-burn relationship between them. It really takes its time, and while that worked in favor of the emotional payoff, I’ll be honest—there were moments where the pacing felt a little slow, even bordering on boring at times. I liked the story and appreciated the uniqueness of the world, but certain parts dragged a bit for me.
That being said, the development between Quinn and Anson made it worth it. Watching Quinn slowly break down Anson’s walls was one of the best parts of the book. He starts off so closed off and guarded, and seeing that shift—bit by bit—as he lets her in felt natural and earned. It wasn’t rushed, and when they finally got to a place of real connection, it made all that buildup pay off.
Quinn continues to be a strong character, and I liked how she didn’t give up on Anson, even when he made it difficult. Their relationship wasn’t easy, but that’s what made it feel real.
Overall, Not of My Flesh is a solid follow-up. While parts of it felt a little slow for me, the character development—especially between Quinn and Anson—made it worth the read. Seeing their relationship grow into something deeper was definitely the highlight.
Not of My Flesh (Book 2) by Nicole Scarano was definitely a book I enjoyed overall. After reading the first one, I was already invested in Quinn and Anson, and this book continued to build on their story in a meaningful way.
One of the biggest highlights for me was the slow-burn relationship between them. It really takes its time, and while that worked in favor of the emotional payoff, I’ll be honest—there were moments where the pacing felt a little slow, even bordering on boring at times. I liked the story and appreciated the uniqueness of the world, but certain parts dragged a bit for me.
That being said, the development between Quinn and Anson made it worth it. Watching Quinn slowly break down Anson’s walls was one of the best parts of the book. He starts off so closed off and guarded, and seeing that shift—bit by bit—as he lets her in felt natural and earned. It wasn’t rushed, and when they finally got to a place of real connection, it made all that buildup pay off.
Quinn continues to be a strong character, and I liked how she didn’t give up on Anson, even when he made it difficult. Their relationship wasn’t easy, but that’s what made it feel real.
Overall, Not of My Flesh is a solid follow-up. While parts of it felt a little slow for me, the character development—especially between Quinn and Anson—made it worth the read. Seeing their relationship grow into something deeper was definitely the highlight.
January 30, 2026
Wow! This was worth the wait! 💗🙏🏻✨
I have been waiting a long time for this second book, and it was absolutely worth it. This story is everything I want in an end-of-the-world, apocalyptic setting. I don’t enjoy paranormal apocalypses with zombies or vampires, so I loved the concept of nature fighting back against humanity instead—it felt fresh, meaningful, and haunting in the best way. The characters completely stole my heart. Quinn’s growth is beautifully written as she transforms from a frightened college student into a strong, mature young woman and a devoted mother figure to baby Ava. Anson is exactly the kind of tortured, protective hero I love—strong, guarded, and carrying so much trauma, yet slowly learning to let someone in. Watching his walls come down with Quinn was incredibly satisfying. The slow-burn, age-gap romance is perfection, filled with longing and emotional tension, and the intimate scenes are vague and easy to skip, which I personally appreciated. Add in baby Ava (my absolute favorite), and this book had everything. I already can’t wait for the final installment—even though waiting until next year feels impossible. Magnificently written and deeply emotional.
I have been waiting a long time for this second book, and it was absolutely worth it. This story is everything I want in an end-of-the-world, apocalyptic setting. I don’t enjoy paranormal apocalypses with zombies or vampires, so I loved the concept of nature fighting back against humanity instead—it felt fresh, meaningful, and haunting in the best way. The characters completely stole my heart. Quinn’s growth is beautifully written as she transforms from a frightened college student into a strong, mature young woman and a devoted mother figure to baby Ava. Anson is exactly the kind of tortured, protective hero I love—strong, guarded, and carrying so much trauma, yet slowly learning to let someone in. Watching his walls come down with Quinn was incredibly satisfying. The slow-burn, age-gap romance is perfection, filled with longing and emotional tension, and the intimate scenes are vague and easy to skip, which I personally appreciated. Add in baby Ava (my absolute favorite), and this book had everything. I already can’t wait for the final installment—even though waiting until next year feels impossible. Magnificently written and deeply emotional.
February 11, 2026
OHMYGOD
This series is everything I didn’t know I needed. It is so perfectly well done. Mother Nature terrifyingly reclaiming the earth, the slowest of deliciously slow burns. It’s all so realistically done. Timelines, relationships, fears. All so real.
The character growth!! Quinn helping Anson work through his trauma and triggers and showing him he’s worthy of love. Platonic or otherwise. Anson has very real fears and PTSD and it’s not just some silly backstory to create conflict between characters and move the story along. It actually MAKES SENSE for the story and is devastating and you understand where he’s coming from. It’s not just miscommunication and frustration. It’s real and painful and terrifying. And it doesn’t just instantly go away and he’s healed, they are constantly working through it together.
AHHH I’m so glad I picked these up, I love them more than I ever thought I would.
There is no terrible cliffhanger, just set up for another book and I would have deemed her my new favorite author based on that alone. BUT THIS SERIES IS EVERYTHING. It’s painful to have to force myself to go to sleep when I just want to read through the night. 😭
Can’t wait for the next one!!
This series is everything I didn’t know I needed. It is so perfectly well done. Mother Nature terrifyingly reclaiming the earth, the slowest of deliciously slow burns. It’s all so realistically done. Timelines, relationships, fears. All so real.
The character growth!! Quinn helping Anson work through his trauma and triggers and showing him he’s worthy of love. Platonic or otherwise. Anson has very real fears and PTSD and it’s not just some silly backstory to create conflict between characters and move the story along. It actually MAKES SENSE for the story and is devastating and you understand where he’s coming from. It’s not just miscommunication and frustration. It’s real and painful and terrifying. And it doesn’t just instantly go away and he’s healed, they are constantly working through it together.
AHHH I’m so glad I picked these up, I love them more than I ever thought I would.
There is no terrible cliffhanger, just set up for another book and I would have deemed her my new favorite author based on that alone. BUT THIS SERIES IS EVERYTHING. It’s painful to have to force myself to go to sleep when I just want to read through the night. 😭
Can’t wait for the next one!!
June 6, 2026
This was even more grotesque, heartwarming, and had me screaming “JUST KISS ALREADY” than WANB😩
The way that the three of them grew had me choking up. I love watching Ava grow and live a relatively normal childhood thanks to Quinn and Anson’s dedication and love.
WANB had some horrifying plant action, but I don’t think it was anything compared to NOMF! Nicole went into even more detail with the mutations and plants, and let me just say—I LOVE it. I am curious about the tomato plant that they have mutating in their garden 👀 I hope that it gets brought up again in Book 3.
There were SO many times where I wanted to strangle Anson. Quinn is obviously in love with him. To say that he is her whole world would be an understatement, but Anson is so hell bent on keeping his walls up until the very end. The pay off though? 🤭😩 I love spicy reads, but the way Nicole writes their intimate moments without any hard detail makes it so much more of an emotional moment.
The minor cliffhanger has my worried. I’m stressed after the compound. What will life look like after they’ve been on their own for so long? Is it safe? Will shit go sideways? Only Book 3 will tell me 😭
The way that the three of them grew had me choking up. I love watching Ava grow and live a relatively normal childhood thanks to Quinn and Anson’s dedication and love.
WANB had some horrifying plant action, but I don’t think it was anything compared to NOMF! Nicole went into even more detail with the mutations and plants, and let me just say—I LOVE it. I am curious about the tomato plant that they have mutating in their garden 👀 I hope that it gets brought up again in Book 3.
There were SO many times where I wanted to strangle Anson. Quinn is obviously in love with him. To say that he is her whole world would be an understatement, but Anson is so hell bent on keeping his walls up until the very end. The pay off though? 🤭😩 I love spicy reads, but the way Nicole writes their intimate moments without any hard detail makes it so much more of an emotional moment.
The minor cliffhanger has my worried. I’m stressed after the compound. What will life look like after they’ve been on their own for so long? Is it safe? Will shit go sideways? Only Book 3 will tell me 😭
February 3, 2026
I'm not the one crying, you are. Did I cry? More than once but did I read it in one setting? You betcha. Honestly I was about to give up on this book especially when Quinn almost died? This book was really good I couldn't put it down, the action, the love, the survival and their little family imperfectly perfect. I think the character development took a long time but It was worth it. I wish I could reread this over again that's how much I liked it, it was post apocalyptic meets survival, meets mutations and natural and unnatural disasters. It doesn't have a lot of romance which is alright because the action makes up for it and the survival. I just wish the book was shorter and the happier parts longer because these characters had been through it, a lot of pain and trauma especially Anson give the man a break because he was truly broken and beautiful, even if he felt unworthy of Quinn he kept his best trying to earn her affection and honestly sometimes I think he was more worthy of her than any man.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2026
Dnf 83%
I liked book 1.
This book.... yeah, complete let down.
It seems the author ran out of ideas in book 1.
Quinn was so very annoying in this book. She whined constantly, threw tantrums to get her way like a toddler, and did stupid, stupid shit that put herself and Ava in danger. Quinn being stupid is what drove every plot line in this book.
I gave up. These two are not meant for each other. They're not compatible. And this book spent so much time highlighting that Ava how childish Quinn was, emphasizing the age gap and how Anson saw her as a child.... it was just wrong. I was absolutely convinced that they were miles apart. I'm not convinced that they're in love at all.
The odd pacing didn't help. Several years went by here, with so much happening off the page in that time frame.
This was just not done well. Quinn and Anson barely get by, yet somehow there's a dozen raiders left to get obliterated for a slice of rushed "action." I don't know what happened between book 1 and this.... but this wasn't what I was expecting at all.
I liked book 1.
This book.... yeah, complete let down.
It seems the author ran out of ideas in book 1.
Quinn was so very annoying in this book. She whined constantly, threw tantrums to get her way like a toddler, and did stupid, stupid shit that put herself and Ava in danger. Quinn being stupid is what drove every plot line in this book.
I gave up. These two are not meant for each other. They're not compatible. And this book spent so much time highlighting that Ava how childish Quinn was, emphasizing the age gap and how Anson saw her as a child.... it was just wrong. I was absolutely convinced that they were miles apart. I'm not convinced that they're in love at all.
The odd pacing didn't help. Several years went by here, with so much happening off the page in that time frame.
This was just not done well. Quinn and Anson barely get by, yet somehow there's a dozen raiders left to get obliterated for a slice of rushed "action." I don't know what happened between book 1 and this.... but this wasn't what I was expecting at all.
February 5, 2026
6⭐️ This series has stolen a part of my heart, I don’t think I can wait for the third. I’m going to have to do a reread in the next few months because holy moly. Quinn, Anson and Ava have become such a beautiful found family and watching these two grow into something so solid and strong has been an honor. I loved the slow burn, the emotional growth and most of all the true found family that these three built. I will now be adding Nicole’s other works into my regular reads because holy sh*t.
Favorite quote: ““Goodnight, kiddo.” Anson ran a hand down her arm, his fingers coming to rest on the strawberry-shaped birthmark on her forearm. It had gotten bigger over the years, but he’d simply planted strawberries in the garden, telling Ava that they’d magically started growing because of her. Quinn loved that Ava believed him. The world might have ended, but there was still magic to be found.”
Favorite quote: ““Goodnight, kiddo.” Anson ran a hand down her arm, his fingers coming to rest on the strawberry-shaped birthmark on her forearm. It had gotten bigger over the years, but he’d simply planted strawberries in the garden, telling Ava that they’d magically started growing because of her. Quinn loved that Ava believed him. The world might have ended, but there was still magic to be found.”
January 27, 2026
i had to wait a hot minute for this second edition to be released in kindle and then when it was i had to wait again to review it on Goodreads as it wasn't added to the authors list.
But finally its added and so i will leave my review. our characters finally get a home of their own and start to settle down more in their relationship in this read, turning strangers into a family instead of just surviving is not easy in the middle of an apocalypse. I will say this book did seem to fall down the cursed middle book syndrome, where the beginning is good but it kind of drags the drama out for the third book. So honestly not too much happens after the 40% mark.
overall it was a pretty average read this time around and dare i say you could atop reading here and it wouldn't be a bad ending for our characters. Book three might be upset if we ignore it but would I? I'll have to think about it.
But finally its added and so i will leave my review. our characters finally get a home of their own and start to settle down more in their relationship in this read, turning strangers into a family instead of just surviving is not easy in the middle of an apocalypse. I will say this book did seem to fall down the cursed middle book syndrome, where the beginning is good but it kind of drags the drama out for the third book. So honestly not too much happens after the 40% mark.
overall it was a pretty average read this time around and dare i say you could atop reading here and it wouldn't be a bad ending for our characters. Book three might be upset if we ignore it but would I? I'll have to think about it.
January 21, 2026
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so much so that I purchased a hard copy immediately. And I wanted desperately to love this one too, but it fell flat for me. The relationship between Anson and Quinn felt forced, and the dialogue between them made me cringe sometimes. I loved these characters in the first book, but was so disappointed in their interactions in this one, that I almost didn't finish. But I pushed through, just so that I could see how their story played out. There were so many hills and valleys in the pacing of this story, that it was difficult at times for me to want to continue. I did like the characters and their internal dialogue, and I think that's what kept me intrigued, but I don't think I'll be continuing with this series.
January 29, 2026
Quinn really tests me. Yet again, she guilts Anson into following her script. She spent this entire book bitching at him for whatever reason, even blaming him for her actions that endangered them. To Anson, she can do no wrong, but the girl is a shrew. In a perilous situation that necessitated silence, Ava continue to chatter to herself and Quinn didn’t quiet her. When Anson chastised Ava to be quiet Quinn chewed him out defending Ava’s young age. After bitching him out, Quinn told Ava to play their ‘quiet game’ and Ava went silent. WhyTF didn’t Quinn just do that to begin with??? She knew how imperative silence was at the time, yet she let Ava babble on until Anson lost his patience. That’s just one singular example of why I dislike Quinn.
June 11, 2026
I’m not sure what was the author intention when developing the FMC. Was the author originally intended to make her a barely legal teen? If so, I would understand the constant complaining and questioning through the series . However, the FMC is supposed to be a college student! In the middle of the apocalypse you’re having issues with “stealing” beds from the dead? Or having issues with keeping the baby in a secure enclosure so she doesn’t wander out because it’s an animal cage?!? Seriously in the middle of an apocalypse when nature is trying to kill you this is your issue?!?! The author hasn’t really made me care of MMC either. At this point I’m DNfin this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2026
Absolutely phenomenal continuation of the series. Picking up seamlessly from Book 1, this installment is impossible to put down—I was up at 3 a.m. just to start reading. Anson and Quinn continue raising Ava as the Earth itself remains a relentless threat, raising the stakes even higher. Tense, emotional, and wildly addictive, this is now one of my all-time favorite dystopian series. I cannot wait for Book 3.
January 20, 2026
5 Stars
- Age Gap (21/36)
- Slow Burn
This series IS EVERYTHING! I COULD NOT put the book down, and I can't wait for BOOK3.
Nicole created a world and took off with it! She was able to bring in all aspects of the end of the world and the characters, and make it beautiful. I usually don't like Slow Burn, but I LOVE IT for this series. I think this is exactly what it needs. I can't wait for Book 3 and the romance and story it will bring.
- Age Gap (21/36)
- Slow Burn
This series IS EVERYTHING! I COULD NOT put the book down, and I can't wait for BOOK3.
Nicole created a world and took off with it! She was able to bring in all aspects of the end of the world and the characters, and make it beautiful. I usually don't like Slow Burn, but I LOVE IT for this series. I think this is exactly what it needs. I can't wait for Book 3 and the romance and story it will bring.
February 22, 2026
The spice has finally arrived in the series!
I have been enjoying the series very much. My big negative would be that the FL cries a lot… I mean a ridiculous amount… possibly an annoying amount.
Granted everyone she knows has died and the world as she knew it is over but still, buckle up buttercup.
Aside from that I REALLY enjoy the unique take of the end of the world. I would definitely recommend.
I have been enjoying the series very much. My big negative would be that the FL cries a lot… I mean a ridiculous amount… possibly an annoying amount.
Granted everyone she knows has died and the world as she knew it is over but still, buckle up buttercup.
Aside from that I REALLY enjoy the unique take of the end of the world. I would definitely recommend.
February 24, 2026
4.5⭐️
This was such a good bingeable book that kept me engaged & rooting for Quinn, Anson, & Ava. The plot twists were great and I am so excited for book 3 to come!
📖: 3rd person
🌶️: very vague sex scene mentioned ch 18 (nothing explicit, I did not skip & y'all know I don't read spice)
🤬: a couple minor swear words (h-ll, d-mn), a couple uses of Gods name in vain (omg)
⚠️: typical post-apocalyptic content
This was such a good bingeable book that kept me engaged & rooting for Quinn, Anson, & Ava. The plot twists were great and I am so excited for book 3 to come!
📖: 3rd person
🌶️: very vague sex scene mentioned ch 18 (nothing explicit, I did not skip & y'all know I don't read spice)
🤬: a couple minor swear words (h-ll, d-mn), a couple uses of Gods name in vain (omg)
⚠️: typical post-apocalyptic content
April 3, 2026
I loved the way book two progressed through the plot and the story for the trilogy. The way the characters grow through this book personally and together as there found family. Still facing the apocalypse they found themselves in, through book one and even during this one while finding ways to live along side mother nature while she was angry and against the human population that was still living and surviving from her revenge.
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