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Gilded Rose: A Forced Proximity Zombie Apocalypse Romance
Jilted at the altar. Saved by the apocalypse. Kind of.
Relief shouldn't be the first thing you feel when your fiancé jilts you at the altar. But for Dakota Levine, the end of her engagement based on blackmail is the start of her freedom.
Even if it comes with wedding guests starting to eat each other.
Now, both families are trapped together, and Dakota is at the mercy of her ex-fiancé’s devastating older brother.
Julien Mora.
He is cold, ex-military, and holding a decade-old grudge against her father. To a former soldier who lives by a hierarchy of survival, Dakota and her family are a liability he never wanted.
But as the dead begin to evolve and the masks of the old world slip, Dakota must learn that there's more to life than just being the "perfect daughter", and Julien discovers that there is one dangerous, undeniable exception to his rules.
Perfect for readers who crave grumpy protectors, forced proximity, intense cabin training montages, a praise-kink, and a heroine who trades her wedding dress for a weapon.
A fast-paced standalone with an HFN, dual POV, and a love story that proves the best vows are the ones you make to yourself. Please make sure to check the content warnings on the author's page, this one is heavier than the last.
Relief shouldn't be the first thing you feel when your fiancé jilts you at the altar. But for Dakota Levine, the end of her engagement based on blackmail is the start of her freedom.
Even if it comes with wedding guests starting to eat each other.
Now, both families are trapped together, and Dakota is at the mercy of her ex-fiancé’s devastating older brother.
Julien Mora.
He is cold, ex-military, and holding a decade-old grudge against her father. To a former soldier who lives by a hierarchy of survival, Dakota and her family are a liability he never wanted.
But as the dead begin to evolve and the masks of the old world slip, Dakota must learn that there's more to life than just being the "perfect daughter", and Julien discovers that there is one dangerous, undeniable exception to his rules.
Perfect for readers who crave grumpy protectors, forced proximity, intense cabin training montages, a praise-kink, and a heroine who trades her wedding dress for a weapon.
A fast-paced standalone with an HFN, dual POV, and a love story that proves the best vows are the ones you make to yourself. Please make sure to check the content warnings on the author's page, this one is heavier than the last.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2026
About the author
Gigi Vale
9 books19 followers🍬😈🌶️ A mix of sweet, dark and spicy
GIGI VALE is an indie author who blends sweet, dark, and spicy elements to craft captivating contemporary romances. She’s been dreaming up stories since her teenage years, but only recently found the courage to share them with the world. Now, she’s on a mission to bring the characters that live rent-free in her mind to life, fulfilling her passion for storytelling one book at a time.
GIGI VALE is an indie author who blends sweet, dark, and spicy elements to craft captivating contemporary romances. She’s been dreaming up stories since her teenage years, but only recently found the courage to share them with the world. Now, she’s on a mission to bring the characters that live rent-free in her mind to life, fulfilling her passion for storytelling one book at a time.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 29, 2026
Another great zombie apocalypse romance from Gigi! I have loved the world that she has built for this series an to see how the zombies are evolving. I loved Dakota and Julian and was so sad that it took an apocalypse to give our FMC true freedom from all her burdens. As always I couldn’t put down one of her Gigi’s books always so fun (&frustrating from the evil that comes from humans in these situations) to read!
thank you book sirens for the ARC!
thank you book sirens for the ARC!
February 22, 2026
This book didn't disappoint! We get to follow Julian who has a military background. This book starts off where the apocalypse starts and how Julian met his people who he will ensure are kept safe.
This book look shows shows some different zombies and some what leave you checking the shadows.
The FMC has a complex character how has been through alot but still has alot of fight in her. MMC will do anything to protect his family and get them somewhere safe.
This book look shows shows some different zombies and some what leave you checking the shadows.
The FMC has a complex character how has been through alot but still has alot of fight in her. MMC will do anything to protect his family and get them somewhere safe.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read this in just a couple days (one of which I was up way past my bedtime)! Had me very interested all the way through! It isn't perfect, but it was better than a lot of books I've read as far as the writing itself. It looks like it actually went through quite a bit of review and editing.
I might be a little biased because I also have the "reliable daughter turned caregiver" complex, but I think Dakota was well written. I like that even though she's grown she still struggles with her trauma. And just because a guy walks in it isn't magically fixed instantly. Usually in dual POV I am tempted to skip the fmc, but being in her mind was not a tough thing at all!
Julien could use a little more polishing. I feel like even in his POV we're not really experiencing what he is. We get strong descriptions of his external world (sights, sounds, smells, etc) but a lot less of his internal world (thoughts, memories, feelings). Regardless, I think he was still fairly well written and I'm a sucker for dual POV. He had me giggling and kicking my feet a LOT. He's not a perfect suave man who says the right thing all the time. And I love that about him, that he also doubts himself.
The pacing of the book was so good up until the very end when things just kinda got packed in so rapid fire that the reader doesn't really have a chance to sit with what happened. I also think more time could've been spent on the characters reconciling the fact that the world literally ended. But I do also see the side of it that in survival mode you're not going to be doing a lot of processing of events.
I overall really enjoyed this read! It makes me want to read more of these apocalyptic/sci-fi romances instead of just romantasy all the time!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I might be a little biased because I also have the "reliable daughter turned caregiver" complex, but I think Dakota was well written. I like that even though she's grown she still struggles with her trauma. And just because a guy walks in it isn't magically fixed instantly. Usually in dual POV I am tempted to skip the fmc, but being in her mind was not a tough thing at all!
Julien could use a little more polishing. I feel like even in his POV we're not really experiencing what he is. We get strong descriptions of his external world (sights, sounds, smells, etc) but a lot less of his internal world (thoughts, memories, feelings). Regardless, I think he was still fairly well written and I'm a sucker for dual POV. He had me giggling and kicking my feet a LOT. He's not a perfect suave man who says the right thing all the time. And I love that about him, that he also doubts himself.
The pacing of the book was so good up until the very end when things just kinda got packed in so rapid fire that the reader doesn't really have a chance to sit with what happened. I also think more time could've been spent on the characters reconciling the fact that the world literally ended. But I do also see the side of it that in survival mode you're not going to be doing a lot of processing of events.
I overall really enjoyed this read! It makes me want to read more of these apocalyptic/sci-fi romances instead of just romantasy all the time!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dakota has spent her entire life carrying blame that was never hers. Being faulted, silenced, and taught to put everyone else first is exactly how she ends up at the altar for a blackmailed marriage… to a man who is already in love with someone else.
When he leaves her in front of a full church, Dakota thinks that’s rock bottom. It isn’t!!!
A virus leaks from a nearby research centre.The wedding becomes ground zero. People start eating each other. And the city collapses.
And in the middle of the apocalypse, Dakota fast, complicated attraction to her ex-fiancé’s older brother, Julien, was done so well. He isn’t some overpowered hero — he’s emotionally guarded, realistic, and clearly fighting his feelings… but the moment Dakota genuinely smiles because of him? Yeah. He’s gone.
I loved that Julien doesn’t just protect her physically — he stands up for her and gently pushes her to start standing up for herself. Dakota felt painfully real: strong in survival, but still learning how not to disappear for the people who keep hurting her. Dakota felt painfully real — strong in survival situations, but still learning how not to shrink emotionally for everyone else. Watching that slow shift in her confidence was one of my favourite parts.
The side characters (Cameron, Sienna and Rosa) added so much warmth to such a dark setting.
Her family, though? Hard no. Especially Amelia. It genuinely felt like she sabotaged Dakota more than once — and even her final sacrifice didn’t feel tragic to me. It felt earned.
The writing was immersive, the outbreak and survival pacing worked really well, and the emotional moments never felt out of place — even with zombies roaming around.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable, emotionally charged survival romance with forbidden tension and quiet character growth. I’m definitely continuing this series.
When he leaves her in front of a full church, Dakota thinks that’s rock bottom. It isn’t!!!
A virus leaks from a nearby research centre.The wedding becomes ground zero. People start eating each other. And the city collapses.
And in the middle of the apocalypse, Dakota fast, complicated attraction to her ex-fiancé’s older brother, Julien, was done so well. He isn’t some overpowered hero — he’s emotionally guarded, realistic, and clearly fighting his feelings… but the moment Dakota genuinely smiles because of him? Yeah. He’s gone.
I loved that Julien doesn’t just protect her physically — he stands up for her and gently pushes her to start standing up for herself. Dakota felt painfully real: strong in survival, but still learning how not to disappear for the people who keep hurting her. Dakota felt painfully real — strong in survival situations, but still learning how not to shrink emotionally for everyone else. Watching that slow shift in her confidence was one of my favourite parts.
The side characters (Cameron, Sienna and Rosa) added so much warmth to such a dark setting.
Her family, though? Hard no. Especially Amelia. It genuinely felt like she sabotaged Dakota more than once — and even her final sacrifice didn’t feel tragic to me. It felt earned.
The writing was immersive, the outbreak and survival pacing worked really well, and the emotional moments never felt out of place — even with zombies roaming around.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable, emotionally charged survival romance with forbidden tension and quiet character growth. I’m definitely continuing this series.
February 26, 2026
I loved this book! A great enemies to lovers romance with zombies! Dakota and Julien have survived the zombie apocalypse but not without doubts, obstacles and family feuds. I loved reading how the characters have grown and how they have overcome the things in their lives. Yes there is loss of loved ones but they have each other to lean on and hold.
Dakota is the obedient daughter of a high class family. She will do anything to make her parents happy and her sister healthy. But all that comes with a price. Not only do her parents belittle her, but they force her to marry someone she does love and is an enemy of the family. The wedding gets crashed by zombies and she now must find a way to survive and keep her family safe the best she can. What is unexpected is Julien, the brother of the groom. He saves her from, not only the zombies, but her family.
Julien hates weddings, especially one where his brother is forced to marry a daughter of the enemy. But he has no choice but to stand there and bare it. Fortunately, the wedding gets ruined by zombies crashing it. He not only fights for his family, but for the same daughter that was going to be a part of it. When they are separated from the others, they learn to trust each other and fight together. However, emotions start to play a part also and being alone with Dakota makes Julien second guess his feelings toward her.
Overall, I loved this book in the series. I'm soo ready to see who we meet next.
I received an ARC from the author and leaving a review voluntarily.
Dakota is the obedient daughter of a high class family. She will do anything to make her parents happy and her sister healthy. But all that comes with a price. Not only do her parents belittle her, but they force her to marry someone she does love and is an enemy of the family. The wedding gets crashed by zombies and she now must find a way to survive and keep her family safe the best she can. What is unexpected is Julien, the brother of the groom. He saves her from, not only the zombies, but her family.
Julien hates weddings, especially one where his brother is forced to marry a daughter of the enemy. But he has no choice but to stand there and bare it. Fortunately, the wedding gets ruined by zombies crashing it. He not only fights for his family, but for the same daughter that was going to be a part of it. When they are separated from the others, they learn to trust each other and fight together. However, emotions start to play a part also and being alone with Dakota makes Julien second guess his feelings toward her.
Overall, I loved this book in the series. I'm soo ready to see who we meet next.
I received an ARC from the author and leaving a review voluntarily.
February 26, 2026
I’ve rated this book based on the CAWPILE method. This book averaged 5 stars.
CHARACTERS- 10/10
Love these two. I fest sooo connected to Dakota's character. And Julien is dreamy, and funny.
ATMOSPHERE/SETTING- 10/10
Everything is described well, and the atmosphere was always on point, whether it was a sad part or a scary one or a romantic one. Well done.
WRITING STYLE- 10/10
Love these two writing style and the banter that Gigi Vale uses.
PLOT- 10/10
Love the plot! It reminds me a lot of TWD in a good way. Man oh man. So good.
INTRIGUE- 10/10
It only took two sittings to read this book. I think that speaks for itself. lol.
LOGIC/RELATIONSHIPS- 9/10
There were some little things that bothered me, but just personal preference. Nothing that needs mentioning.
ENJOYMENT- 10/10
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who wants a little romance with their zombies. Very good book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
CHARACTERS- 10/10
Love these two. I fest sooo connected to Dakota's character. And Julien is dreamy, and funny.
ATMOSPHERE/SETTING- 10/10
Everything is described well, and the atmosphere was always on point, whether it was a sad part or a scary one or a romantic one. Well done.
WRITING STYLE- 10/10
Love these two writing style and the banter that Gigi Vale uses.
PLOT- 10/10
Love the plot! It reminds me a lot of TWD in a good way. Man oh man. So good.
INTRIGUE- 10/10
It only took two sittings to read this book. I think that speaks for itself. lol.
LOGIC/RELATIONSHIPS- 9/10
There were some little things that bothered me, but just personal preference. Nothing that needs mentioning.
ENJOYMENT- 10/10
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who wants a little romance with their zombies. Very good book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 23, 2026
A SOLID 3.5 STARS! A fast read.
I like how different Gilded Rose feels different, giving off 'The Walking Dead' vibes in comparison to Glitter Rose that shouted '28 Days Later metropolitan zombie apocalypse'.
Naturally, I enjoyed the story although the characters took time to warm up to. While I praise the heroine's selflessness, it bordered on meet and doormat behaviour - I couldn't relate - being a headstrong person, BUT there will be character development in a good way. As for the MMC, I was a little annoyed with his hot & cold mixed signals in the beginning.
The best part? When they were FINALLY alone! Everyone else except Julien's brother, Cameron and his gf Sienna was annoying as fuck. I liked how protective and decisive Julien's character was, definitely a plus in a zombie apocalypse.
OVERALL not bad, and I look forward to another installation.
I like how different Gilded Rose feels different, giving off 'The Walking Dead' vibes in comparison to Glitter Rose that shouted '28 Days Later metropolitan zombie apocalypse'.
Naturally, I enjoyed the story although the characters took time to warm up to. While I praise the heroine's selflessness, it bordered on meet and doormat behaviour - I couldn't relate - being a headstrong person, BUT there will be character development in a good way. As for the MMC, I was a little annoyed with his hot & cold mixed signals in the beginning.
The best part? When they were FINALLY alone! Everyone else except Julien's brother, Cameron and his gf Sienna was annoying as fuck. I liked how protective and decisive Julien's character was, definitely a plus in a zombie apocalypse.
OVERALL not bad, and I look forward to another installation.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love, love, love.
I adore this genre, and Gilded Rose absolutely did it justice. This story is so much more than a romance—it’s about a woman finding her voice and her worth. The author did an incredible job creating characters I truly cared about (that ending scene broke my heart) and characters I absolutely hated—in the best way.
This book struck a perfect balance for me. I personally skipped the spice scenes and still had the best time reading it, which says a lot about the strength of the story and character work. I highly recommend this and already want to dive into the rest of the series.
I adore this genre, and Gilded Rose absolutely did it justice. This story is so much more than a romance—it’s about a woman finding her voice and her worth. The author did an incredible job creating characters I truly cared about (that ending scene broke my heart) and characters I absolutely hated—in the best way.
This book struck a perfect balance for me. I personally skipped the spice scenes and still had the best time reading it, which says a lot about the strength of the story and character work. I highly recommend this and already want to dive into the rest of the series.
April 6, 2026
4 / 5 stars
Heat rating: 2 / 5 peppers
🙋♀️Hello it's your apocalyptic romance girly.
First off I am really enjoying this series, the stories are the perfect blend of action, suspense, and romance set in a zombie apocalypse. The second book with Knox and Paris is probably my favorite out of the group so far but I still love all of them.
The place where this one maybe lost me just a little bit was the control Dakota's family had over her, I understood why it happened they way it did but I just wish she stood her ground sooner. Sorry trying to be vague as not to give away any plot.
I will patiently be waiting for possible future books in this series.
Heat rating: 2 / 5 peppers
🙋♀️Hello it's your apocalyptic romance girly.
First off I am really enjoying this series, the stories are the perfect blend of action, suspense, and romance set in a zombie apocalypse. The second book with Knox and Paris is probably my favorite out of the group so far but I still love all of them.
The place where this one maybe lost me just a little bit was the control Dakota's family had over her, I understood why it happened they way it did but I just wish she stood her ground sooner. Sorry trying to be vague as not to give away any plot.
I will patiently be waiting for possible future books in this series.
March 1, 2026
No one understands my absolutely obsession with Gigi Vale Zombie Books! I have read all three and I want at least 30 more! Gigi writes such amazing characters with so much emotion and the REALNESS of being in a zombie apocalypse. This one WRECKED me. I cried three times - I’ll be sending my therapy bill in the mail. Our FMC had such internal struggles but our MAN Julian is right there through it all! Even when it wasn’t easy.
If gore doesn’t scare you, READ ALL OF THESE! If you love plot > spice (even though the spice is HOT when you get it) READ THESE BOOKS!!
If gore doesn’t scare you, READ ALL OF THESE! If you love plot > spice (even though the spice is HOT when you get it) READ THESE BOOKS!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an ARC. This is the third book in this amazing series and this one was just as amazing as the first two. This one started at the beginning of the whole thing and focuses on Dakota who was about to marry when everything went down. The wedding was interupted first by someone living and then by the dead! I’ve loved this entire series and this book is no exception. I can’t wait to read more as it’s teased that there will be more books in this series.
April 27, 2026
Absolutely wonderful!
I don’t usually read these types of stories but I was like a jet plane flying through all three books. I cannot express how great each one was. They were phenomenal, exciting and tear worthy, while also being heartwarming and spicy. All three of them were excellent stories and I will probably read them again while I wait for the next. I can’t wait to see what GiGi cooks up for the fourth book!
I don’t usually read these types of stories but I was like a jet plane flying through all three books. I cannot express how great each one was. They were phenomenal, exciting and tear worthy, while also being heartwarming and spicy. All three of them were excellent stories and I will probably read them again while I wait for the next. I can’t wait to see what GiGi cooks up for the fourth book!
March 2, 2026
OMG JUST FINISHED THE THIRD BOOK IN THIS SERIES "WHERE ROSES ROT" ALL THREE BOOKS ARE BRILLIANT!!!!! WOWWWWW , LOVED ALL THREE BOOKS. JUST AMAZING!!! JUST ENOUGH ZOMBIES, FAST MOVING PLOT, EXCELLENT CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, PERFECT ENDING. HOPPING, GIGI VALE WILL, PLEASE, CONTINUE THIS SERIES. EVERYONE, THIS IS A MUST READ SERIES. ADDICTIVE. THANK YOU GIGI!!!!
P.S. THE ROMANCE WAS DELIGHTFUL
P.S. THE ROMANCE WAS DELIGHTFUL
March 21, 2026
Definitely my favorite in this series so far. While I struggled a bit with Dakota's relationship with her family (sister included), I really liked the way she and Julien's relationship developed. They were a great couple.
March 4, 2026
This was quite good! I enjoyed it. The plot was interesting and attention grabbing. The mc's were likable. I didn't want to put it down one I got started!
March 15, 2026
Loved it
I have loved all the books in this series and I can't wait for more. Perfect for anyone who loves a good romance in the middle of the zombie apocalypse!
I have loved all the books in this series and I can't wait for more. Perfect for anyone who loves a good romance in the middle of the zombie apocalypse!
March 22, 2026
Loved it
Gigi vale never disappoints loved this book just as much as the rest of the series and I can't wait to see what she writes next!!
Gigi vale never disappoints loved this book just as much as the rest of the series and I can't wait to see what she writes next!!
Did Not Finish
April 19, 2026DNF 33% bored
May 12, 2026
favourite one so far!
I’m hooked on this series and sad to see it over! Really hoping there’s a book 4 on the horizon. More please!
I’m hooked on this series and sad to see it over! Really hoping there’s a book 4 on the horizon. More please!
March 4, 2026
Worth it!
Definitely, another good Zombie Apocalypse book. Lots of angst, slow burn, and all the zombie gore… Can’t wait for the next book!
Definitely, another good Zombie Apocalypse book. Lots of angst, slow burn, and all the zombie gore… Can’t wait for the next book!
Review of advance copy
Yet another fantastic story by Gigi! Dakota and Julian were well written characters with complex histories. I would love to have more on them, but you get enough to understand where they come from. I laughed, raged, shouted "You go girl!", and cried with these characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
March 18, 2026Read Gilded Rose🥀
Amazon: https://geni.us/gildedrose
Ever had a wedding day go so bad you actually welcomed the zombie apocalypse?
My heroine, Dakota, has spent twenty-six years being the "perfect" everything—daughter, student, and sacrifice—all to save her family. Then there’s my hero, Julien. He’s the ex-military, lethal older brother of the groom who holds a grudge like it’s a full-time job.
Fair warning: This one gets heavy. We’re talking toxic family dynamics, the grief and loss of loved ones, and zombies that are way too smart for comfort. But amidst the rot, there is a lot of heat. If you’re a fan of grumpy protectors, forced proximity, and a hero who knows exactly how to use the phrase "good girl," you’re in the right place.
The romance is fast-paced because, let’s be honest, when the dead start hunting in packs, you don't exactly have time for a slow burn.
Ready to trade the wedding lace for a hunting knife?
Amazon: https://geni.us/gildedrose
Ever had a wedding day go so bad you actually welcomed the zombie apocalypse?
My heroine, Dakota, has spent twenty-six years being the "perfect" everything—daughter, student, and sacrifice—all to save her family. Then there’s my hero, Julien. He’s the ex-military, lethal older brother of the groom who holds a grudge like it’s a full-time job.
Fair warning: This one gets heavy. We’re talking toxic family dynamics, the grief and loss of loved ones, and zombies that are way too smart for comfort. But amidst the rot, there is a lot of heat. If you’re a fan of grumpy protectors, forced proximity, and a hero who knows exactly how to use the phrase "good girl," you’re in the right place.
The romance is fast-paced because, let’s be honest, when the dead start hunting in packs, you don't exactly have time for a slow burn.
Ready to trade the wedding lace for a hunting knife?
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews