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10 Things I Hate About Zombies
Not yet published
Expected 10 Sep 26‘laugh-out-loud moments with plenty of zombie chaos…the banter was brilliant, the pacing never let up… I flew through it.’ Reader Review ★★★★★
‘Brilliant. It had me chuckling many, many times.’ Reader Review ★★★★★
When life takes an apocalyptic turn, Zoey and Nick find out if their love story can survive a little bite…
_______________
Smoothie shop owner Zoey has always had a thing for men with brains. So, when she meets the brilliant and stunningly handsome local mushroom farmer, Nick she’s instantly drawn to him.
Wanting a reason to call her new crush, Zoey enlists Nick help (and his mushrooms) with her latest brain-boosting smoothie recipe. Before long, they have a viral sensation on their hands.
Sparks fly as Zoey and Nick grow closer, but when the locals start behaving weirdly—with strange mumblings and a fondness for biting—they wonder just how viral the side effects might be for their brand-new drink.
Can they find an antidote to the zombie apocalypse they may have unwittingly started before everything falls apart… literally?
PRAISE FOR 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT ZOMBIES:
‘A must read if you like your apocalypse lighthearted, with plenty of cozy romcom chaos amidst the zombie shenanigans.’ Mira González, author of Strange Lights
‘Need more asap!.’ Reader Review ★★★★★
‘I was hooked!’ Reader Review ★★★★★
‘Blooming marvellous.’ Reader Review ★★★★★
‘Brilliant. It had me chuckling many, many times.’ Reader Review ★★★★★
When life takes an apocalyptic turn, Zoey and Nick find out if their love story can survive a little bite…
_______________
Smoothie shop owner Zoey has always had a thing for men with brains. So, when she meets the brilliant and stunningly handsome local mushroom farmer, Nick she’s instantly drawn to him.
Wanting a reason to call her new crush, Zoey enlists Nick help (and his mushrooms) with her latest brain-boosting smoothie recipe. Before long, they have a viral sensation on their hands.
Sparks fly as Zoey and Nick grow closer, but when the locals start behaving weirdly—with strange mumblings and a fondness for biting—they wonder just how viral the side effects might be for their brand-new drink.
Can they find an antidote to the zombie apocalypse they may have unwittingly started before everything falls apart… literally?
PRAISE FOR 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT ZOMBIES:
‘A must read if you like your apocalypse lighthearted, with plenty of cozy romcom chaos amidst the zombie shenanigans.’ Mira González, author of Strange Lights
‘Need more asap!.’ Reader Review ★★★★★
‘I was hooked!’ Reader Review ★★★★★
‘Blooming marvellous.’ Reader Review ★★★★★
- GenresRomance
Audible Audio
Expected publication September 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 9, 2026
Thank you to #NetGalley and the author for my e-ARC of this book! 📖
2.5/5 ⭐️
This book is a quirky comedy romance that features our main characters Zoey and Nick. I want to start with the definite positives of the book.
All the characters had defining characteristics and jobs that set them apart from each other, and the friendships seemed so genuine it was refreshing to read.
The plot of the book is definitely unique! I’ve never read a zombie rom-com before, especially not one that has such a unique cause and cure!
It was fun to read and very cutesy for a romance, and I appreciate maybe it was just not my vibe!
In my personal opinion, the amount of references per page was a bit excessive, and they could definitely be trimmed back as they felt a little like ads and stopped the natural flow of the book.
Additionally, the reliance on Portland being so quirky made it a bit too satirical for me - there’s strengths to the book so no need to rely on so much forced comedy!
My last point, for a zombie romcom there was little zombies until after 60% of the book, but it is a romance first, not an apocalypse story.
This is an enjoyable book and a must read for anyone looking for a quick romance, especially if you love an instant romance! 😁
2.5/5 ⭐️
This book is a quirky comedy romance that features our main characters Zoey and Nick. I want to start with the definite positives of the book.
All the characters had defining characteristics and jobs that set them apart from each other, and the friendships seemed so genuine it was refreshing to read.
The plot of the book is definitely unique! I’ve never read a zombie rom-com before, especially not one that has such a unique cause and cure!
It was fun to read and very cutesy for a romance, and I appreciate maybe it was just not my vibe!
In my personal opinion, the amount of references per page was a bit excessive, and they could definitely be trimmed back as they felt a little like ads and stopped the natural flow of the book.
Additionally, the reliance on Portland being so quirky made it a bit too satirical for me - there’s strengths to the book so no need to rely on so much forced comedy!
My last point, for a zombie romcom there was little zombies until after 60% of the book, but it is a romance first, not an apocalypse story.
This is an enjoyable book and a must read for anyone looking for a quick romance, especially if you love an instant romance! 😁
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
**The zombie apocalypse has arrived. Apparently, nobody is particularly worried about it.**
## ✶ PRE-READING ✶
A zombie romcom involving smoothies, mushroom farming and a farmer's market sounded like exactly the sort of ridiculous combination I was willing to give a chance.
I was expecting zombies, romance and probably a little chaos. What I got was considerably more romance than zombies—and honestly, I had a great time with it.
## ✶ POST-READING ✶
**As I thought...** this is much more of a romcom than a zombie story.
Even weeks into the outbreak, people are still debating whether they're actually dealing with zombies or simply a strange new health craze. There are some bites, and a few zombies apparently do buy brains to eat, but there aren't really coordinated attacks or the sense that everyone is about to be overrun.
Nobody seems particularly terrified.
Instead, the focus is firmly on Zoey and Nick: their banter, their increasingly complicated relationship, and the friends surrounding them.
And that works surprisingly well.
I loved the conversations between Zoey and Nick, and the whole friend group has that lovely feeling of people who are genuinely having fun together. The book is much more interested in **who these people are and how they fit together** than in making the zombie apocalypse frightening.
**It surprised me by...** how much I enjoyed the setting.
The story spends a lot of time around outdoor markets, which was an easy win for me, and the Portland setting gives everything a very specific atmosphere. I don't know Portland well enough to judge how accurately it's portrayed, but the descriptions certainly felt like they came from someone who knew the city.
There are also some wonderfully silly touches. Romero the stray cat is obviously named for George A. Romero, and the use of cordyceps mushrooms even gets a *The Last of Us* reference.
The result is less *28 Days Later* and more **“what if the apocalypse happened, but we were still going to the farmers' market and trying to work out whether the cute mushroom farmer likes us?”**
And honestly? I was perfectly happy with that.
If you're looking for a genuinely frightening zombie novel, this probably isn't it. But if you want a fun romantic comedy where the zombie outbreak is essentially an extremely inconvenient backdrop to falling in love, there's a lot to enjoy here.
## ✦ RECOMMENDATIONS ✦
**Book Recommendation:** *Warm Bodies* by Isaac Marion, for another story that takes the zombie premise somewhere considerably more romantic and surprisingly tender.
**TV or Movie Recommendation:** *Shaun of the Dead*. Not because the stories are particularly similar, but because both understand that you can have zombies, death and an apocalypse happening around you while the characters remain remarkably concerned with their ordinary lives and relationships.
## ✧ VIBE CHECK ✧
**A colour palette:** market-stall red, mushroom brown, leafy green and the bright colours of fresh fruit.
**A soundtrack:** upbeat indie pop, bicycles rattling past and plenty of conversational background noise.
**A season:** late summer, when farmers' markets are overflowing and nobody wants to admit autumn is coming.
**A mood:** flirtatious, funny, chaotic and cheerfully unconcerned about the apocalypse.
**A scent:** fresh coffee, ripe fruit, damp earth and mushrooms.
**A texture:** a canvas market bag stuffed with produce, warm from the afternoon sun.
## ★ TAROT CARD PULLED ★
**The Lovers.**
Not because this is simply a romance, but because The Lovers is about **connection and choice**.
At the heart of *10 Things I Hate About Zombies* is Zoey and Nick finding their way towards each other. The zombie outbreak provides complications, but the story is really interested in the choices they make, the way they communicate, and the people they become when they're together.
Sometimes the world ending is just another reason to work out who you want beside you when it does.
## ✦ THE TRUE QUESTION ✦
**Can you fall in love when the world is falling apart?**
Apparently, yes.
Especially if there's a farmers' market nearby.
## ✶ PRE-READING ✶
A zombie romcom involving smoothies, mushroom farming and a farmer's market sounded like exactly the sort of ridiculous combination I was willing to give a chance.
I was expecting zombies, romance and probably a little chaos. What I got was considerably more romance than zombies—and honestly, I had a great time with it.
## ✶ POST-READING ✶
**As I thought...** this is much more of a romcom than a zombie story.
Even weeks into the outbreak, people are still debating whether they're actually dealing with zombies or simply a strange new health craze. There are some bites, and a few zombies apparently do buy brains to eat, but there aren't really coordinated attacks or the sense that everyone is about to be overrun.
Nobody seems particularly terrified.
Instead, the focus is firmly on Zoey and Nick: their banter, their increasingly complicated relationship, and the friends surrounding them.
And that works surprisingly well.
I loved the conversations between Zoey and Nick, and the whole friend group has that lovely feeling of people who are genuinely having fun together. The book is much more interested in **who these people are and how they fit together** than in making the zombie apocalypse frightening.
**It surprised me by...** how much I enjoyed the setting.
The story spends a lot of time around outdoor markets, which was an easy win for me, and the Portland setting gives everything a very specific atmosphere. I don't know Portland well enough to judge how accurately it's portrayed, but the descriptions certainly felt like they came from someone who knew the city.
There are also some wonderfully silly touches. Romero the stray cat is obviously named for George A. Romero, and the use of cordyceps mushrooms even gets a *The Last of Us* reference.
The result is less *28 Days Later* and more **“what if the apocalypse happened, but we were still going to the farmers' market and trying to work out whether the cute mushroom farmer likes us?”**
And honestly? I was perfectly happy with that.
If you're looking for a genuinely frightening zombie novel, this probably isn't it. But if you want a fun romantic comedy where the zombie outbreak is essentially an extremely inconvenient backdrop to falling in love, there's a lot to enjoy here.
## ✦ RECOMMENDATIONS ✦
**Book Recommendation:** *Warm Bodies* by Isaac Marion, for another story that takes the zombie premise somewhere considerably more romantic and surprisingly tender.
**TV or Movie Recommendation:** *Shaun of the Dead*. Not because the stories are particularly similar, but because both understand that you can have zombies, death and an apocalypse happening around you while the characters remain remarkably concerned with their ordinary lives and relationships.
## ✧ VIBE CHECK ✧
**A colour palette:** market-stall red, mushroom brown, leafy green and the bright colours of fresh fruit.
**A soundtrack:** upbeat indie pop, bicycles rattling past and plenty of conversational background noise.
**A season:** late summer, when farmers' markets are overflowing and nobody wants to admit autumn is coming.
**A mood:** flirtatious, funny, chaotic and cheerfully unconcerned about the apocalypse.
**A scent:** fresh coffee, ripe fruit, damp earth and mushrooms.
**A texture:** a canvas market bag stuffed with produce, warm from the afternoon sun.
## ★ TAROT CARD PULLED ★
**The Lovers.**
Not because this is simply a romance, but because The Lovers is about **connection and choice**.
At the heart of *10 Things I Hate About Zombies* is Zoey and Nick finding their way towards each other. The zombie outbreak provides complications, but the story is really interested in the choices they make, the way they communicate, and the people they become when they're together.
Sometimes the world ending is just another reason to work out who you want beside you when it does.
## ✦ THE TRUE QUESTION ✦
**Can you fall in love when the world is falling apart?**
Apparently, yes.
Especially if there's a farmers' market nearby.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rated 4.5/5
Netgalley Review
Get yourselves ready for this light hearted, romantic, Zombie adventure. I would firstly like to thank the Publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. It was a Zombie adventure that I won't be forgetting in a hurry!
The author takes us on a journey using a light hearted, humorous writing style and fairly long chapters that allowed us to fully immerse ourselves before moving on to the next part of the story.
Each chapter had a fun title that related back to the main title of the book and gave us a hint as to what we were about to read next.
I particularly enjoyed how each chapter was also labelled with the character whose point of view we were reading from and had an accompanying little sketch of a Zombie hand.
There was a good flow between the chapters, despite hopping from one character's point of view to the other.
There was a good pace to the story, with something always going on to keep the story moving forward well. It was slowed down by the characters initially being in denial that people were being turned into Zombies. As the reader we had guessed what was going on a long time before the characters did, but it was interesting seeing them work it out for themselves.
The characters brought the fun and the romance. I loved how they all worked together to find out what was going on and all helped to solve the problem. There were a range of different personalities that all seemed to mesh well together to make this an interesting read.
Finally the settings. Whilst it was mainly a character focused story, there were some nice descriptions that grounded the story well. The setting of Portland helped to draw the story out, with the characters being in denial about a Zombie apocalypse because apparently people act differently there.
Overall an entertaining Zombie themed romance, perfect for cosy romance fans.
Netgalley Review
Get yourselves ready for this light hearted, romantic, Zombie adventure. I would firstly like to thank the Publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. It was a Zombie adventure that I won't be forgetting in a hurry!
The author takes us on a journey using a light hearted, humorous writing style and fairly long chapters that allowed us to fully immerse ourselves before moving on to the next part of the story.
Each chapter had a fun title that related back to the main title of the book and gave us a hint as to what we were about to read next.
I particularly enjoyed how each chapter was also labelled with the character whose point of view we were reading from and had an accompanying little sketch of a Zombie hand.
There was a good flow between the chapters, despite hopping from one character's point of view to the other.
There was a good pace to the story, with something always going on to keep the story moving forward well. It was slowed down by the characters initially being in denial that people were being turned into Zombies. As the reader we had guessed what was going on a long time before the characters did, but it was interesting seeing them work it out for themselves.
The characters brought the fun and the romance. I loved how they all worked together to find out what was going on and all helped to solve the problem. There were a range of different personalities that all seemed to mesh well together to make this an interesting read.
Finally the settings. Whilst it was mainly a character focused story, there were some nice descriptions that grounded the story well. The setting of Portland helped to draw the story out, with the characters being in denial about a Zombie apocalypse because apparently people act differently there.
Overall an entertaining Zombie themed romance, perfect for cosy romance fans.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First thing first- I LOVE this cover.
I went into this SUPER excited and immediately had my excitement shattered when I realized it’s written in 3rd POV (I unfortunately have a dreadful relationship with anything other than 1st). Usually I DNF 3rd POVs, however, the first chapter REALLY intrigued me and I decided to keep going.
This book is so fun and quirky, it’s truly a fun time. It leans romcom first (heavy on the com) and zombies second in regard to the plot. There were many moments when I literally LOL’d, even at the cheesiest of jokes. I did feel like the momentum started to decline and I lost a bit of interest halfway through as I was waiting for the zombie aspect to come to life (lol). I do wish we got more of the zombies sooner in the book but I did like that these zombies weren’t straight out of a horror movie.
My bad relationship with 3rd POV did make this somewhat difficult for me to dive deep into the story but I’m chalking that up to a me issue. I think this is partly why I found it hard to figure out the timeline and how long Zoey and Nick had known each other, especially with the whole matching tattoo situation- why are we getting matching tattoos and we’re not even official?? Or did I miss that?
Aside from that, the biggest thing that didn’t work for me were the TikTok, 67, and Skibidi Toilet references. It really took me out of the story and made me cringe a bit. The mentioning of the penny going out of production also took me out of the story. BUT I did LOVE the anti-AI references lol.
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for allowing me to read this early!
I went into this SUPER excited and immediately had my excitement shattered when I realized it’s written in 3rd POV (I unfortunately have a dreadful relationship with anything other than 1st). Usually I DNF 3rd POVs, however, the first chapter REALLY intrigued me and I decided to keep going.
This book is so fun and quirky, it’s truly a fun time. It leans romcom first (heavy on the com) and zombies second in regard to the plot. There were many moments when I literally LOL’d, even at the cheesiest of jokes. I did feel like the momentum started to decline and I lost a bit of interest halfway through as I was waiting for the zombie aspect to come to life (lol). I do wish we got more of the zombies sooner in the book but I did like that these zombies weren’t straight out of a horror movie.
My bad relationship with 3rd POV did make this somewhat difficult for me to dive deep into the story but I’m chalking that up to a me issue. I think this is partly why I found it hard to figure out the timeline and how long Zoey and Nick had known each other, especially with the whole matching tattoo situation- why are we getting matching tattoos and we’re not even official?? Or did I miss that?
Aside from that, the biggest thing that didn’t work for me were the TikTok, 67, and Skibidi Toilet references. It really took me out of the story and made me cringe a bit. The mentioning of the penny going out of production also took me out of the story. BUT I did LOVE the anti-AI references lol.
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for allowing me to read this early!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Net Galley for this ARC. The story is dual point of view and set in Portland. Zoey runs a smoothie shop that she took over after her friend/boss Maven passed way. She likes it, but is questioning running the shop and her role in it. Zoey has a meet cute with Nick, a mushroom farmer, at the farmer's market. Zoey buys his mushrooms for her smoothies, and they become a big hit. Zoey reaches out to Nick for more mushrooms and they become friends. As the smoothies become a hit, Zoey and Nick starts to notice the people having some strange side effects. Nick and Zoey continue to date and slowly fall in love. When a lot of people they know fall victim to the zombie side effects, Nick rally Zoey's friends to find a cure and get everybody back to normal. They help cure the zombies, commit to their relationship, start to run the farm together, and get their HEA. Overall, this was an amusing and engaging rom com. I liked Nick and Zoey as they had good chemistry and banter. I also liked Zoey's friends and Nick's family as they provided heart and humor to the story. I wish that the zombie storyline had played a bigger role as they don't really show up until about the 75% mark. Additionally, as someone who likes Portland and its quirky atmosphere, I think the hipster vibes were a little overplayed at times. I am rating this 3.5 stars, but I am rounded up to 4 as it was a good time and easy read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK, and Hazel Graves for letting me read this ARC!
Set in quirky Portland, Oregon where Zoey (owner of a smoothie shop) learns to let herself love again when she meets Nick (sexy lumberjack mushroom farmer) and his best girl, Alice (Australian cattle dog). Pretty slow paced but absolutely full of interesting characters, references, puns, and plenty of camp. Enjoyed the alternating PoV between Zoey and Nick, the colorful cast of hipsters, punks, and all varieties of weirdos (complimentary). There were tons of nods to old horror movies, childrens books (Frog and Toad), as well as lots of modern references. There were so many that I think a lot of them were lost on me, but the ones I did get hit gave me nostalgia in the best way. The dialogue between Nick and Zoey was full of sarcasm, wit, and good hearted teasing.
This is definitely a romance book foremost, and the zombie aspect takes a backseat. The zombie plot doesn't really kick in much at all until the last quarter of the book, but there is a bit foreshadowing here and there throughout. A couple of spicy scenes that aren't very explicit. If you like lots of humor, puns, and lighthearted and quirky reads, then you'll definitely enjoy this.
Set in quirky Portland, Oregon where Zoey (owner of a smoothie shop) learns to let herself love again when she meets Nick (sexy lumberjack mushroom farmer) and his best girl, Alice (Australian cattle dog). Pretty slow paced but absolutely full of interesting characters, references, puns, and plenty of camp. Enjoyed the alternating PoV between Zoey and Nick, the colorful cast of hipsters, punks, and all varieties of weirdos (complimentary). There were tons of nods to old horror movies, childrens books (Frog and Toad), as well as lots of modern references. There were so many that I think a lot of them were lost on me, but the ones I did get hit gave me nostalgia in the best way. The dialogue between Nick and Zoey was full of sarcasm, wit, and good hearted teasing.
This is definitely a romance book foremost, and the zombie aspect takes a backseat. The zombie plot doesn't really kick in much at all until the last quarter of the book, but there is a bit foreshadowing here and there throughout. A couple of spicy scenes that aren't very explicit. If you like lots of humor, puns, and lighthearted and quirky reads, then you'll definitely enjoy this.
June 7, 2026
Thank you to the author and Net Galley for this arc!
Zoey, our FMC, runs a smoothie shop in Portland. While working a festival, she meets cute mushroom farmer, Nick, and commissions him to help her create the best smoothie in Portland. When things start to go haywire and Zoey's customers start turning into zombies, can she and Nick save the day?
I gave this story 3.75 stars. The most refreshing part of this book was the minor details for every character Zoey and Nick come in contact with. We as the reader get a fun little tidbit about said character to make them stand out. Such as, there is a point where Zoey passes someone listening to an audiobook and we are even told which audiobook they're listening to. Each character has a lot of thought put into them, regardless of how minor, and that alone was very refreshing for a romcom. The only detail I didn't care for was the insta-love between Zory and Nick. Their story is sweet and funny, but it was very instantaneous. I'm not expecting a slow burn or a ton of back story with a romcom, but I was hoping for just a little bit more build up between them.
Overall, I really enjoyed this! This book was a great start to summer and I will read more from this author.
Zoey, our FMC, runs a smoothie shop in Portland. While working a festival, she meets cute mushroom farmer, Nick, and commissions him to help her create the best smoothie in Portland. When things start to go haywire and Zoey's customers start turning into zombies, can she and Nick save the day?
I gave this story 3.75 stars. The most refreshing part of this book was the minor details for every character Zoey and Nick come in contact with. We as the reader get a fun little tidbit about said character to make them stand out. Such as, there is a point where Zoey passes someone listening to an audiobook and we are even told which audiobook they're listening to. Each character has a lot of thought put into them, regardless of how minor, and that alone was very refreshing for a romcom. The only detail I didn't care for was the insta-love between Zory and Nick. Their story is sweet and funny, but it was very instantaneous. I'm not expecting a slow burn or a ton of back story with a romcom, but I was hoping for just a little bit more build up between them.
Overall, I really enjoyed this! This book was a great start to summer and I will read more from this author.
June 7, 2026
This book… if you’re looking for a cozy, zombie Rom-Com, this one is for you!! (I know, pretty niche but it’s such a fun book!!)
We start our story with our FMC, Zoey, who recently became the owner of a smoothie shop. What you need to know about Zoey: Zoey has a handful of roommates and recently got out of a bad relationship.
Cue the meet cute where she meets Nick at the farmers market. Nick is a very good looking, lumber jack type, who happens to own a little mushroom farm. Totally sweet right? Nothing bad could happen with this storyline, right?
WRONG!!
Because the mushrooms? They totally turn people into zombies. And Zoey has been serving them up in her new viral smoothie that the whole town has been drinking!
This book is very lighthearted and just slips the pinky toe into the horror genre. If you typically shy away from that, you might still really enjoy this book. It’s not graphic or gory, just good, clean, zombie fun!
Read this book if you like:
-Dual POV
-Partially stolen flowers for courting
-Excellent banter
-Low stakes, cozy, zombie fun
-Recipes for zombie smoothies
-Frog and Toad book references!!!
-Happily ever afters
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the e-ARC!
We start our story with our FMC, Zoey, who recently became the owner of a smoothie shop. What you need to know about Zoey: Zoey has a handful of roommates and recently got out of a bad relationship.
Cue the meet cute where she meets Nick at the farmers market. Nick is a very good looking, lumber jack type, who happens to own a little mushroom farm. Totally sweet right? Nothing bad could happen with this storyline, right?
WRONG!!
Because the mushrooms? They totally turn people into zombies. And Zoey has been serving them up in her new viral smoothie that the whole town has been drinking!
This book is very lighthearted and just slips the pinky toe into the horror genre. If you typically shy away from that, you might still really enjoy this book. It’s not graphic or gory, just good, clean, zombie fun!
Read this book if you like:
-Dual POV
-Partially stolen flowers for courting
-Excellent banter
-Low stakes, cozy, zombie fun
-Recipes for zombie smoothies
-Frog and Toad book references!!!
-Happily ever afters
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the e-ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
10 things I hated about this book:
1. I am halfway through and there are few zombies so far.
2. The author is neglecting to explain what little zombies there are so far, HALFWAY through the book.
3. The author is clearly British, using many British slang terms and spelling. This detracts from the authentic weird Portland vibe of the book, since the main character is not a transplant from England either.
4. Explain the mushrooms.
5. This book is taking too long to make a point.
6. Where are the zombies?
7. Seriously, halfway through the book with zero explanations and few zombies.
8. If you were hoping for your usual zombie faire, this isn't it.
9. The handsomeness of the mushroom guy is getting old. We get it, he's good looking. Stop talking about it ad nauseum.
10. Zoey's roommates need more explanation.
I picked up this book because the cover depicts it as a zombie fighting romance. There is some romance and few zombies. I liked all the quirky Portland stuff the author has come up with, especially the names of some of the fictional stores, but where are the zombies?
I have to give up. I have too much to read waiting for this book to improve.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC
1. I am halfway through and there are few zombies so far.
2. The author is neglecting to explain what little zombies there are so far, HALFWAY through the book.
3. The author is clearly British, using many British slang terms and spelling. This detracts from the authentic weird Portland vibe of the book, since the main character is not a transplant from England either.
4. Explain the mushrooms.
5. This book is taking too long to make a point.
6. Where are the zombies?
7. Seriously, halfway through the book with zero explanations and few zombies.
8. If you were hoping for your usual zombie faire, this isn't it.
9. The handsomeness of the mushroom guy is getting old. We get it, he's good looking. Stop talking about it ad nauseum.
10. Zoey's roommates need more explanation.
I picked up this book because the cover depicts it as a zombie fighting romance. There is some romance and few zombies. I liked all the quirky Portland stuff the author has come up with, especially the names of some of the fictional stores, but where are the zombies?
I have to give up. I have too much to read waiting for this book to improve.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have read all of Hazel Graves' books thus far, but sadly this one was not my favourite.
Smoothies and mushrooms galore this one reads more like a romance (which is totally fine if that's what you're after) with very little zombie action until right at the end, and even then it felt too easy and a bit rushed to get to the happy ever after.
I loved the throwbacks to previous books, and I liked some of the quirkier residents of the small Portland town, but neither Zoey or Nick particularly shone for me in terms of character growth or any real sense of personality other than happy-go-lucky smoothie shop owner and muscly, attractive mushroom farmer.
The witty banter was there at points as with the author's other books, but this time around I found the main characters to be a bit cheesy and lacklustre overall.
The pacing for me just wasn't there, the zombies took a back step where I was hoping for more horror vibes and some higher stakes.
I am hoping perhaps for vampires to be featuring in the next book and another return for Reba and Gracie would be awesome.
Even though I didn't love this book, I am still very much looking forward to more from this author.
Smoothies and mushrooms galore this one reads more like a romance (which is totally fine if that's what you're after) with very little zombie action until right at the end, and even then it felt too easy and a bit rushed to get to the happy ever after.
I loved the throwbacks to previous books, and I liked some of the quirkier residents of the small Portland town, but neither Zoey or Nick particularly shone for me in terms of character growth or any real sense of personality other than happy-go-lucky smoothie shop owner and muscly, attractive mushroom farmer.
The witty banter was there at points as with the author's other books, but this time around I found the main characters to be a bit cheesy and lacklustre overall.
The pacing for me just wasn't there, the zombies took a back step where I was hoping for more horror vibes and some higher stakes.
I am hoping perhaps for vampires to be featuring in the next book and another return for Reba and Gracie would be awesome.
Even though I didn't love this book, I am still very much looking forward to more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
★★★★☆
I picked up 10 Things I Hate About Zombies expecting a bit of cheesy undead mayhem, and it certainly delivered on that front. Hazel Graves has clearly had a lot of fun with the premise, and thankfully that enjoyment is infectious.
The story is packed with witty observations, amusing characters, and enough zombie-related chaos to keep things moving at a decent pace. There were several moments that genuinely made me laugh out loud, which is no small achievement when most of the cast are trying not to become lunch.
The reason it’s four stars rather than five is that a few sections felt a little predictable, and some of the jokes landed better than others. That said, it’s a thoroughly entertaining read that doesn’t take itself too seriously and is all the better for it.
If you enjoy quirky humour, zombies, and the occasional bit of ridiculousness, this is well worth adding to your reading pile. Just don’t read it whilst eating a snack—you may suddenly find yourself questioning whether brains are really on the menu after all.
I picked up 10 Things I Hate About Zombies expecting a bit of cheesy undead mayhem, and it certainly delivered on that front. Hazel Graves has clearly had a lot of fun with the premise, and thankfully that enjoyment is infectious.
The story is packed with witty observations, amusing characters, and enough zombie-related chaos to keep things moving at a decent pace. There were several moments that genuinely made me laugh out loud, which is no small achievement when most of the cast are trying not to become lunch.
The reason it’s four stars rather than five is that a few sections felt a little predictable, and some of the jokes landed better than others. That said, it’s a thoroughly entertaining read that doesn’t take itself too seriously and is all the better for it.
If you enjoy quirky humour, zombies, and the occasional bit of ridiculousness, this is well worth adding to your reading pile. Just don’t read it whilst eating a snack—you may suddenly find yourself questioning whether brains are really on the menu after all.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.5 rounded up
I would rather eat my own eyeballs than drink a mushroom smoothie….
This was a quick, fun read but it was kind of all over the place. I could have really stopped reading after seeing someone named TERIFFANY but I kept going because the idea of a zombie rom com really scratches an itch for me. I just wish this book was more about the zombies or about the rom com. It seemed to try to be talking about everything but. We spend several pages getting a haircut. And even more pages talking about the mushroom smoothie recipes. We’re talking about the FMCs friends and their relationships. This isn’t super long and we spend a good amount of time avoiding the main plot of the story. I could take or leave this one it’s pretty forgettable. If you’re from the area it’s set in maybe this will resonate more with you with all the references but I don’t think it’ll hit for everyone. This just needed a little more focus to be a banger.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I would rather eat my own eyeballs than drink a mushroom smoothie….
This was a quick, fun read but it was kind of all over the place. I could have really stopped reading after seeing someone named TERIFFANY but I kept going because the idea of a zombie rom com really scratches an itch for me. I just wish this book was more about the zombies or about the rom com. It seemed to try to be talking about everything but. We spend several pages getting a haircut. And even more pages talking about the mushroom smoothie recipes. We’re talking about the FMCs friends and their relationships. This isn’t super long and we spend a good amount of time avoiding the main plot of the story. I could take or leave this one it’s pretty forgettable. If you’re from the area it’s set in maybe this will resonate more with you with all the references but I don’t think it’ll hit for everyone. This just needed a little more focus to be a banger.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2026
ARC review - with thanks to Avon Books UK
Nick was a great MMC and I liked the connection between him and Zoey but it was surprising that the romance was the main plot with the zombies seemingly an afterthought. I found myself enjoying the chapters of realisation and delivering the cure but there wasn’t enough of this.
Alice, the dog, was my favourite character. Everyone else was trying too hard and I genuinely was going to not finish if I had to read about another cartwheel, I used the search function to check how many more were in the book and I’d luckily read the last one. Zoey had a ‘I’m not like other girls’ personality that made it difficult to enjoy her chapters.
Unfortunately, the writing was extremely juvenile and contained pop culture references every other sentence. I struggled with the flow in some chapters and frequently didn’t know how much time had passed. If parodying zombie movies and character exaggerations were done correctly, this would have been a great read. This is probably a fun, quick-paced book for the right audience.
Nick was a great MMC and I liked the connection between him and Zoey but it was surprising that the romance was the main plot with the zombies seemingly an afterthought. I found myself enjoying the chapters of realisation and delivering the cure but there wasn’t enough of this.
Alice, the dog, was my favourite character. Everyone else was trying too hard and I genuinely was going to not finish if I had to read about another cartwheel, I used the search function to check how many more were in the book and I’d luckily read the last one. Zoey had a ‘I’m not like other girls’ personality that made it difficult to enjoy her chapters.
Unfortunately, the writing was extremely juvenile and contained pop culture references every other sentence. I struggled with the flow in some chapters and frequently didn’t know how much time had passed. If parodying zombie movies and character exaggerations were done correctly, this would have been a great read. This is probably a fun, quick-paced book for the right audience.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a 3.5-4 star read for me! Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC, it was a fun little read especially as it took a twist on a romance book.
Think zombie apocalypse but make it cutesie. Zoey and Nick meet at the local market, at which Nick is selling his mushrooms specifically the special orange ones that catch Zoey's eye right away. Zoey owns a smoothie shop and creates a new one based on the mushrooms. The smoothie is super popular from the start on but they quickly realize, not everything seems like they think and now they have a bigger issue than Zoey's struggle of accepting help on their hands.
This is a fun read but be aware that the main focus is still the romance plot, not the zombies. The zombies are basically a sidequest.
Besides a beautiful lovestory, we get offered a variety of fun side characters that come with their own personality traits that just make you feel like you're part of a big friendship group.
All in all, i would recommend this 100%!
Think zombie apocalypse but make it cutesie. Zoey and Nick meet at the local market, at which Nick is selling his mushrooms specifically the special orange ones that catch Zoey's eye right away. Zoey owns a smoothie shop and creates a new one based on the mushrooms. The smoothie is super popular from the start on but they quickly realize, not everything seems like they think and now they have a bigger issue than Zoey's struggle of accepting help on their hands.
This is a fun read but be aware that the main focus is still the romance plot, not the zombies. The zombies are basically a sidequest.
Besides a beautiful lovestory, we get offered a variety of fun side characters that come with their own personality traits that just make you feel like you're part of a big friendship group.
All in all, i would recommend this 100%!
May 13, 2026
A smoothie shop owner meets a mushroom farmer at a farmers market. Zoey buys mushrooms from Nick who just recently bought a mushroom farm. Said mushrooms are growing in a certain area if it’s probably that have been struck by lightning not once but twice. These particular mushrooms have certain zombie like side effects and hilarity and Sue. Fun, laugh out loud, romcom with a full cast of characters that I wouldn’t have any trouble picturing in Portland, Oregon. Look should come with a disclaimer that says: No zombies were harmed in the writing of this book.
This is not a dystopian romance. This is a cute take on an impending zombie apocalypse.
This is not a dystopian romance. This is a cute take on an impending zombie apocalypse.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Zoey runs the local smoothie shop in town. A man named Nick moves into town and has an abundant supply of mushrooms. You can throw those into smoothies, right? Except everyone starts acting kind of strange after the menu change.
I don't think I've ever see a book manage to mention somewhat relevant memes from TikTok. It was impressive and cringe at the same time 🤣
This book was insanely fun and I've honestly never read anything like it. I felt like Zoey and Nick had a great connection and I loved watching them try and solve their smoothie problems. Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book!
I don't think I've ever see a book manage to mention somewhat relevant memes from TikTok. It was impressive and cringe at the same time 🤣
This book was insanely fun and I've honestly never read anything like it. I felt like Zoey and Nick had a great connection and I loved watching them try and solve their smoothie problems. Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a pretty fun and easy to read book. Zoey who runs the smoothie shop in town after inheriting it from a friend who passed away buys some weird mushrooms from Nick, who sells them and the smoothies become a hit when she blends them, but it comes with a catch...turning people into brain-craving zombies. This book was fast-paced, funny, used so many current memes and trends, etc from social media and today's culture...I usually enjoy more serious reads, but I found this to be a great book to relax with, take the edge off of things, and just relax...even found it a bit cozy with the romance and zombies.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I think this over the top cringy.
The jokes were a bit too much and so random. It came to a point where I felt these were just being vomited on me at every page.
In terms of characters, they were a bit one dimensional. The romance just came out of nowhere, I mean I get the love at first sight concept, but I felt there could maybe be more genuine growth? And also, who talks like that? This was a hallmark comedy of sorts. Very, very weird indeed.
I also wished there was more zombie survival than backstory, though looking at it that way, was a bit of fresh air.
The jokes were a bit too much and so random. It came to a point where I felt these were just being vomited on me at every page.
In terms of characters, they were a bit one dimensional. The romance just came out of nowhere, I mean I get the love at first sight concept, but I felt there could maybe be more genuine growth? And also, who talks like that? This was a hallmark comedy of sorts. Very, very weird indeed.
I also wished there was more zombie survival than backstory, though looking at it that way, was a bit of fresh air.
May 21, 2026
I enjoyed the premise behind this book. The plot didn’t go where I thought it was, and that’s okay! There were times when I laughed out loud!
That being said, I felt like the author was trying a little too hard to throw in every current trend and phrase, almost to the point of being distracting to the book. It sort of freezes this book in this time period we’re currently in, and won’t age well as those trends fall off.
Overall it was an enjoyable read, it was a quick read, but fell a little short overall.
That being said, I felt like the author was trying a little too hard to throw in every current trend and phrase, almost to the point of being distracting to the book. It sort of freezes this book in this time period we’re currently in, and won’t age well as those trends fall off.
Overall it was an enjoyable read, it was a quick read, but fell a little short overall.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book had me hooked from the start. I LOVED it. I love good banter between the FMC and MMC and it was so great in this book. I'm knocking off a star for trying too hard to be set in Portland. There were too many Portland references. Maybe it's because I am born and raised just outside of Portland so I get ALL of the references, but it just felt like it was too much. I will definitely check out more by Hazel in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2026
10 Things I Hate About Zombies by Hazel Graves is such a fun, fast-paced read that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It mixes humor, romance, and a little chaos in a way that kept things entertaining the whole time for me. The characters are easy to like, especially Zoey—her sarcastic personality really makes the story stand out. It was such lighthearted vibe and I loved it. If you’re in the mood for something quirky, a little dramatic, and super easy to binge, this is definitely a good pick!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a cute, fun read and if you like your books with humour and a little chaos then then this one is for you!
I liked the relationship between Zoe and Nick they had great chemistry and banter, I liked the jokes. This was a good little twist on your normal romance although there wasn’t really much zombie action until the last part of the book really and it was over with quite quickly!
I did enjoy overall, it was fast paced and funny but would have liked more zombies!
I liked the relationship between Zoe and Nick they had great chemistry and banter, I liked the jokes. This was a good little twist on your normal romance although there wasn’t really much zombie action until the last part of the book really and it was over with quite quickly!
I did enjoy overall, it was fast paced and funny but would have liked more zombies!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon books for the chance to read and review this book.
A cozy zombie story that makes for a quick read. I liked the humour and romance between the two protagonists, They are very cute together. Also I really liked the dog. I do wish there was more zombie action though but I get that it’s supposed to be cozy. I love the cover, it definitely drew my eye.
I would recommend this book for people who like fast romance stories with an unusual aspect.
A cozy zombie story that makes for a quick read. I liked the humour and romance between the two protagonists, They are very cute together. Also I really liked the dog. I do wish there was more zombie action though but I get that it’s supposed to be cozy. I love the cover, it definitely drew my eye.
I would recommend this book for people who like fast romance stories with an unusual aspect.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A fun, quirky rom-com with zombies, chaos, and plenty of laughs! I loved the unique premise and the chemistry between Zoey and Nick. It was lighthearted, entertaining, and definitely not your typical zombie story. If you’re looking for something cute, funny, and a little ridiculous, this one is worth checking out! 🧟♀️💕
Thank you to Avon for the arc!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A fun, quirky rom-com with zombies, chaos, and plenty of laughs! I loved the unique premise and the chemistry between Zoey and Nick. It was lighthearted, entertaining, and definitely not your typical zombie story. If you’re looking for something cute, funny, and a little ridiculous, this one is worth checking out! 🧟♀️💕
Thank you to Avon for the arc!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
For a book about zombies… where was the zombies? I thought it was going to be a lat of us fanfic but it was just repetitive , boring and weird. I just couldnt enjoy this at all
Thank you for NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review
Thank you for NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A romcom set in an accidental zombie apocalypse. Sign me up!!
This books was funny and ott in all the best ways!! I laughed the whole way through this book.
Our FMC who owns a smoothie shop one day meets a mushroom farmer (our MMC) and his dog who supplies her some bright orange mushrooms for her smoothies.
The smoothies go viral and soon after customers start acting in strange ways!! Stumbling through the streets and muttering about brains!!
Cue absolute chaos while the two fall in love!
This is rammed full of pop culture references, crazy antics and a sweet romance.
If you want a palette cleanser that will leave you giggling, this will do it!!
Thanks to AvonBooks UK for the arc to review
This books was funny and ott in all the best ways!! I laughed the whole way through this book.
Our FMC who owns a smoothie shop one day meets a mushroom farmer (our MMC) and his dog who supplies her some bright orange mushrooms for her smoothies.
The smoothies go viral and soon after customers start acting in strange ways!! Stumbling through the streets and muttering about brains!!
Cue absolute chaos while the two fall in love!
This is rammed full of pop culture references, crazy antics and a sweet romance.
If you want a palette cleanser that will leave you giggling, this will do it!!
Thanks to AvonBooks UK for the arc to review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is clearly written for the terminally online.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley & Avon Books for the arc but unfortunately I DNF it at 30%
Sorry to say but this book wasn’t for me I found the pacing very slow and the writing was to YA.
June 21, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the author for an ARC. This was the quirkiest book I’ve ever had the chance to read, and it is completely full of pop culture references. The idea of a zombie mini-apocalypse in Portland resulting from mushroom smoothies was as hilariously absurd and well executed. Exactly what you’d expect from the title.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was a fun, quirky rom-com with just the right amount of zombie chaos. I really enjoyed the lighthearted humour, puns, and the unusual premise of smoothies causing a zombie outbreak. Zoey and Nick were sweet together, though I did wish their connection had a little more depth and that I felt more invested in them as a couple. The pacing was a bit slow for me at times, and the plot took a while to really get going, but the humor and absurdity made it a pretty enjoyable read overall. It definitely feels like a light, turn-your-brain-off kind of book, and I mean that in the best way. Still, it was charming, funny, and had a fun premise.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK for the ARC!
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