What Remains: A steamy sapphic post-apocalyptic love story

by Calluna Rae

813 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2026

Reviews

[Ally W · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!.! I'm not normally a big reader but I did a beta read on this book and I have never been more drawn into a book! The romance, spice, suspense, and drama had me craving more with every page I read.

[Sammi B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devoured this in a day! A great sapphic, post apocalyptic read! The characters have a ton of depth to them, so naturally there’s points where they get on your nerves. Mac is exactly what you’d expect from a brooding, protective fmc. Harper is a great foil to that with her being more anxious and caring- I do wish we got to see some of her as the camp nurse in action rather than just a brief mention. Harper and Mac as a relationship is complex- the yearning, the spice, and the forces keeping it at bay was well done. Side characters are important and well developed, not just there for the hell of it. They all contributed to the plot in one way or another. While the premise (zombies, surviving in a compound) isn’t anything new, the author really put a new spin on it and made it her own. I’m excited to see how it will continue to develop in a unique way, and what the rotters will get up to. I really appreciated that the biggest issue in this zombie apocalypse is the people still living, and not just the danger they face. It showed the complexities of community, power, and living instead of surviving. I also really loved the found family aspect! The one thing i was not a fan of was the ending- a cliffhanger- but that’s a me problem. It is a great set up to there being a sequel, I just hate waiting.

Spice 4🌶️- very descriptive, in depth scenes (if you’re looking for strap, you’ll find it don’t worry)

Because it is a self publish there are some minor spelling/format errors! Looking past those, it was a great read overall.

(Review also posted on Amazon and fable)

[Lorie Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

What Remains Page turner

I couldn’t put this book down. I kept reading well into the early hours. There are a few editing errors, hence 4 stars instead of 5. I’m not sure if this is the author’s first book, but wow if it is, just wow. Can’t wait for the follow up book.
I loved both characters, they were flawed and frustrating as most humans are lol, but I was always rooting for them. If you love apocalyptic stories, with sapphic MC’s then this ticks the boxes.

[Ashley Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

What Remains was such a compelling post-apocalyptic story. The story follows Mac, the protector of a small town who is forced to make difficult decisions to keep everyone safe. When a new family arrives, the dynamic of the community begins to shift, and Mac finds herself struggling to balance her responsibilities with her growing feelings for Harper. As outside threats and tensions build, both the town and their relationship are put to the test.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The survival aspects kept me invested, but it was the characters and their relationships that really made the story stand out. I loved watching Mac navigate impossible choices while trying to protect the people she cares about. The emotional stakes felt just as high as the physical dangers, and I found myself completely immersed in the story. And that ending! The cliffhanger left me desperate to know what happens next, and I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

literally loved everything but the cliffhanger

Authors, I beg you. If there is one warning you’re going to put in a book, please for the love of God tell me there is going to be a cliffhanger and I will wait to read it until the next book is out.

The book itself is absolutely amazing but I’m incredibly annoyed by the cliffhanger to write a better review

[mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

book 2 when?! i gotta know what happens!

[Alex L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoy this read, the characters are so real and relatable. The spice was GREAT and the book is so well detailed. I felt drawn in the entire read!