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A Zombie Apocalypse Love Story #4
The Key to Survival
After finding her fiancé in a compromising position, Jane heads to a private island resort in Key West to clear her head. There she meets Austin, six years younger than she is and the exact opposite of her fiancé in every way, he seems like the perfect prescription to cure her heartbreak. But everything changes when the virus that had previously only been a minor nuisance morphs into a full-blown epidemic. Four miles from the mainland and surrounded by ocean, Austin and Jane believe they’re safe from what’s happening in the world, but a virus knows no borders, and it isn’t long before other guests start coming down with the illness.
Zombie isn’t a word that anyone likes to throw around, but it’s the only explanation the couple can think of when one of the other hotel guests tries to eat Austin’s face off. As things go from bad to worse and Jane leans on Austin more and more, she soon finds herself wondering if her little trip to Florida wasn’t just the key to her survival, but also the key to finding a man who will love her the way she deserves.
Novella
39,000 words
Zombie isn’t a word that anyone likes to throw around, but it’s the only explanation the couple can think of when one of the other hotel guests tries to eat Austin’s face off. As things go from bad to worse and Jane leans on Austin more and more, she soon finds herself wondering if her little trip to Florida wasn’t just the key to her survival, but also the key to finding a man who will love her the way she deserves.
Novella
39,000 words
137 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2017
38 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Kate L. Mary
88 books794 followersI'm a mom of four, Air Force wife, and author of adult and young adult dystopian, post-apocalyptic, and science fiction. I love intense world building and character driven stories that feature strong female leads - as well as a side of romance - and any end of the world scenario. Zombies, aliens, a distant future where people have no clue how the world ended in the first place, you name it, I will create a story there!
Having lived in a lot of different places after more than a decade as an Air Force wife, I love setting my books in cities I've actually lived in to give them authenticity. I've resided in: Indiana, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, and Oklahoma but am currently back in my home state of Ohio where I live with my husband, four kids, two dogs, and three cats.
When I'm not writing, you can find me by my pool (in the summer), getting lost in some binge-worthy show or at a play with my husband, patronizing one of the great restaurants in my small town of Troy, Ohio with my family, or traveling. I want to see everything and make a point of visiting a new place every year!
Some of my favorite books are The Hunger Games, Pride and Prejudice, The Host, and The Stand. My favorite movies are Aliens, Jaws, Signs, Say Anything, Everything Everywhere All At Once, and The Greatest Showman.
Awards:
Outliers
Winner in the 2018 Kindle Books Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction
B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree
Finalist in the 2018 Wishing Shelf Book Awards For Adult Fiction
Top 10 Finalist in the Author Academy Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction
Cover Finalist in the 2019 RONE Awards from InD'tale Magazine
When We Were Human
2015 Children's Moonbeam Awards Silver Medal winner for Young Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi Fiction
2016 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner for Young Adult Science Fiction
Tribe of Daughters
Winner in the 2020 RONE Awards for Time Travel/Science Fiction
Bronze Medal Winner in the 2019 Readers' Favorite Book Awards for Science Fiction
Honorable Mention in the 2018 SPR Book Awards
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateLMaryauthor
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kate-...
Website: http://KateLMary.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zombieautho...
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Kate-L.-Mary/e...
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kate-L.-Mary...
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Having lived in a lot of different places after more than a decade as an Air Force wife, I love setting my books in cities I've actually lived in to give them authenticity. I've resided in: Indiana, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, and Oklahoma but am currently back in my home state of Ohio where I live with my husband, four kids, two dogs, and three cats.
When I'm not writing, you can find me by my pool (in the summer), getting lost in some binge-worthy show or at a play with my husband, patronizing one of the great restaurants in my small town of Troy, Ohio with my family, or traveling. I want to see everything and make a point of visiting a new place every year!
Some of my favorite books are The Hunger Games, Pride and Prejudice, The Host, and The Stand. My favorite movies are Aliens, Jaws, Signs, Say Anything, Everything Everywhere All At Once, and The Greatest Showman.
Awards:
Outliers
Winner in the 2018 Kindle Books Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction
B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree
Finalist in the 2018 Wishing Shelf Book Awards For Adult Fiction
Top 10 Finalist in the Author Academy Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction
Cover Finalist in the 2019 RONE Awards from InD'tale Magazine
When We Were Human
2015 Children's Moonbeam Awards Silver Medal winner for Young Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi Fiction
2016 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner for Young Adult Science Fiction
Tribe of Daughters
Winner in the 2020 RONE Awards for Time Travel/Science Fiction
Bronze Medal Winner in the 2019 Readers' Favorite Book Awards for Science Fiction
Honorable Mention in the 2018 SPR Book Awards
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateLMaryauthor
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kate-...
Website: http://KateLMary.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zombieautho...
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Kate-L.-Mary/e...
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kate-L.-Mary...
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 12, 2018
I stayed up late reading a few books by Mary the other night, this being one of them. Now while I did enjoy THE KEY TO SURVIVAL, there was one or two things that sat wrong with me. But not much for me to hate the story. I just hated that one of the characters was pressured into doing something that I don’t feel they were comfortable with. I cannot really fault anyone for it, because in the end, it did lead to that character being more open. Not only with themselves, but with everyone.
THE KEY TO SURVIVAL, like the others in this novella series, was packed full of zombie action, romance and apocalyptic goodness. 4 Stars!
THE KEY TO SURVIVAL, like the others in this novella series, was packed full of zombie action, romance and apocalyptic goodness. 4 Stars!
March 21, 2017
Zombies and an island. Oh yes.
Read in one sitting. Just enough romance, intrigue and running for your life.
Read in one sitting. Just enough romance, intrigue and running for your life.
February 23, 2017
So my binge read of this series is almost over. I'm on the last that has been released and pretty excited about this one. It take place on an island and I'm really interested by what's going to happen.
Jane was awesome. I'm so glad she opened up to Austin and let him show her love. Even though she went through some bad stuff she still preserved.
Austin was a sweetheart. There not much more I can say about him. I love that he stayed in the island and that something sparked with him and Jane.
This one had a more taboo feel to it. Older heroine, younger Hero. It wasn't a huge age gap, only 6 years or so, but I still like age gaps.
This has to be my favorite so far. We get a look at before the virus happened (well, before everyone was dead) and get to see a character navigate this world when she had no
Idea what was happening. This author is not going to be on my intense watch list because I can't wait to see what else is going to happens. She has another long series but I'm not sure if I want to invest in such a long series right now, not i will be keeping a watch!
Overall I really enjoyed this one. It seemed shorter then the others, but I think it was be clause I was so sucked in with the characters. I loved that the plot was different and I even got sad at times. I can't wait for more of the novella from this series!!! 4.5 stars #2OCCJD
Jane was awesome. I'm so glad she opened up to Austin and let him show her love. Even though she went through some bad stuff she still preserved.
Austin was a sweetheart. There not much more I can say about him. I love that he stayed in the island and that something sparked with him and Jane.
This one had a more taboo feel to it. Older heroine, younger Hero. It wasn't a huge age gap, only 6 years or so, but I still like age gaps.
This has to be my favorite so far. We get a look at before the virus happened (well, before everyone was dead) and get to see a character navigate this world when she had no
Idea what was happening. This author is not going to be on my intense watch list because I can't wait to see what else is going to happens. She has another long series but I'm not sure if I want to invest in such a long series right now, not i will be keeping a watch!
Overall I really enjoyed this one. It seemed shorter then the others, but I think it was be clause I was so sucked in with the characters. I loved that the plot was different and I even got sad at times. I can't wait for more of the novella from this series!!! 4.5 stars #2OCCJD
February 19, 2017
It's been a really long time since a book has kept me up well pass midnight. I loved this story. This is my favorite one from the zombie apocalypse love story novellas. The story line sucked me in right away, and kept me there till the last page.
May 16, 2020
Unique scenario for a bug out location. I liked it. I just felt like it ended abruptly. This is why I dislike novellas.
July 18, 2025
’Siempre me han gustado las chicas rudas de las películas de terror. Apuesto a que te veías increíble eliminando a ese zombi.’
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.
The Key to Survival de Kate L. Mary Serie Zombie Apocalypse Love Story libro 4
Argumento:
¿Te apetece un poco de calor en tu apocalipsis? Repletas de supervivencia apocalíptica y romance apasionado, ¡las novelas cortas de amor sobre apocalipsis zombi te encantarán! ¡Consigue las nueve ahora y sumérgete en un romance apocalíptica!
Tras encontrar a su prometido en una situación comprometedora, Jane se dirige a un resort en una isla privada de Cayo Hueso para despejarse. Allí conoce a Austin, seis años menor y todo lo contrario a su prometido en todos los sentidos; parece la receta perfecta para curar su desamor.
Pero todo cambia cuando el virus, que antes solo había sido una molestia menor, se transforma en una epidemia a gran escala. A cinco kilómetros de tierra firme y rodeados por el océano, Austin y Jane creen estar a salvo de lo que ocurre en el mundo, pero un virus no conoce fronteras, y no pasa mucho tiempo antes de que otros huéspedes empiecen a contraer la enfermedad.
Mi humilde opinión:
Romance postapocalíptico, durante un virus, zombis, proximidad forzada, diferencia de edad, ella 27 y él 21, de extraños a amantes.
Me hizo reír mucho la escena cuando Jane le tira el jarrón, regalo de su futura suegra, por la cabeza a Kevin y la mujer con la que la estaba engañando, en su cama encima! Estuvieron juntos por once años juntos, desde muy jóvenes, faltaban cuatro días para la boda y la engaña con otra mujer? el tipo era un desgraciado! Y los mensajes que le dejó pidiéndole disculpas? “sabes que yo no te haría esto”? pero sí Kevin, lo hiciste, la engañaste! Y la otra mujer interrumpía en el fondo mientras él daba explicaciones diciendo todo lo contrario a él, WTF!? Jane, mujer inteligente, no le cree y termina con él yéndose a un resort en Miami, su destino de luna de miel, donde escucha las noticias sobre el virus que rápidamente se convirtió en una epidemia. A pesar de que los huéspedes enloquecen con volver a casa, ella no le da importancia, se queda en la isla porque es justo lo que necesita para aclarar su cabeza. Ella esta enojada y decepcionada con su ex prometido y allí comienza a darse cuenta de las fallas en su relación que no quería ver. Semanas ensimismada en su propio drama no se enteró que el virus esta matando gente. Con Austin, un joven que conoció al llegar y al que encuentra atractivo, descubre lo que el virus le hace a la gente y enfrentan los primeros zombis que vieron en su vida.
Las perdidas de familiares y amigos los acerca, y Jane ve una esperanza para el futuro pero con Austin, más joven que ella, una persona humilde y buena, generosa y cariñosa , todo lo opuesto a su ex prometido. Pero resulta que Kevin esta vivo y en camino a la isla. Me pregunté que haría Jane cuando llegara y la verdad me pareció que todo se manejo de una forma adulta, no hubo conflictos, solo aceptación de que esa relación había terminado o terminado mucho antes de decidir casarse.
Esta fue una historia diferente, sucede en el resort en una isla, fue bastante entretenida con acción, suspenso, drama, pasión y obviamente muchos zombis!
September 28, 2019
I’ve listened to several of Ms. Mary’s books and have enjoyed them all. It’s short stories like this that make me wish there were longer version if the reader/listener were interested. How Ms. Mary can write lots of post-apocalyptic stories and have them all unique from each other is WOW!
I think the narrator did a good job. I liked how natural her speaking voice was, and the variety of voices made it easy to tell who was who. The only downside was that for the majority of the book, she sounded like she was too far from the microphone. Strangely, it was chapter seven in which she sounded even further away, but then it went back to “normal.”
Questions/Comments:
I couldn’t help but notice that the author seemed to mention Austin’s long hair and tattoos a lot. Was it just me? Like whenever Jane was thinking of him or looking at him, it was always his long hair and tattoos.
When Jane found out that her family and friends were all dead, the way the story was written kind of made it seem like Jane didn’t really care. Like I didn’t feel the emotion from the character or narrator that told me she was upset or devasted by the news, other than the author writing that Jane was upset or sad. It just came across as being more of a nonchalant kind of situation.
I’m not familiar with how an island gets electricity and water. If they need to take a boat to the island, it would have to have its own source of both, correct? I’m just wondering how that part worked, who was running it, etc., if them to still have both months after the world ends.
I received this free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I think the narrator did a good job. I liked how natural her speaking voice was, and the variety of voices made it easy to tell who was who. The only downside was that for the majority of the book, she sounded like she was too far from the microphone. Strangely, it was chapter seven in which she sounded even further away, but then it went back to “normal.”
Questions/Comments:
I couldn’t help but notice that the author seemed to mention Austin’s long hair and tattoos a lot. Was it just me? Like whenever Jane was thinking of him or looking at him, it was always his long hair and tattoos.
When Jane found out that her family and friends were all dead, the way the story was written kind of made it seem like Jane didn’t really care. Like I didn’t feel the emotion from the character or narrator that told me she was upset or devasted by the news, other than the author writing that Jane was upset or sad. It just came across as being more of a nonchalant kind of situation.
I’m not familiar with how an island gets electricity and water. If they need to take a boat to the island, it would have to have its own source of both, correct? I’m just wondering how that part worked, who was running it, etc., if them to still have both months after the world ends.
I received this free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2020
I received this book via a promo code and this is my voluntary review. This is book 4 of the Kate L Mary Zombie love stories that accompany her Broken World series, and it did not disappoint. Jane has had a rough couple of days, catching her fiance Kevin screwing someone else in her bed 4 days before their wedding is the reason she'd been drinking steadily in her bungalow hideout in Florida, dodging calls from her parents and loved ones back in Maryland. Her radio silence has the worst possible timing because by the time hunky bartender Austin convinces her to dry out and check in with her parents... they are in the middle of a viral outbreak (not Covid19 but a zombie apocalypse wouldn't surprise me at this point) the Government finally declared martial law, and an encounter with one of the infected on the island has her entertaining all kind of wild theories.... the main one being that she and Austin have found themselves secluded on an island in the middle of a reality plot wilder than that a Hadley Lucas movie Zombie World. Her ex-fiance is making his way to the island from DC, but Jane's growing connection with Austin has her thinking that he may be the real key to her future.
April 17, 2020
Fun, quick, zombie romance read. Jane finds her fiancé cheating a week before their wedding, so she rushes off alone to her honeymoon on an island and doesn't communicate with anyone back home for weeks. She's in a booze haze, when the news starts reporting more and more mysterious deaths. Turns out zombies are on the loose! Luckily, there's a hot, slightly younger guy that she connects with, but there's also still the cheater ex-fiancé who she was with for 11 years, so Jane is unsure about what she wants for her life. Austin was a good guy to be stranded with during a zombie apocalypse; some sweet and sexy times. For the most part, the story is entertaining and I liked the characters. The ending is okay, but as with other Mary books, I would've liked more to the ending. This series is fun because the reader gets a glimpse into how different characters contend with the zombies. I've enjoyed each book I've read in this series so far.
I listened to this story on Audible. The narrator did a good job; she fit the characters well.
I listened to this story on Audible. The narrator did a good job; she fit the characters well.
April 23, 2020
A short novella from Kate on finding oneself all over again. In the opening chapters of a virus-inspired apocalypse, Jane discovers that her eleven-year relationship with her fiancé is over. Utilizing the prepared honeymoon tickets, she heads out to the private island resort in Key West to recover. Here she meets Austin, a younger man, good looking, and excellent company. The virus on the mainland is out of control with the death toll mounting. Many visitors on the island paradise flee back to the mainland in panic. Jane and Austin form a bond of friendship and survival as the virus crosses the waters, making itself known on the island. This is a story of two strangers coming together in a crisis, depending on each other for survival. Will there be time or even the opportunity for love? Another great story! I look forward to the rest of the series. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
April 17, 2018
Fantastic!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the characters the story line everything. I think the only thing that would have made it better (at least for me) is by book 4 watching each new couple or character learn about the zombies became monotonous. Since each book was it's own and didn't tie together other then the apocalypse I understand, but it was frustrating at times. Even so amazing story and I was engaged throughout.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the characters the story line everything. I think the only thing that would have made it better (at least for me) is by book 4 watching each new couple or character learn about the zombies became monotonous. Since each book was it's own and didn't tie together other then the apocalypse I understand, but it was frustrating at times. Even so amazing story and I was engaged throughout.
April 19, 2018
Loved
I loved this book! This book is the fourth in Kate L. Mary’s zombie apocalypse love story series and takes place at the very beginning of the apocalypse. It was really interesting to see how things played out that early in the outbreak. I’m especially enjoying the different looks from all around the country that this series has provided. Austin and Jane were fabulous together. This novella contained so much desperation and then hope that I wish it had kept going!
I loved this book! This book is the fourth in Kate L. Mary’s zombie apocalypse love story series and takes place at the very beginning of the apocalypse. It was really interesting to see how things played out that early in the outbreak. I’m especially enjoying the different looks from all around the country that this series has provided. Austin and Jane were fabulous together. This novella contained so much desperation and then hope that I wish it had kept going!
April 13, 2021
The Key to Survival (A Zombie Apocalypse Love Story #4) was a good read by Kate L. Mary. Jane heads to a private island in Key West to clear her head after finding her fiancé in a compromising position. She then meets Austin, who is the exact opposite of her fiancé. Everything changes when a virus that turns into a full blown epidemic. They believe there safe until Zombie's start invading them too. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more by the author.
November 5, 2018
Wish there was more!
Love this author. I only wish there was more story to read. I was just getting to know the characters.
Would be nice to see what happened to the others in the story. A fast but good read!
Love this author. I only wish there was more story to read. I was just getting to know the characters.
Would be nice to see what happened to the others in the story. A fast but good read!
January 19, 2020
Great short story.
I’ve recently discovered this author and I’m slowly making my way through her book. I love romance, sexy times and zombie books so this book was a great short story.
I’ve recently discovered this author and I’m slowly making my way through her book. I love romance, sexy times and zombie books so this book was a great short story.
April 19, 2020
Short, sweat and zombies! Love Kate L. Mary books. I love her take on the apocalypse while other authors focus on the gore she focuses on the relationships that can develop in a time of chaos and unknowing.
April 15, 2021
Crazy good!!
This was a very interesting story!! These are all a little funny, romantic and sad at the same time!! I like how each one is totally different and filled with some steamy romance!!
This was a very interesting story!! These are all a little funny, romantic and sad at the same time!! I like how each one is totally different and filled with some steamy romance!!
October 24, 2024
Decent zombie romance
I liked the romance aspect of the book but it didn't really have many zombies in it. I loved how the plot played out. All in all it was well written and easy to follow.
I liked the romance aspect of the book but it didn't really have many zombies in it. I loved how the plot played out. All in all it was well written and easy to follow.
November 15, 2024
these feel as if full novel than a short story
A lot of information, packed in a short story. Great character development and story building. These keep getting better looking forward to next book
A lot of information, packed in a short story. Great character development and story building. These keep getting better looking forward to next book
April 29, 2018
Trapped
Zombie apocalypse happens and the last place you want to be is inland. A great story about love, zombies and survival. Loved it, younger man older woman finally!
Zombie apocalypse happens and the last place you want to be is inland. A great story about love, zombies and survival. Loved it, younger man older woman finally!
August 28, 2019
When your heart is broken by your fiance - what better place to hide out days than the Florida Keys. When the Zombie Apoc comes and you find yourself and find a little romance too.
April 8, 2023
good
Jane walks in on her fiancé having sex with his ex. Jane flees to an island off Florida. Read how she survives finds love in a zombie apocalypse
Jane walks in on her fiancé having sex with his ex. Jane flees to an island off Florida. Read how she survives finds love in a zombie apocalypse
March 22, 2017
Zombie island
Second installment in the zombie serials.. This one is Jane and Austin this one is based when the breakout happens so you actually see zombies in this one which I liked alot. Short cute zombie reads
Second installment in the zombie serials.. This one is Jane and Austin this one is based when the breakout happens so you actually see zombies in this one which I liked alot. Short cute zombie reads
May 1, 2017
I enjoyed this novella set in the Broken World universe.I liked that the author created new characters and their experiences during the breakdown of society.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews