Capturing Joy

Apocalypse Joy #1

by Jackie Oliver

Zombies. Survival. Love?

As far as Joy was concerned a day at the spa with her spoiled sister-in-law, Grace, was as bad as things could get…
That was before the nail tech turned into a zombie while Joy’s feet were in the pedicure tub.

The zombies are only the beginning of what Joy will face as she races to get to her brother on a military base in Florida. Just as she gets a grip on how to survive, a run-in with a group of armed survivors leaves her starting over.

Questions form as fast as relationships as she seeks safety in the arms of people more dangerous than the zombies. Is it possible to find love in a world where monsters are real and not all of them are zombies?

Genres: Zombies, Romance, Post Apocalyptic, Young Adult, Dystopia

220 pages, ebook

Published April 6, 2020

About the author

Jackie Oliver lives in a small town with her husband and hoard of little angels. She loves to dream up stories with high drama and a tasty triangle or two. Growing up on a diet of romance and horror gave her a unique desire to write about love amid chaos. Her debut, Capturing Joy - A Zombie Apocalypse Romance, blends all of the elements she loves most.

Reviews

[Rain · Rating 1 out of 5]

**1.25** This story needs some serious work on plot and character development. The cover says it’s ‘romance’ but it really isn’t.

The books starts off so good but it quickly goes downhill. Seventeen-year-old Joy flees the city in her jeep full of survival gear and runs into some kind of super secret military group? I don’t even know. She goes from being a badass to a simpering child the instant she’s with this group. The dialog is so embarrassingly childish and confusing. Here’s an example:

“It’s been...” How long? Two nights and one day. Shouting. This was what being his woman meant. “Less than two days since you put a gun to my temple.” Dial it back. You still need him.

She’s been with this group two days and one of the military men tells her he wants her. There are two fade-to-black scenes later in the book with a different military man, I don’t even know why. I believe the plot was just as bewildered as I was.

I think the author was trying to go for a type of ‘mysterious’ feel, but it felt like Joy was on drugs the entire story. There are multiple conspiracies going around, with men telling her she can’t trust anyone, but not why. It made zero sense. This book is one big convoluted partial conversation after another.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm still very confused about my feelings on this book. Mostly it was a good read and I finished it, so there's that. But I feel like it was a little creepy in the romance area. You have this 17 year old girl that finds two mature (I'm assuming older), battle hardened soldiers, that both fall instantly in love with her, though there really isn't much romance between either of them as couples. Or even much time spent together. It feels more like a very young girls imagination of what might be a scenario if she were a little older. Kind of like how every girl wants to be special, and when she walks into the room all the men turn and fall in love with her, while essentially turning their backs on the "mean girls." Just for the fact that she can jump from one man to the other so easily makes her character seem very superficial. For the record, she did turn 18 before anything happened in her relationships, but still... They went from calling her kiddo, to calling her sweetheart. It was just a little too creepy for me. But the actual plot and action is what kept me coming back. I felt like it could have been an amazing story. It just needs some work on the character building.

[Dena · Rating 4 out of 5]

truth will set you free

This was intense to say the least. A naive girl ends up with a military convoy and at first wants to survive. I thought that was the hard part but really it’s navigating who is friendly and who is not. I’m confused about the relationship part of this story because of the complication of feelings and not knowing backgrounds on the guys. I hope to find out more about Peter because I don’t think Jot knows who her brother is.

[Bill Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not one of my usual types of book but it turned out to be an easy and fun read. I was continually surprised by the twists in the story which kept me turning the pages. Seventeen year old Joy wants to reach her brother but there is danger everywhere from Zombies. Almost as dangerous are her fellow surviving humans! Joy is attracted to more than one tough soldier, who is providing protection but there is also a traitor in their midst and no one can be fully trusted. A good mix of action and romance, this was a good start to a series I shall continue to read.

[Nikki Landis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that I love all things zombie and post-apocalyptic so when I saw this book I had to give it a read. Surprisingly, this is the author's first release and I was happy to find a story that was intriguing and a little different from the norm.

A young girl finds herself in a crazy, unpredictable, and dangerous situation when zombies are unleashed and survival becomes the number one priority in her life. Joy's choices, mistakes, feelings, and confusion were believable. Her love interests were odd but so was the whole situation which only added to the tension and uncertainty she lived with every day. I'm wanting more about Sarge and Badden for sure.

Would have loved to see more zombie action and romantic encounters but I did find the story enjoyable. Lots of questions still left at the end even with a few answers given that lead nicely into the next book.

[S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

You tease me for nothing.


SPOILER ALERT!!!!

This was a DNF for me NOT because there was anything wrong with the writing, because the writing was on par with others of its genre. I just hated the main character. The first couple of pages I was hooked she sounded like my kind of kickass chick I wanted to ride with at the end of the world ..and then all of a sudden she changes into the complete opposite. Now she’s more interested in finding out if the hot guy is really into her like wtf. And then all of sudden she gets with the other guy 0.5 seconds after meeting him with zero lead up zero chemistry urgh just no.

[Gordon Bickerstaff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zombie romance with unexpected twists

This is a YA monster and zombie romance story. Zombies are only the beginning of what teenager Joy will face as she races to get to her brother on a military base in Florida. Just as she gets a grip on how to survive, a run-in with a group of armed survivors leaves her starting over. The characters are well developed, entertaining, and engaging. The epic journey moves along with good pace, suspense, romance, plenty of unexpected twists, adventures, and suspense.

[Kayla Krantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zombie Apocalypse and romance are not phrases you hear going together very often but in the case of "Capturing Joy" they worked perfectly together. I loved the delicate blend of both and macabre scenes dotted throughout the story. It really appeals to all sorts of readers for that balance alone.

The characters are very realistic. Seeing how they're survivors in a world out to destroy them, each of them is mysterious and withdrawn for their own reasons. I liked being kept on my toes and not being able to guess what they would do next.

[Koalathebear Koalathebear · Rating 1 out of 5]

I ordinarily love post apocalyptic novels but the protagonist in this was thoroughly unsympathetic ... the character development non-existent and the romance was some sort of bizarre love triangle/pyramid/strange geometric shape. And yes I'm well-accustomed to the overused Mary Sue / every single man the female meets is madly in love with her trope ..

I won't be reading anymore in the series unfortunately. Very disappointed as the positive reviews had made me very hopeful ...

[Joshua Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and thrilling zombie apocalypse story

I thoroughly enjoyed this one! I love all things apocalyptic and zombies, so this story was a joy to read and wonderfully written. The story revolves around Joy and and her sister in law Grace as they are getting pampered at a spa when the techs get sick and turn into zombies. Joy does her best to keep them safe and survive because Grace seems oblivious, at first, to their fire situation. Joy receives a garbled phone call from her brother Peter trying to warn them, which adds an extra layer to the story. Joy ends up with a group of survivors that is mixed with military and civilians, but things aren't what they appear to be as more secrets unravel before Joy. As if her life can't get more complicated.There's plenty of drama, action, witty banter and several surprising twists that will keep you turning the pages just to see how it plays out! I highly recommend this one!

[A.A. Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

COMING OF AGE WITH ZOMBIES

Joy and her older brother, Peter, are survivors. Orphaned 5 years ago, their bond is strong despite 17-yearold Joy's irritation with the restrictions imposed on her by her brother. Still, when the zombie apocalypse starts, she's glad Peter taught her about guns.

He didn't teach her about guys, though. Picked up by a military unit, she travels with them through zombie-infested cities and swamps, hoping to reach Peter's base. As she starts to fall in love with an older soldier, the question is: how will this end?

Jackie Oliver, mistress of suspense, keeps us guessing until the final chapter. Although I enjoyed the end, I can't wait to read the sequel.

[Maggie Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance mixed with zombies makes this a very interesting read.
What I liked about this story is the fact that it isn't like any other zombie book I've read. In fact, I found it more entertaining. I loved the characters, especially Joy, the main protagonist. At 17 years of age, she ventures out to search for her brother, Peter. Her brother's wife, Grace, accompanies her. Little did they know that when they stopped on the way to get their hair and nails done, what fate had in store for them. The hair stylist and manicurist began to change into zombies.
Escaping a fate worse than death, they gradually make their way in a Jeep, hoping they will find Peter.
This is the part where I found it hard to put the book down. No spoilers.
Although there is a follow up, this book reads well as a standalone.
5 stars from this happy reader

[Trudie Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was a pleasant surprise. Given the subject matter I expected your run of the mill kill zombies or be killed. While that is the general storyline, and that is how it starts out, there is so much more to this book. The mystery hooks you in and keeps you reading. Who are these people Joy had fallen in with? Will she be allowed to leave? What is their mission? Who are the good guys? Who are the bad guys? The questions go on and on and not all are answered. I was so eager to find out what happens next, I found myself speed reading. I will have to go back and reread this at a slower pace, just to make sure I didn’t miss anything.

I can’t wait to get my hands on book 2.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A zombie apocalyptic romance? Okay, I'll give it a try. It sounds different. I'm glad I did. You'll also get thriller-like suspense. It's all from Joy's perspective, so you don't know those she can trust, and those she can't. One thing is certain: someone's a traitor, and Joy's life is in danger. Young, sassy Joy attracts the tough men. But you're not certain if any of their emotions toward her are real. Plenty of action, without a lot of unnecessary gore. The end ties up Joy's quest, but leaves enough unanswered questions to keep you looking forward to the next book in the series.

[T.N. Traynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally gripping

I was glued to this book from the first page. Confusing love in the middle of the end of the world, killing blood fear chase relax repeat! Joy is a fabulous character, loved how she started the apocalyptic times with bleaching foils in her hair! Also liked how she was smart and quickly learnt how to survive. Love interest from two hard to read men, phew as if staying alive wasn’t hard enough 😂 really great book.

[Diane Garner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very different

Wow, that is a little different than what I used to, but the difference is pretty cool. Zombies, guns, men in uniform, romance, an excellent supply of action are all you need. Right?

The main character started out strong, then somehow got smacked with the face with the hormones. Not sure if I didn't like her because she was a teen or just indecisive. This not a negative thing. The more she got under my skin, the more I enjoyed the book.

[David Boiani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance in a zombie apocalypse...

If you are looking for another version of The Walking Dead, this isn’t for you. The zombies play second fiddle as the romances are what the story is truly about. Having said that, the zombies and battles with opposing soldiers were just enough of a diversion to keep the story fresh. If you enjoy apocalyptic love stories this is the perfect book for you.

[Hila Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love romantic suspense and couldn’t put the book down ones it started and I have to say I was surprised – don’t want to give spoilers but didn’t expect that ending. I am certainly buying the second book. Zombies and the uncertainty who Joy can trust got me hooked as well.

[C.A. King · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good disaster brings people together-- why not a zombie apocalypse! I love the premise, the characters and the writing! An excellent read

[Aya Blackwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

This was a pretty good book. The universe exists in the zombie apocalypse, but the zombies are kind of extras in the whole story.
I liked a lot of aspects but there are some things that I didn't like and one thing in particular that gave me some ick.

Sometimes the writing was difficult to follow because many things were being addressed in a conversation that lasted 1 or 2 paragraphs and Joy's thoughts were plentiful I feel like a good 40% of the book was spent in her thoughts which sometimes happend between spoken sentences but where not differentiated from any other writing. They weren't in italics or separated from conversation.

I also didn't like how Joy was strong and determined when she was alone, but when she found the group, she acted like a 12 year old girl who couldn't pour her own milk without a breakdown

The biggest issue I have is Joy is a week away from turning 18, yet 2 fully grown soldiers demand her attention in a romantic sense. One a Sargeant and the other his next in line. And they are very possessive and aggressive in a non hot way. I feel like yeah it's the apocalypse and yes Joy has had a rough life and experiences that caused her to have to grow up fast but she acts like a child and in many cases they infantalize her to the point that it would put her in danger. They won't answer her questions and want her to wear dresses and not carry a gun though she is a decent shot and obey without question in the ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE. No thank you.

Salt water level fade to black spice that doesn't happen until the day she turns 18.

I might read the next because it ends on a kind of cliffhanger and I hate those also I have OCD and not finishing a series kinda makes me feel nauseous

[TP · Rating 1 out of 5]

The writing style can be improved, it doesn’t really flow while reading. The choppy and short sentences are disruptive and make it almost impossible and very hard to imagine the world and thoughts. At times it feels like the character is on drugs, with her racing and yet short and fleeing thoughts. It robs the book of its substance.

When it comes to the characters, I am missing the authenticity, despite the main females background and upbringing, I still would have liked to have her struggle a bit more mentally over the reality of zombies and not a 1 min freakout and puff she rolls with the flow. It is simply not realistic in my book. She is this insecure but taking charge individual at first to be suddenly reduced to an insecure submissive little girl a few pages later. No structure and concept or depth when it comes to the characters. They are inconsistent, depending on which way the author wants the plot to go.

And then there is the fact that the plot makes no sense most of the time. Jumping from one threat to the other, confusing and irritating. And that is practically how the whole book is build. The short sentences, ruin the reading flow and let’s the characters look like Imbeciles that have a speaking problem. The immature thought processes of the character don’t help. The sparse world building and confusing plot leads to a catastrophic attempt of a book, I really wanted to like because of an interesting storyline at first. But it isn’t worth anyones time, sorry

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story (I have the box set trilogy) about a teenage girl caught up in suddenly changing world - a virus-releasing zombies.

The writing style was excellent and the story was a little different from the usual in this genre. Joy was a brilliant character - strong, determined, kind - well-developed and suited the plot (as did all the characters). There was romance entwined in the story but related to the surroundings.

It was fast-paced with a great sense of place and had plenty of action and twists and turns. I liked how thoughts and feelings interspersed between the action and the thread of humour.

Engaging from beginning to end.

Highly recommended.

[Andra Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not into the whole zombie apocalypse thing. However, Capturing Joy has an unexpected love story. This story is definitely in the YA realm. Most certainly, the romance between a 17-year-old and the soldiers who fell for her would raise eyebrows. Perhaps in the middle of a zombie invasion, not so much. I am still going back and forth on the romance element. It feels creepy.

Aside from the romance elements, there are plenty of twists, action, suspense, and drama to keep you engaged. It is an entertaining read.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zombie romance

I’ve been in a zombie mood romance mood lately and I’ve read a few different books about this all really good! This one… idk it had its moments of ok this is getting good! The first half was great lots of action until Joy gets to camp, things then take a turn. Zombies are barely mentioned it turns into a love triangle and when you think ok here we go the seggs scenes are super PG.. let down.

[Gina Lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this book off really enjoying the MC, Joy and her brothers fiancé. I also liked the beginning of her entry into the camp.

Unfortunately, I felt a bit of whip lash between Joy's changes in love interests, but all in all I enjoyed this book.

[Athena Que Será, Será · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tags: age-gaaap, betrayal, cruel-cruel-hero, dystopian-post-apocalyptic, love-triangle, older-hero-younger-heroine, om_drama, ow-drama, read, scarred-hero, slowburn, teen-heroine-barely-legal, zombie-scifi-survival

[Andrea Mena]

Good zombie read

I enjoyed the mix of a good story line along with zombies. I grew to like a lot of the characters though I did not always agree with their decisions

[Jess · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book has just left me feeling really confused