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Moonshine: A Post-Apocalyptic Romance
When I started college in Seattle, I expected that I would change. What I didn’t expect was that I would change into someone starving, filthy, and prone to sleeping tangled in blackberry bushes to protect myself from predators of the animal and human variety.No one knows why the lights went out. One minute there was Instagram and ice cream and the next, nothing. Black. Darkness absolute.There was power rumored in the east, settlements with wind energy that were still thriving amidst the chaos. I fled the west coast with a small group, chasing a sliver of hope. That hope was quickly snuffed out, leaving me all alone in the world.Until I wasn’t alone. They found me deep in the forest. I ran and they gave chase. Death was on my heel when I landed at the feet of an unwilling savior. With a cabin, a farm, and a lifetime of survival skills, Joshua was the perfect companion for the apocalypse. If only he wanted companionship.It’s hard to earn his trust and even harder to keep it. At a glance, he seems to be nothing more than an off-kilter backwoods prepper with a grudge against humanity. The longer I look, the more I begin to see the man behind the harsh words and unkempt beard.As reluctant as he is to keep me, Joshua just might need me. After all, no one survives the end of the world alone.Moonshine is a slow burn new adult romance in a dystopian/end of the world setting. It is not a closed-door romance, but it is not considered a spicy book. Sensitive readers should be mindful of mature themes and check the trigger warnings before Chapter 1.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2020
334 people are currently reading
2046 people want to read
About the author
Kat Bostick
4 books51 followersWriter, sometimes poet, and plant whisperer. Kat has always believed in magic, if only the kind that flies from fingertip to keyboard and then onto paper, enchanting a reader and giving them a brief respite from the mundane world.
Author of Hunter's Moon
Author of Hunter's Moon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
January 23, 2022
2.5 stars. If this hero got paid every time he asked the heroine "what's wrong with you", he'd be richer than Zuckerberg — one of his key personality traits too.
I tried to find a negative review for this book that captures the story's weak points, so I could let it go and not write a review myself (savvy bitch that I am), but all I came across were the complaints about Olivia (h) and her irrelevant first-world problems and I thought huh? that's the worst you can? 🤕
So here we go:
Although Olivia is not one of my favorite heroines, far from it, I wouldn't say that the book's major issue was her adamant refusal to eat meat after having been starved for days. In the post-apocalyptic world, her vegetarian status might seem stupid, irrelevant and even bratty to many. Her survival skills indeed suck and I have no idea how she had been surviving on her own for almost half a year. Let's call it a miracle.
Nonetheless, her attitude can be easily explained: people often stick to old habits and cling to the things that once constituted normalcy to them. That's one of the coping mechanisms we have at our disposal and to put many unpalatable labels on her just because her psyche dealt with "the end of the world" in a less logical and effective manner than readers expected? That's a simplistic approach.
I guess that part where she denied being fed with meat triggered a lot of starving meat-lovers out there. ✊🏻
That being said, Olivia is also one of the least consistent characters I've ever come across. We are led to believe that the girl doesn't trust anyone after witnessing the ugly forms human behavior might take when challenged by harsh ordeals in the wake of "apocalypse" (not to offend the author, but the cause behind it is a little too forced). Nonetheless, in the second part of the book, she's way more gullible and trusts mere strangers who gave her exactly zero reasons to. The character development that made no sense whatsoever.
I love books and films that feature apocalyptic world because they have a perfect setting for what I generally seek in books: conflict, displays of human nature from unexpected angles, thrilling sensation of danger and adventures to name a few.
This book lacked the aforementioned.
I kid you not, half of this book the heroine and her "hero" (metaphorically and literally) spend in his cabin, and I would love to say that this part focused on their slowly developing feelings and building sparkling chemistry, but it was quite simply... flavorless. Their daily routine was so insipid, I started skimming pages early on, even if the writing itself was surprisingly good.
Occasionally I enjoy reading a slow-burn romance, yet there wasn't much of that either (in a classical sense at least), if we don't count incessant staring contests and short dialogues (I guess long lines would make Joshua look less grumpy in our eyes, sure thing) with not much essence to them as the epitome of slow-burn.
Joshua is a classical grumpy hero with a charm of shit on a stick. I was amused by his "are you stupid, woman?" glares and his trademark "what the hell is wrong with you?" question before it rapidly got repetitive and tiresome. I don't agree with people who said he deserved better. He didn't. 😗 Please, buy yourself personality first. I swear his dog is a more fleshed-out character than this guy.
As far as the "action" is concerned, the story literally doesn't have any. I kept hoping that once they leave their goddamn shelter of a farm for the city, things will get "edgier". They don't. IT'S THE FUCKING END OF THE WORLD, WHERE'S THE BLOOD GALORE, CANNIBALISM, THE FEAR OF BEING EATEN ALIVE? 🥺👉🏻👈🏻
Paired with bland romance, the story looks pretty (I want to use bland, flavorless and insipid so bad just one more time) bad from my vantage point.
Honestly, the only thing that kept my attention glued to the screen was the writing. But the charm evaporated soon. A book can't stand on a single pillar.
I tried to find a negative review for this book that captures the story's weak points, so I could let it go and not write a review myself (savvy bitch that I am), but all I came across were the complaints about Olivia (h) and her irrelevant first-world problems and I thought huh? that's the worst you can? 🤕
So here we go:
Although Olivia is not one of my favorite heroines, far from it, I wouldn't say that the book's major issue was her adamant refusal to eat meat after having been starved for days. In the post-apocalyptic world, her vegetarian status might seem stupid, irrelevant and even bratty to many. Her survival skills indeed suck and I have no idea how she had been surviving on her own for almost half a year. Let's call it a miracle.
Nonetheless, her attitude can be easily explained: people often stick to old habits and cling to the things that once constituted normalcy to them. That's one of the coping mechanisms we have at our disposal and to put many unpalatable labels on her just because her psyche dealt with "the end of the world" in a less logical and effective manner than readers expected? That's a simplistic approach.
I guess that part where she denied being fed with meat triggered a lot of starving meat-lovers out there. ✊🏻
That being said, Olivia is also one of the least consistent characters I've ever come across. We are led to believe that the girl doesn't trust anyone after witnessing the ugly forms human behavior might take when challenged by harsh ordeals in the wake of "apocalypse" (not to offend the author, but the cause behind it is a little too forced). Nonetheless, in the second part of the book, she's way more gullible and trusts mere strangers who gave her exactly zero reasons to. The character development that made no sense whatsoever.
I love books and films that feature apocalyptic world because they have a perfect setting for what I generally seek in books: conflict, displays of human nature from unexpected angles, thrilling sensation of danger and adventures to name a few.
This book lacked the aforementioned.
I kid you not, half of this book the heroine and her "hero" (metaphorically and literally) spend in his cabin, and I would love to say that this part focused on their slowly developing feelings and building sparkling chemistry, but it was quite simply... flavorless. Their daily routine was so insipid, I started skimming pages early on, even if the writing itself was surprisingly good.
Occasionally I enjoy reading a slow-burn romance, yet there wasn't much of that either (in a classical sense at least), if we don't count incessant staring contests and short dialogues (I guess long lines would make Joshua look less grumpy in our eyes, sure thing) with not much essence to them as the epitome of slow-burn.
Joshua is a classical grumpy hero with a charm of shit on a stick. I was amused by his "are you stupid, woman?" glares and his trademark "what the hell is wrong with you?" question before it rapidly got repetitive and tiresome. I don't agree with people who said he deserved better. He didn't. 😗 Please, buy yourself personality first. I swear his dog is a more fleshed-out character than this guy.
As far as the "action" is concerned, the story literally doesn't have any. I kept hoping that once they leave their goddamn shelter of a farm for the city, things will get "edgier". They don't. IT'S THE FUCKING END OF THE WORLD, WHERE'S THE BLOOD GALORE, CANNIBALISM, THE FEAR OF BEING EATEN ALIVE? 🥺👉🏻👈🏻
Paired with bland romance, the story looks pretty (I want to use bland, flavorless and insipid so bad just one more time) bad from my vantage point.
Honestly, the only thing that kept my attention glued to the screen was the writing. But the charm evaporated soon. A book can't stand on a single pillar.
December 8, 2021
it’s giving christian girl apocalypse
February 23, 2025
This cover isn’t the best, but this book is so beautiful and great. I’m thinking about our world…
August 19, 2021
A really great story ruined by a terrible character. Liv is an embarrassment. There is no realistic way she would survive as long as she did. I cringed at how bubble brained and useless she was, not even knowing the sun rises in the east? Come on!!
It’s absolutely stupid that she would refuse meat because she’s a vegetarian. This dumbass was near death a few pages back because of starvation and yet she refuses hot cooked food. Not buying it, I don’t know why the author thought this was good character development. She sounds like a teenager half the time and is just as insufferable. Huge disappointment as I love post-apocalyptic fiction. I really wanted to enjoy this more but it makes me angry to see the potential for a strong female lead thrown away. Liv is one giant stereotype of women not being able to take care of themselves and I hate that.
The male lead is much better but that makes me all the more frustrated that he ends up stuck with such an idiot.
It’s absolutely stupid that she would refuse meat because she’s a vegetarian. This dumbass was near death a few pages back because of starvation and yet she refuses hot cooked food. Not buying it, I don’t know why the author thought this was good character development. She sounds like a teenager half the time and is just as insufferable. Huge disappointment as I love post-apocalyptic fiction. I really wanted to enjoy this more but it makes me angry to see the potential for a strong female lead thrown away. Liv is one giant stereotype of women not being able to take care of themselves and I hate that.
The male lead is much better but that makes me all the more frustrated that he ends up stuck with such an idiot.
November 16, 2020
‘Moonshine’ is the sophomore novel of indie novelist Kat Bostick. After being introduced to her with her debut release, 'Hunter's Moon', which I absolutely adored for her creative storytelling, innovative characters and ability to set an immerseful tone and mood with the writing style, I was excited when it was announced that her follow-up would be a post-apocalyptic romance piece. And as expected, the author did another remarkable job keeping me on my toes. The vibrant relationship between the characters, the compelling storyline that grabs you by the throat, and character development were some of the few strengths of this novel.
When it comes to the character aspect of this read, the first few chapters I was not a fan of our heroine, Liv. After being rescued by her 'Amish/redneck/farmer' savior, Joshua, she seemed selfish and ungrateful when offered food ('I'm a vegetarian', really? It's the end of the world and you're worried about killing/saving animals?), upset when not provided undergarments after bathing (Honey, it's the apocalypse. Do you honestly think he has an extra pair of panties laying around for you in a one bedroom home in the middle of nowhere?), expressing her displeasement when offered reusable feminine products that she didn't prefer (*eyeroll*), rash decision making and rude as she would at times snap and make sarcastic remarks towards him even without being probed. After everything that was done for her by someone who didn't have an obligation to help her, it left a bad taste in my mouth. Her treatment towards Joshua at times was uncalled for, she lacked maturity and was too naive for my liking, and the fact that she was so adamant in remaining a pacifist and vegetarian in a post apocalyptic world was mind-boggling. How was she a survivalist? Everyone knows that if you want to survive, which she did for five months (how the fuck, I'm still piecing it together) prior to meeting Joshua, you need to push aside your beliefs to do what you have to do to pull through another day. I was really hoping she would somewhat redeem herself during the course of my read but unfortunately she didn't.
Joshua on the other hand was the complete opposite. I may have been a bit bias (sue me!) but I loved the brooding hero. He was hot and cold, short tempered and emotionally unavailable but there was a subtle warmth behind his farmer like persona that could easily be missed if you were not looking closely enough. On top of that, there were reasons behind his questionable actions and despite living a somewhat sheltered life, he still opened his home to the heroine whom in my opinion didn't deserve it. Joshua speaks thoroughly with his actions and would be described as a man with a few words but that all changes the moment he meets his 'little squirrel', Liv. As the sassy heroine steps into his world, he finds it more than difficult to deal with his bubbling feelings and attraction for her, causing a lot of ‘mean’ moments, conflicting emotions, and hot and cold reactions towards her slightest touch which was entertaining to witness to say the least.
Oddly enough, despite my initial thoughts on Liv, Joshua and her worked well together. What more can I say, opposites attract? And if anyone knows me, I have always been a sucker for a slow burn romance and theirs hit me right in the feels. During the development of their relationship, readers are able to see the growth and depth of their characters. The relationship had a natural feel to it and there weren't any awkward pauses or scenes to make me believe otherwise. The conclusion to their story was perfect. It suited them and didn't end in any God awful cliffhangers or a premonition of more to come.
Needless to say, it was a captivating read from beginning to end even with my sour feelings towards the main character which just goes to show that even if you dislike the MC, the book itself can still be enthralling enough to make the read worthwhile. So kudos to the author for this delightful reading experience and if you haven’t done so already, ‘Moonshine’ alongside ‘Hunter’s Moon’ are obviously great books to add to your future TBR pile as I would highly recommend either novel if you haven’t read any of this author's works.
February 6, 2021
This is the best post-apocalyptic romance piece I've ever read and such a great SLOW BURN! Sigh, I feel so empty now that I'm finished. Everyone needs to read this so the author will write more books like this!
If you like possessive/caveman type Hs, Joshua is your man. Forget about the billionaires and MC dudes, if it's the end of the world, you want to be Joshua's "woman". He knows how to survive.
Lesson learned- "Don't ever run away from a cougar".
I knew after the first couple pages, I would be hooked. The writing style was right up my alley. It's funny, when I was reading, I got to a point where I said to myself, "It'd be great to get Joshua's POV", and then BAM, the next page was his POV!
There's a blackout and everyone is on their own. Joshua knows everything about surviving on your own and takes care of Liv physically while Liv takes care of Joshua emotionally. There's a lot of push and pull with a HEA ending.
It was over 350 pages, but I could have easily read more chapters on Joshua and Liv's daily life, making breakfast and dinner, stolen glances, light touches, hard glances... SIGH. I need more chapters!
Note- Don't judge a book by its cover because-- 1) It's not appealing to say the least; 2) It doesn't capture the essence of the story; 3) It's not even a scene from the book!
Great job Kat Bostick! You are so talented.
If you like possessive/caveman type Hs, Joshua is your man. Forget about the billionaires and MC dudes, if it's the end of the world, you want to be Joshua's "woman". He knows how to survive.
Lesson learned- "Don't ever run away from a cougar".
I knew after the first couple pages, I would be hooked. The writing style was right up my alley. It's funny, when I was reading, I got to a point where I said to myself, "It'd be great to get Joshua's POV", and then BAM, the next page was his POV!
There's a blackout and everyone is on their own. Joshua knows everything about surviving on your own and takes care of Liv physically while Liv takes care of Joshua emotionally. There's a lot of push and pull with a HEA ending.
It was over 350 pages, but I could have easily read more chapters on Joshua and Liv's daily life, making breakfast and dinner, stolen glances, light touches, hard glances... SIGH. I need more chapters!
Note- Don't judge a book by its cover because-- 1) It's not appealing to say the least; 2) It doesn't capture the essence of the story; 3) It's not even a scene from the book!
Great job Kat Bostick! You are so talented.
January 23, 2022
i was gonna write a whole ass review … and then i read
THIS
absolutely hilarious rant.
what more was there to say after that?
moonshine is the kind of slowly-burning-romance that has zero stakes, and yet … i was really into it. i guess sometimes you're just in the mood for a vegetarian heroine who avoids killing animals during the end of days, and sometimes you are not. sometimes you swoon for a monosyllabic grunting overly bearded hero, and sometimes you do not.
it is what it is 🤷♀️
but seriously.
somehow this book was absurdly addicting and i could not put it down.
i swear.
ad-fucking-dicting.
what more was there to say after that?
moonshine is the kind of slowly-burning-romance that has zero stakes, and yet … i was really into it. i guess sometimes you're just in the mood for a vegetarian heroine who avoids killing animals during the end of days, and sometimes you are not. sometimes you swoon for a monosyllabic grunting overly bearded hero, and sometimes you do not.
it is what it is 🤷♀️
but seriously.
somehow this book was absurdly addicting and i could not put it down.
i swear.
ad-fucking-dicting.
❝For a minute there, I thought for sure I was dead.❞
❝Dead?❞
❝How else did I end up in heaven?❞
My lips formed into a tight line as I desperately tried to contain my reaction. I failed miserably and laughter tumbled from me so hard I snorted. ❝That is the cheesiest line I’ve ever heard.❞
June 16, 2021
This was a slow-moving post apocalyptic story of two young people from very different backgrounds.
Liv annoyed me most of the time. I couldn’t get past the fact that she was literally at death’s door and he takes care of her and she’s kinda a little shit about his lifestyle. She’s really immature and it baffled me how she survived the months before she meets Joshua.
Joshua was a grump, yet he gives up his only bed and his hard earned food to Liv. She moans about being a vegetarian when he’s trying to feed her meat. She complains about the goat butter, she complains about how bored she is, she sticks her tongue out at him (and his dog) when his back is turned…you get the idea.
Joshua is baffled by her. He’s basically been raised in an almost Amish setting so he has zero clue how women work or how to communicate with her. I liked that he was given a few chapters so we knew what he was thinking. It really helped to see the world from his sheltered eyes.
This apocalyptic story only had a few moments of panic vs what you would normally expect from a story like this. It was more of a character study and that was just fine with me!
I love that this story included canning, growing food, hunting, soil management, weeding, all the basics of survival that many books don't include.
We were so different. If he was black coffee, I was a raspberry mocha. Some days I almost felt as if he was an entirely different species.Liv (21) was a city girl, fancy coffee, mall shopping and hair salons. Joshua (25) was raised in a cabin in the woods by his domineering and abusive father. He lives off the land, has solar power and a few greenhouses. One day he is out patrolling his property and saves Liv’s life.
Liv annoyed me most of the time. I couldn’t get past the fact that she was literally at death’s door and he takes care of her and she’s kinda a little shit about his lifestyle. She’s really immature and it baffled me how she survived the months before she meets Joshua.
Joshua was a grump, yet he gives up his only bed and his hard earned food to Liv. She moans about being a vegetarian when he’s trying to feed her meat. She complains about the goat butter, she complains about how bored she is, she sticks her tongue out at him (and his dog) when his back is turned…you get the idea.
Joshua is baffled by her. He’s basically been raised in an almost Amish setting so he has zero clue how women work or how to communicate with her. I liked that he was given a few chapters so we knew what he was thinking. It really helped to see the world from his sheltered eyes.
"There are things I want to say to you and when I try to say them, they come out wrong. Then I try to correct it and you misunderstand me and you think I'm being mean to you and it all goes to hell. I don't know what to do with you."Yeah, you and me both, dude.
This apocalyptic story only had a few moments of panic vs what you would normally expect from a story like this. It was more of a character study and that was just fine with me!
If he was made of stone, she was water, washing over him continuously, drawing away little bits of his hard exterior day by day until there was a gaping canyon inside of him.They are both fearful of the other leaving them so they lash out, botch up conversations and make a mess of it. They FINALLY figure things out at 90% and then there is some fade to black intimacy, it's sweet and new for both of them.
I love that this story included canning, growing food, hunting, soil management, weeding, all the basics of survival that many books don't include.
September 15, 2021
*** Book Q & A***
* How did the book make you feel?: This is an excellent indie post-apocalyptic romance. I absolutely loved this book. It is beautifully written. The cover does it no justice whatsoever, as the image is not a scene from the book.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: This is a slow burn romance. The first 3/4 of the book is from Liv’s perspective with only a few chapters giving us a glimpse of Joshua’s perspective. The setting is very eerie and the tone of the book is quite pragmatic, despite a lot of evil intentions of various characters.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I loved the enigma that was Joshua. We really didn’t learn much about his backstory other than that he was abused, isolated, and neglected as a child. He was a very complex, intelligent, and sensitive character. Liv was an entitled brat at the beginning and through much of the book. I was not a fan of hers at all initially. I’m still trying to figure out how the heck she survived for 5 months on her own with absolutely no survival knowledge. She was very ungracious to Joshua and seemed so out of touch with her complaints and demands. She often acted irrationally. She refused food because she was a vegetarian even though she was starving. She once stormed out with no gear or food because she was mad at Joshua. She insisted that Joshua risk his life to fight and possibly die to defend a town that really did nothing for him. Their chemistry was good though. I loved that they were both virgins.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: I loved when they finally came together. I guess opposites do attract!
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: apocalyptic romance, rescued in the wilderness
* What did you think about the ending?: It was a bit abrupt and I was left wanting more and wondering if they were okay. I wanted Liv to grovel for putting Joshua in that situation.
* What is your impression of the author?: Loads of talent! This book is divine.
Possible Triggers and Safety: unsafe sex, women viewed as chattel, human trafficking (off page), violence and murder (a lot of it off page until the very end)
* How did the book make you feel?: This is an excellent indie post-apocalyptic romance. I absolutely loved this book. It is beautifully written. The cover does it no justice whatsoever, as the image is not a scene from the book.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: This is a slow burn romance. The first 3/4 of the book is from Liv’s perspective with only a few chapters giving us a glimpse of Joshua’s perspective. The setting is very eerie and the tone of the book is quite pragmatic, despite a lot of evil intentions of various characters.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I loved the enigma that was Joshua. We really didn’t learn much about his backstory other than that he was abused, isolated, and neglected as a child. He was a very complex, intelligent, and sensitive character. Liv was an entitled brat at the beginning and through much of the book. I was not a fan of hers at all initially. I’m still trying to figure out how the heck she survived for 5 months on her own with absolutely no survival knowledge. She was very ungracious to Joshua and seemed so out of touch with her complaints and demands. She often acted irrationally. She refused food because she was a vegetarian even though she was starving. She once stormed out with no gear or food because she was mad at Joshua. She insisted that Joshua risk his life to fight and possibly die to defend a town that really did nothing for him. Their chemistry was good though. I loved that they were both virgins.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: I loved when they finally came together. I guess opposites do attract!
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: apocalyptic romance, rescued in the wilderness
* What did you think about the ending?: It was a bit abrupt and I was left wanting more and wondering if they were okay. I wanted Liv to grovel for putting Joshua in that situation.
* What is your impression of the author?: Loads of talent! This book is divine.
Possible Triggers and Safety: unsafe sex, women viewed as chattel, human trafficking (off page), violence and murder (a lot of it off page until the very end)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2022
Only got 75 pages in and had to stop reading. This book has terrible characterisation. Liv is a spoilt little brat who despite experiencing acute starvation is actually refusing food because she’s a vegetarian…it’s an apocalypse where food is scarce wtf is wrong with her? Also how did she survive the last few years by herself and not learn a single thing about survival? Did she just rely on everyone else to look after her? The internal dialog was terrible and made me dislike Liv even more as it felt like I was reading the thoughts of a teenager and not a young woman surviving an apocalypse. If you like childish characters feel free to read this book.
Although we’ll written, it’s female characters are lacking.
Although we’ll written, it’s female characters are lacking.
November 25, 2022
Okay why does this only have 100 reviews on GR?? Because this is perfection. The SLOWEST of slow burns. It has some of the same elements that I loved from The Last Hour of Gann. This book is all about survival. Two very different people surviving, really surviving, together. And they don't have all the answers, but that's okay because eventually (like EVENTUALLY because it is a SLOW burn), they have each other and they will figure it out together. We see a lot of slice of life type moments but make it during the apocalypse. Day to day life, surviving in the forest, living off the land, learning how to be self sufficient etc. And then we see their relationship bloom and blossom and it is a tough ride and it isn't always perfect but it is real. Ugh..I really loved this book. I'm a sucker for a slow burn. I wish that there had been a little more spice, this was basically fade to black (or more artfully worded sex scenes. They are on page but in a pretty way). But even with that I still loved this and it was still a 5 star read for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2021
Unusual dystopian.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Both virgins.
Slow burn.
Interesting.
HEA.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Both virgins.
Slow burn.
Interesting.
HEA.
January 7, 2022
Interesting world but the heroine is ridiculous and her character is not believable as a survivor. I mean she can’t move, has nearly died from malnutrition, but when given a glass of water thinks ‘it isn’t even filtered!’ WTF?! Such a wasted opportunity. Author could have showed us a woman who maybe was a pushover/ditsy before the world changed but who managed to change and adapt into a strong survivor. Noooooo. This woman is weak and pathetic and is basically a 13 year old high school student crying over chocolate and being overly dramatic.
If this wasn’t enough, dialogue in this novel feels nonexistent. We get it. The hero is silent and brooding. But the entire thing is telling us what happens, not showing us. Also, the sex scenes are flowery nothing. We get detailed chapters on what the shack looks like but when they finally fuck, we get vague sentences. Major let down after reading 75% let me tell you that. Also they are both virgins but magically know how to have perfect sex with both of them coming (and no talking of course to indicate to each other what is or isn’t good!? FFS makes me angry. Sooooo much potential for a great story flushed down the toilet. And every review thinks it good? I must be missing something.
If this wasn’t enough, dialogue in this novel feels nonexistent. We get it. The hero is silent and brooding. But the entire thing is telling us what happens, not showing us. Also, the sex scenes are flowery nothing. We get detailed chapters on what the shack looks like but when they finally fuck, we get vague sentences. Major let down after reading 75% let me tell you that. Also they are both virgins but magically know how to have perfect sex with both of them coming (and no talking of course to indicate to each other what is or isn’t good!? FFS makes me angry. Sooooo much potential for a great story flushed down the toilet. And every review thinks it good? I must be missing something.
March 31, 2022
3.5
A slow burn post apocalyptic romance with a grumpy/sunshine parring just trying to navigate the minefield that is their growing feelings when the world has has gone to hell? Yes please!
I really enjoyed this story- and while Liv's naiveté was a tad much at some points in the book considing everything she has gone through- I did really like the quiet deep conversations these two opposites had with each other and the common ground they shared that helped develop their romance
She terrified him because she made him hope. She made him want. Both could be deadly to a man in the end of the world.
A slow burn post apocalyptic romance with a grumpy/sunshine parring just trying to navigate the minefield that is their growing feelings when the world has has gone to hell? Yes please!
I really enjoyed this story- and while Liv's naiveté was a tad much at some points in the book considing everything she has gone through- I did really like the quiet deep conversations these two opposites had with each other and the common ground they shared that helped develop their romance
July 17, 2023
Wowww. I can’t believe it took me so long to read this! What an emotionally gripping experience! This was the ultimate grumpy/sunshine! It’s not just the heroine melts his cold heart, the heroine is the catalyst for the hero growing a heart.
It’s the end of the world and the heroine is seconds away from rape and death when the hero rescues her. And the guy who rescues her? Not exactly Prince Charming. He’s a closed-off, selfish, gruff recluse.
While this is set in a post-apocalyptic world, and there are a few scenes navigating that world, this is more about two people finding each other and finding love than it is an adventure novel. It’s about a man smothered in loneliness and starved of affection, distrustful of everyone and uncomfortable with touch, learning to not just let another person close, but learning to be better for her. It’s about a woman who has seen the very worst humanity has to offer trying to keep her faith in that same humanity, trying to hold onto the good while not ignoring the bad and learning to love a man that is unlovable, to find good under protective layers of asshole.
I loved that the heroine, Olivia, her weakness in this new world wasn’t just glossed over. She came from a completely different world than the one the hero, Joshua, had been raised in and it took her a while to find her strength. She didn’t just magically wake up one day and become super survivor. And I loved that Joshua was given a purpose in protecting her. Before Olivia, he was just existing. With Olivia, he was living. Together, they both find a purpose in helping and providing for each other. Joshua provides physical security, and Olivia gives him emotional security.
And I LOVED that both were virgins. Considering how well-written and expressive the emotional parts of this book were, I feel that the physical connection between them could’ve been better. There’s some steam, but it’s brushed over and not very descriptive and for two virgins giving themselves to one another, this was the perfect opportunity to forge even deeper emotional connection as they learn about passion together. Unfortunately the steam was weak and it was a let down. Their physical bond and connection didn’t match the emotional intensity of the rest of the book.
Along with the low steam, this story suffered for not having an epilogue. I want to know they made it, did they have kids, were they still together, safe? This book is set in such a harsh, uncertain and brutal world, I really needed to know that they’re ok and love is the glue holding them together. Without that, the ending felt way to abrupt and unsatisfying.
Even tho the story suffers from low steam and no epilogue, it’s still worth reading as it’s beautifully written and emotionally engaging. Those were two weak points in an awesome love story.
Safe. Dual virgins, no others, no cheating, no sharing. Attempted rape, scenes of violence, discussion of childhood abuse and murder. HEA but no epilogue
It’s the end of the world and the heroine is seconds away from rape and death when the hero rescues her. And the guy who rescues her? Not exactly Prince Charming. He’s a closed-off, selfish, gruff recluse.
While this is set in a post-apocalyptic world, and there are a few scenes navigating that world, this is more about two people finding each other and finding love than it is an adventure novel. It’s about a man smothered in loneliness and starved of affection, distrustful of everyone and uncomfortable with touch, learning to not just let another person close, but learning to be better for her. It’s about a woman who has seen the very worst humanity has to offer trying to keep her faith in that same humanity, trying to hold onto the good while not ignoring the bad and learning to love a man that is unlovable, to find good under protective layers of asshole.
I loved that the heroine, Olivia, her weakness in this new world wasn’t just glossed over. She came from a completely different world than the one the hero, Joshua, had been raised in and it took her a while to find her strength. She didn’t just magically wake up one day and become super survivor. And I loved that Joshua was given a purpose in protecting her. Before Olivia, he was just existing. With Olivia, he was living. Together, they both find a purpose in helping and providing for each other. Joshua provides physical security, and Olivia gives him emotional security.
And I LOVED that both were virgins. Considering how well-written and expressive the emotional parts of this book were, I feel that the physical connection between them could’ve been better. There’s some steam, but it’s brushed over and not very descriptive and for two virgins giving themselves to one another, this was the perfect opportunity to forge even deeper emotional connection as they learn about passion together. Unfortunately the steam was weak and it was a let down. Their physical bond and connection didn’t match the emotional intensity of the rest of the book.
Along with the low steam, this story suffered for not having an epilogue. I want to know they made it, did they have kids, were they still together, safe? This book is set in such a harsh, uncertain and brutal world, I really needed to know that they’re ok and love is the glue holding them together. Without that, the ending felt way to abrupt and unsatisfying.
Even tho the story suffers from low steam and no epilogue, it’s still worth reading as it’s beautifully written and emotionally engaging. Those were two weak points in an awesome love story.
Safe. Dual virgins, no others, no cheating, no sharing. Attempted rape, scenes of violence, discussion of childhood abuse and murder. HEA but no epilogue
December 9, 2021
5 stars
Ooh what a delicious sloooowww buuuuuurn. The slowest of slow burns. I enjoyed it so much I couldn’t go to bed until I finished it
Ooh what a delicious sloooowww buuuuuurn. The slowest of slow burns. I enjoyed it so much I couldn’t go to bed until I finished it
Read
June 23, 2025DNF @ 17%
📖 KU
Not rating only because I didn't make it very far.
I had high hopes only because I love post apoc stories and it's hard to find them in the romance genre specifically. Unfortunately, I couldn't get into it for a number of reasons.
1.The writing was cluttered- large and unorganized paragraphs that were hard to read and felt crowded. Not bad writing, just felt a bit busy. (Not my style)
2. The FMC felt like a copy and pasted version of the "I'm not like other girls" girl. It was hard to like her though I really tried. While I love a damsel in distress situation this just felt like she was in this situation not because of her softness, but because she simply has horrible survival instincts/skills.
3. The character of the FMC felt inconsistent as well. First, she's terrified of male strangers she finds and while running from them she runs into our MMC who she instantly seeks rescue from. And in that same day he's drawing her a bath and feeding her and making her tea and tending to her and she is way too trusting for it to even make sense.
4. Dialogue was cringy as hell.
5. Honestly the dog was more well-rounded than any of the characters.
6. Not enough world building to set the picture/tone of this post apocalyptic world.
I would give 1 star, but since i only made it 17% and just didn't vibe i'm not going to do that. But IDK, this left much to be desired.
📖 KU
Not rating only because I didn't make it very far.
I had high hopes only because I love post apoc stories and it's hard to find them in the romance genre specifically. Unfortunately, I couldn't get into it for a number of reasons.
1.The writing was cluttered- large and unorganized paragraphs that were hard to read and felt crowded. Not bad writing, just felt a bit busy. (Not my style)
2. The FMC felt like a copy and pasted version of the "I'm not like other girls" girl. It was hard to like her though I really tried. While I love a damsel in distress situation this just felt like she was in this situation not because of her softness, but because she simply has horrible survival instincts/skills.
3. The character of the FMC felt inconsistent as well. First, she's terrified of male strangers she finds and while running from them she runs into our MMC who she instantly seeks rescue from. And in that same day he's drawing her a bath and feeding her and making her tea and tending to her and she is way too trusting for it to even make sense.
4. Dialogue was cringy as hell.
5. Honestly the dog was more well-rounded than any of the characters.
6. Not enough world building to set the picture/tone of this post apocalyptic world.
I would give 1 star, but since i only made it 17% and just didn't vibe i'm not going to do that. But IDK, this left much to be desired.
October 14, 2024
Wow, what a freaking book. If you want something that will fill the hole Claire Kent’s Kindled universe will give you, you’ve found the perfect book. This is another post apocalyptic story that’s very quiet and lets you get to know the characters very intimately. The FMC is a Barbie type of girl living in the apocalypse and is found near death by a grumpy and hard survivalist. He takes her in and helps her back to health.
This was just such a beautiful story, and the love the two MC’s managed to have by the end almost brought me to tears. The caretaking, the love, and the protectiveness this couple had for each other was so special. I also loved seeing the FMC flourish and grow, and the MMC learning to trust and love for the first time with the FMC.
The writing in this story was also beautiful, and I truly couldn’t put this book down. I think it’s safe to call this a new favorite book of all time, because I just adored everything about Moonshine—especially the growly dog companion!
This was just such a beautiful story, and the love the two MC’s managed to have by the end almost brought me to tears. The caretaking, the love, and the protectiveness this couple had for each other was so special. I also loved seeing the FMC flourish and grow, and the MMC learning to trust and love for the first time with the FMC.
The writing in this story was also beautiful, and I truly couldn’t put this book down. I think it’s safe to call this a new favorite book of all time, because I just adored everything about Moonshine—especially the growly dog companion!
June 22, 2025
This was a slowwwww burn, and I loved every minute of it. There is something about post-apocalyptic romances that I can't get enough of-- probably the vulnerability of the characters in placing their trust with someone else. This was definitely a main theme in the book, trust and lack thereof, and I really enjoyed seeing Joshua and Liv slowly breaking down their walls for each other.
I will say that Liv seemed a bit too immature at times, not just in the ways of survival, but just about human nature itself? I get that she was naïve, but it came across as a bit more childish than glass-half-full personality. Despite the qualms I had with her character, I still rooted for her.
This wasn't necessarily a clean romance, but it wasn't very steamy. However, the intimate scenes were just enough to show the deepening emotional connection between the two of them.
This really had everything that I loved... grand worldbuilding, flawed but loveable characters, and a sweet romance that took its time to develop. Would absolutely recommend!
I will say that Liv seemed a bit too immature at times, not just in the ways of survival, but just about human nature itself? I get that she was naïve, but it came across as a bit more childish than glass-half-full personality. Despite the qualms I had with her character, I still rooted for her.
This wasn't necessarily a clean romance, but it wasn't very steamy. However, the intimate scenes were just enough to show the deepening emotional connection between the two of them.
This really had everything that I loved... grand worldbuilding, flawed but loveable characters, and a sweet romance that took its time to develop. Would absolutely recommend!
August 27, 2021
Adored it!
This was not what I expected from the synopsis but it was such a pleasant surprise.
I like that Joshua is not perfect but an unperfect way of unperfect. I read a lot of book were the H have a sob story childhood but turns out perfect and owns a billionaire company and have god looks and blablabla. Not realistic. Joshua here, live in the damn woods and is a farmer specialized is survival and off-the-grid.
You can see throughout the book the character development of Liv and Joshua. Liv actually do not see him as attractive in the beginning which I really appreciate because I hate the Insta-Lust trope where everyone is wet and hard or whatever. Sets unrealistic standards. I also hate when the H is so toxic and the h literally let's him rule over her. That's not what's happening here. Joshua is toxic but not the toxic you expect. It's a healthy toxic.
Joshua and Liv are such likeable characters I fell in love with them immediately. Which is rare because lots of characters must have 2 books or plus in a series for me to attach to them.
The author also done a well job with the world-building. Not too much but not too little. The pace is also well done. I blinked through the book in one go without thinking 'it's too slow' or 'slow down'. Kat managed to keep this book so well done with also a right amount of tension. A lot of books have characters I can't feel them click together but in Moonshine here, you can practically feel them being perfect. They just click together.
I also LOVED the slow-burn. I was shouting "JUST KISS" in my room at 2 am and squirming in my seat but when the finally confess I was crying. Kid you not.
This book is set in a post-apocalyptic world but is more focused on the character so don't expect them to save the world or something!! Though, it is original as hell. I'd expect zombies or cyborgs (reference here) but I got surprised lol.
I SWEAR I was smiling the whole time. I couldn't put my grin away even when I was in bed. I couldn't sleep because I was too riled up. I was even crying because this freacking masterpiece is finished.
Funny thing is, I can see myself through Liv. A lot. Which is probably why I connected to her immediately. She isn't stupid or naive. Ok. Who am I kidding. Liv is naive but a different kind of naive. A naive where she wants to see the good in everyone. Not the naive where she follows the toxic H in his penthouse the first night h met H. Liv is sweet, stubborn, funny and goddamn adorable.
This was not what I expected from the synopsis but it was such a pleasant surprise.
I like that Joshua is not perfect but an unperfect way of unperfect. I read a lot of book were the H have a sob story childhood but turns out perfect and owns a billionaire company and have god looks and blablabla. Not realistic. Joshua here, live in the damn woods and is a farmer specialized is survival and off-the-grid.
You can see throughout the book the character development of Liv and Joshua. Liv actually do not see him as attractive in the beginning which I really appreciate because I hate the Insta-Lust trope where everyone is wet and hard or whatever. Sets unrealistic standards. I also hate when the H is so toxic and the h literally let's him rule over her. That's not what's happening here. Joshua is toxic but not the toxic you expect. It's a healthy toxic.
Joshua and Liv are such likeable characters I fell in love with them immediately. Which is rare because lots of characters must have 2 books or plus in a series for me to attach to them.
The author also done a well job with the world-building. Not too much but not too little. The pace is also well done. I blinked through the book in one go without thinking 'it's too slow' or 'slow down'. Kat managed to keep this book so well done with also a right amount of tension. A lot of books have characters I can't feel them click together but in Moonshine here, you can practically feel them being perfect. They just click together.
I also LOVED the slow-burn. I was shouting "JUST KISS" in my room at 2 am and squirming in my seat but when the finally confess I was crying. Kid you not.
This book is set in a post-apocalyptic world but is more focused on the character so don't expect them to save the world or something!! Though, it is original as hell. I'd expect zombies or cyborgs (reference here) but I got surprised lol.
I SWEAR I was smiling the whole time. I couldn't put my grin away even when I was in bed. I couldn't sleep because I was too riled up. I was even crying because this freacking masterpiece is finished.
Funny thing is, I can see myself through Liv. A lot. Which is probably why I connected to her immediately. She isn't stupid or naive. Ok. Who am I kidding. Liv is naive but a different kind of naive. A naive where she wants to see the good in everyone. Not the naive where she follows the toxic H in his penthouse the first night h met H. Liv is sweet, stubborn, funny and goddamn adorable.
June 1, 2021
this book was written so well. this is how amazing this book actually is, i haven’t read a single review i literally just dove in from a reddit suggestion because i have been in an very dry book drought. often not making it past a hundred pages or so if that!
this book probably won’t be for anyone who is into really authentic erotica ( *coughs* smut 😏) but for me being so corky and humble myself i felt like i was definitely the intended audience the writer was reaching for. olivia is such a graceful and understanding woman, it is so refreshing to see a woman be so raw and strong without it being undermining to man. as a society we are obsessed with putting women and men against each other and it’s insane to me. women are women and men are men. God made up to compliment each other not compete 😆
joshua 😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥶🥶🤭😳 my my my 😏🥵🥵🥵 hands down thee sexiest naturally dominant man i’ve read in 2021; yup i said it!! 🥵 i had to stop and fan myself several times he is... enough of everything! i love his humor and his wit. his resourcefulness crap now i sound like olivia 🤦🏻♀️ this story was ...i cannot shut up about it. it was absolutely beautiful. i am not giving any spoilers away because authors as talented as this truly deserve support and i think it was a huge benefit to actually walk into this blind. i loved kuna! the great amount of peppering in information so that it wasn’t overwhelming! the dialogue was so realistic! 😭😭😭 this single girl is so blessed to have read this. thank you for writing this!
i am confused and as i said i went into this blind so i have no idea it’s a part two or...what’s going on. this would’ve been a five star for me had it not took the Lords name in vain and showed signs of uncertainty when it came to belong in God.
i would recommend though. again this book is not focused on sex but two people genuinely falling for each other 😊
this book probably won’t be for anyone who is into really authentic erotica ( *coughs* smut 😏) but for me being so corky and humble myself i felt like i was definitely the intended audience the writer was reaching for. olivia is such a graceful and understanding woman, it is so refreshing to see a woman be so raw and strong without it being undermining to man. as a society we are obsessed with putting women and men against each other and it’s insane to me. women are women and men are men. God made up to compliment each other not compete 😆
joshua 😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥶🥶🤭😳 my my my 😏🥵🥵🥵 hands down thee sexiest naturally dominant man i’ve read in 2021; yup i said it!! 🥵 i had to stop and fan myself several times he is... enough of everything! i love his humor and his wit. his resourcefulness crap now i sound like olivia 🤦🏻♀️ this story was ...i cannot shut up about it. it was absolutely beautiful. i am not giving any spoilers away because authors as talented as this truly deserve support and i think it was a huge benefit to actually walk into this blind. i loved kuna! the great amount of peppering in information so that it wasn’t overwhelming! the dialogue was so realistic! 😭😭😭 this single girl is so blessed to have read this. thank you for writing this!
i am confused and as i said i went into this blind so i have no idea it’s a part two or...what’s going on. this would’ve been a five star for me had it not took the Lords name in vain and showed signs of uncertainty when it came to belong in God.
i would recommend though. again this book is not focused on sex but two people genuinely falling for each other 😊
May 31, 2022
Oh, Kat Bostick,
You clearly have my number.
Apocalypse ... check.
Super capable grumpy man ... check.
Hurt/comfort ... check.
Slow ... slow ... slow burn ... check.
I stayed up late reading this just desperately hoping for a kiss ... I didn't get it, but I got the other thing we all want when we pick up a romance ... I felt the tension, the angst, the love.
There were some heavy religious and gender role type stuff that wasn't 100% for me, but it didn't effect my enjoyment of this.
Mostly, a fairly simple story of two people surviving and getting to know one another, face their inner demons and find love, it had very little in terms of external plot, and I was happy about that. The plotting didn't get in the way.
There were a few scenes that I'll remember forever, and a lot of food for thought surrounding human concepts like the power of touch, loneliness, the need to connect, what we really get out of romantic love. Overall, this was a fantastic read (if you don't mind kinda throw-back men ... I was a little surprised by his POV and some of the 'damn woman' stuff ... I hadn't really seen that since the 90s, but I guess it fit his character and how he was raised.
If you like women whose power is of the softer variety, men who are really rough and raw, enemies to friends to lovers, slow burn, apocalypse ... and a story that's pretty much just two people slowly growing closer, this is one worth checking out. It's a quick breezy read, great for a beach or vacation, and I really enjoyed the glimpses of the post apocalypse world.
I loved it. I'll probably re read it.
You clearly have my number.
Apocalypse ... check.
Super capable grumpy man ... check.
Hurt/comfort ... check.
Slow ... slow ... slow burn ... check.
I stayed up late reading this just desperately hoping for a kiss ... I didn't get it, but I got the other thing we all want when we pick up a romance ... I felt the tension, the angst, the love.
There were some heavy religious and gender role type stuff that wasn't 100% for me, but it didn't effect my enjoyment of this.
Mostly, a fairly simple story of two people surviving and getting to know one another, face their inner demons and find love, it had very little in terms of external plot, and I was happy about that. The plotting didn't get in the way.
There were a few scenes that I'll remember forever, and a lot of food for thought surrounding human concepts like the power of touch, loneliness, the need to connect, what we really get out of romantic love. Overall, this was a fantastic read (if you don't mind kinda throw-back men ... I was a little surprised by his POV and some of the 'damn woman' stuff ... I hadn't really seen that since the 90s, but I guess it fit his character and how he was raised.
If you like women whose power is of the softer variety, men who are really rough and raw, enemies to friends to lovers, slow burn, apocalypse ... and a story that's pretty much just two people slowly growing closer, this is one worth checking out. It's a quick breezy read, great for a beach or vacation, and I really enjoyed the glimpses of the post apocalypse world.
I loved it. I'll probably re read it.
November 27, 2021
I picked this up randomly because of the cute cover, not expecting much. But I was blow away by the great writing!
It's one of the better post apocalyptic romances I've read over the years. I'm looking forward to more from this author.
It's one of the better post apocalyptic romances I've read over the years. I'm looking forward to more from this author.
June 15, 2022
You want me to believe that a 20-year-old girl with the mentality and emotional intelligence of an 8-year-old survived 5 months on her own?
December 2, 2021
This is a very well written story, with a good plot and oddly-relatable characters, heartpaced-nerve wracking-raw story, about love and survival at the end of the world.
To be honest, I didn't expect to appreciate a slow burn romance with real character and relationship development, that much, but I really loved it!
"That was the thing about the end of the world. It wasn’t the earth ripping in two or cities consumed by tsunamis. It wasn’t hordes of zombies wandering the streets. Most of the time it was…empty. Quiet."
"And I’d learned the hard way that sometimes, quiet doesn’t mean empty. Quiet doesn’t mean you’re alone. Quiet can be much more dangerous than gun fire and raised voices.
Quiet means you’re being watched. As much as I desperately hated being alone, I would rather not have company."
“Pops started me hunting as soon as I was big enough to hold a rifle. Around that same time, I was learning to read.
Peter Rabbit was a particular favorite of mine and when I realized it was rabbits we were hunting—and eating—I refused.” He turned enough to catch me in a sidelong glance. I offered an empathetic smile. “Pops took me out anyway. He wasn’t a man who would be refused.” There was a bitter twist to those words that tempted me to probe.
“That’s sad, Joshua.”
“It was necessary.” The harshness was back. “He taught me that if I’m to survive, I have to be the predator.”
"There was so much about him that was good. He was decent and principled and insightful. And yeah, maybe he wasn’t gentle and even tempered—I’d watched him nearly rip Wheeler to shreds over petty comments—but he’d never raised a hand to hurt me. In fact, he’d gone out of his way to protect me—arguably gone against his nature to do so, if he was to be believed. Joshua cared about me, which was not something I ever imagined I could say with confidence until now."
"Joshua was sure of two things; He absolutely did not deserve Liv and he would do absolutely anything to have her anyway. (...)something was wrong with him that made him incompatible
for relationships. He sorted people by usefulness and threat level, dehumanizing them so that they could be placed in categories and handled accordingly. Liv didn’t fit into any of his categories and when he tried to make her, it made them both miserable. He hated that misery more than he’d ever hated anything."
"I didn’t move my mouth away from his skin when I whispered. “Joshua?”
“Mmm?” He shifted his head in my direction but his eyes stayed firmly closed.
“You’ll never have to be alone again.”
To be honest, I didn't expect to appreciate a slow burn romance with real character and relationship development, that much, but I really loved it!
"That was the thing about the end of the world. It wasn’t the earth ripping in two or cities consumed by tsunamis. It wasn’t hordes of zombies wandering the streets. Most of the time it was…empty. Quiet."
"And I’d learned the hard way that sometimes, quiet doesn’t mean empty. Quiet doesn’t mean you’re alone. Quiet can be much more dangerous than gun fire and raised voices.
Quiet means you’re being watched. As much as I desperately hated being alone, I would rather not have company."
“Pops started me hunting as soon as I was big enough to hold a rifle. Around that same time, I was learning to read.
Peter Rabbit was a particular favorite of mine and when I realized it was rabbits we were hunting—and eating—I refused.” He turned enough to catch me in a sidelong glance. I offered an empathetic smile. “Pops took me out anyway. He wasn’t a man who would be refused.” There was a bitter twist to those words that tempted me to probe.
“That’s sad, Joshua.”
“It was necessary.” The harshness was back. “He taught me that if I’m to survive, I have to be the predator.”
"There was so much about him that was good. He was decent and principled and insightful. And yeah, maybe he wasn’t gentle and even tempered—I’d watched him nearly rip Wheeler to shreds over petty comments—but he’d never raised a hand to hurt me. In fact, he’d gone out of his way to protect me—arguably gone against his nature to do so, if he was to be believed. Joshua cared about me, which was not something I ever imagined I could say with confidence until now."
"Joshua was sure of two things; He absolutely did not deserve Liv and he would do absolutely anything to have her anyway. (...)something was wrong with him that made him incompatible
for relationships. He sorted people by usefulness and threat level, dehumanizing them so that they could be placed in categories and handled accordingly. Liv didn’t fit into any of his categories and when he tried to make her, it made them both miserable. He hated that misery more than he’d ever hated anything."
"I didn’t move my mouth away from his skin when I whispered. “Joshua?”
“Mmm?” He shifted his head in my direction but his eyes stayed firmly closed.
“You’ll never have to be alone again.”
July 23, 2023
Enjoyed it enough to finish it but it’s not a favorite. I had a hard time connecting with the MCs. On top of that, it was a slow burn kind of book. I mean really slow, for a second, I was wondering if this a romance at all. Then, when it ended, it didn’t feel like the end. I was kind of hoping for an Epilogue. You know, to wrap up the story a bit? I think it would’ve helped a lot to see them down the road.
January 24, 2022
What a sweet, moving , heartfelt book and not at all what I expected. I hope the author continues to write more.
There were 2 spelling errors and Bostick needs to find more descriptors for Joshua's eyes than just "chocolate brown" haha but honestly thats not bad.
There were 2 spelling errors and Bostick needs to find more descriptors for Joshua's eyes than just "chocolate brown" haha but honestly thats not bad.
December 12, 2024
One of my favorite genres done right! I loved the slow angsty will they wont they element of the story. True slow burn. Its a tale of overcoming and growing and it turned out beautifully! Survival is so interesting and learning to trust… this book had it all and i gobbled it up!
August 16, 2021
OH EM GEEEEESUS
Bruh, I should be studying for year 12 right now but since our lockdown got extended, might as well live in this escapist world right? This book... where do I even begin though.
I loved Liv, even though she was helpless and a damsel in distress I kind of liked that because that's where the big manly hunk JOSHUA 😍😍 came through and saved her ass. This was a major slow burn and the little moments between them lterally had my heart wrenching for them. Like, I had full on heart palpitations and everything because of the longing and pining both characters were doing. There was a scene that made me cry which was when Liv confessed her love to him and ran out and he chased her to bring her back and he told her he would never hurt her but she said that he already did OH MA GAWD THE ANGST. THE FEELS. bruh bye I don't think I can recover from this. I wasliterally just trying to find me another city girl and country boy book and coincidentally fell upon this lovely book. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭♥️♥️♥️♥️
Bruh, I should be studying for year 12 right now but since our lockdown got extended, might as well live in this escapist world right? This book... where do I even begin though.
I loved Liv, even though she was helpless and a damsel in distress I kind of liked that because that's where the big manly hunk JOSHUA 😍😍 came through and saved her ass. This was a major slow burn and the little moments between them lterally had my heart wrenching for them. Like, I had full on heart palpitations and everything because of the longing and pining both characters were doing. There was a scene that made me cry which was when Liv confessed her love to him and ran out and he chased her to bring her back and he told her he would never hurt her but she said that he already did OH MA GAWD THE ANGST. THE FEELS. bruh bye I don't think I can recover from this. I wasliterally just trying to find me another city girl and country boy book and coincidentally fell upon this lovely book. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭♥️♥️♥️♥️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2022
2nd read through I'll stand by my original 4 stars, maybe 3.75 if I'm honest.
This is apocalyptic but slice of life. So don't expect anything super dangerous for most of the book.
Liv is spoiled and expectant, at first. She has comforts that she misses and finds joy in the little things. Over time she grows and learns what she needs to do to survive.
But I'll be honest, it's pretty easy for her when Joshua does all the heavy lifting. But it makes sense, she was recovering from starvation and as her strength grew she did more to help out.
Now Joshua, that is a pickle. I can't say I really like him. Living with a father that is gruff and doesn't say sorry, I can't find the appeal in him other than he takes care of her and isn't physically cruel. But emotionally, he's a distant and can't communicate.
It does get better. He makes mistakes and grows, still struggling but clearly making an effort. I can admire that.
This book is less about the apocalypse and more of a love story. You won't find out the why but you'll see two characters have a rocky start and grow from there.
I enjoyed it and I'll continue to read more from this author. She has a great writing style, easy to read, and realistic dialogue.
This is apocalyptic but slice of life. So don't expect anything super dangerous for most of the book.
Liv is spoiled and expectant, at first. She has comforts that she misses and finds joy in the little things. Over time she grows and learns what she needs to do to survive.
But I'll be honest, it's pretty easy for her when Joshua does all the heavy lifting. But it makes sense, she was recovering from starvation and as her strength grew she did more to help out.
Now Joshua, that is a pickle. I can't say I really like him. Living with a father that is gruff and doesn't say sorry, I can't find the appeal in him other than he takes care of her and isn't physically cruel. But emotionally, he's a distant and can't communicate.
It does get better. He makes mistakes and grows, still struggling but clearly making an effort. I can admire that.
This book is less about the apocalypse and more of a love story. You won't find out the why but you'll see two characters have a rocky start and grow from there.
I enjoyed it and I'll continue to read more from this author. She has a great writing style, easy to read, and realistic dialogue.
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