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Matron's Watchmen #1
Defy The Ravaged
My name is Willow.
His name is Jason.
He hated me. I hated him— while silently hiding how much all that hate hurt deep down inside me. But all that was before. Before everything changed. Before I woke up to gunshots and screaming and death.
Now he still hates me, along with his Uncle Paulie and their club brothers. But I don’t hate him. I can’t, not after he came for me. Not after he saved me.
Not now that the ravaged are here.
They come at you like you’re nothing. With their feral snarls, and bloodshot eyes. Their decaying mouths salivating for a bite of you. They are hungry for life and we are their meal.
I didn’t want to believe it. I didn’t want to accept it. But I can’t ignore them now that they’re everywhere. Now that the threat of them haunts us every waking moment.
With Jason standing between them and me— I can’t hate him anymore. I don’t want to.
Defy the Ravaged is a compilation of the four-part romantic dystopian series originally published separately as novellas. It includes: Willow, Thrive, Hunted, and Defend.
Warning: For Readers 18 years and older. Contains explicit sexual situations, possible triggers, dark themes, language, and violence.
Reviews:
“Zombies, blood, death, life, love and a psychopath all make for a really great read. Add a handsome Marine, a motorcycle, and his club and it is perfect!” -Amazon Reviewer
"Loved this book. Characters are well developed and it has a great story. It is emotional, raw and gripping. I literally couldn't put it down."- Amazon Reviewer
"Really one of the best zombie books I’ve read in awhile. Between her post-apocalyptic and her sci-fi books, this author is becoming one of my favorites." -Amazon Reviewer
“There are so many twists and turns, you never know what's going to happen next. I was so involved in this book that when I was reading, I paid attention to nothing else around me." -Amazon Reviewer
"I devoured it. There’s so much happening between the fall of civilization itself and the relationship between Willow and Jay. I love how the romance never takes a back seat but the action is pretty much constant. So much love this series." -Amazon Reviewer
“This book made me forget about time. I totally lost a night reading this and not realizing its morning already. From the first page to the last . . . You will be drawn to it. The writing is so good and flawless you just flow with it. Non stop action must read. I can't wait for the next one.” -Amazon Reviewer
“This book hooks you from the beginning! I couldn’t put it down once I started to read it. Can’t wait for the next book!” -Amazon Reviewer
His name is Jason.
He hated me. I hated him— while silently hiding how much all that hate hurt deep down inside me. But all that was before. Before everything changed. Before I woke up to gunshots and screaming and death.
Now he still hates me, along with his Uncle Paulie and their club brothers. But I don’t hate him. I can’t, not after he came for me. Not after he saved me.
Not now that the ravaged are here.
They come at you like you’re nothing. With their feral snarls, and bloodshot eyes. Their decaying mouths salivating for a bite of you. They are hungry for life and we are their meal.
I didn’t want to believe it. I didn’t want to accept it. But I can’t ignore them now that they’re everywhere. Now that the threat of them haunts us every waking moment.
With Jason standing between them and me— I can’t hate him anymore. I don’t want to.
Defy the Ravaged is a compilation of the four-part romantic dystopian series originally published separately as novellas. It includes: Willow, Thrive, Hunted, and Defend.
Warning: For Readers 18 years and older. Contains explicit sexual situations, possible triggers, dark themes, language, and violence.
Reviews:
“Zombies, blood, death, life, love and a psychopath all make for a really great read. Add a handsome Marine, a motorcycle, and his club and it is perfect!” -Amazon Reviewer
"Loved this book. Characters are well developed and it has a great story. It is emotional, raw and gripping. I literally couldn't put it down."- Amazon Reviewer
"Really one of the best zombie books I’ve read in awhile. Between her post-apocalyptic and her sci-fi books, this author is becoming one of my favorites." -Amazon Reviewer
“There are so many twists and turns, you never know what's going to happen next. I was so involved in this book that when I was reading, I paid attention to nothing else around me." -Amazon Reviewer
"I devoured it. There’s so much happening between the fall of civilization itself and the relationship between Willow and Jay. I love how the romance never takes a back seat but the action is pretty much constant. So much love this series." -Amazon Reviewer
“This book made me forget about time. I totally lost a night reading this and not realizing its morning already. From the first page to the last . . . You will be drawn to it. The writing is so good and flawless you just flow with it. Non stop action must read. I can't wait for the next one.” -Amazon Reviewer
“This book hooks you from the beginning! I couldn’t put it down once I started to read it. Can’t wait for the next book!” -Amazon Reviewer
522 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2020
188 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Raegan
9 books155 followersErin Raegan is an obsessed reader, a dedicated writer, and a lover of all things fantastically impossible. When she's not plotting her next project, she spends hours on her kindle, though nothing beats a real book in your hands. She writes science fiction romance under Erin Raegan but she also writes fantasy and paranormal romance under her pen name E.M. Raegan. She can be found at home in Connecticut with her chihuahua Minnie, and her German Shepard Odin, waiting with her son for her active duty husband to come home. You can contact her at author.erinraegan@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
dnf
May 15, 2021DNF @ 33%
I pushed myself to get this far tbh. The h was pushing my buttons and not in a good way 🤪. She was TSTL, and add in zombies — and we get a horrible combination. It also didn’t feel all that well thought out...
Why were there zombies? Nobody talked about it and I found that unbelievable. I mean there are zombies! Wouldn’t you be discussing, theorizing, and then planning during the zombie apocalypse?! 🧟
Did they carry an unlimited supply of ammunition with them all the time?! Seriously. They all were killing off all these zombies in mass amounts and they just kept coming! And really? She happens to have this amazing skill from her childhood and killed a man with a sling shot?? 🙄
The H hates the h then does a 180 and claims her as his woman?! She doesn’t even question it and he’s supposedly hated her and had been cruel to her for years. Have some dignity, please. The ‘hatred’ from the club for the h because her mother broke up someone’s marriage also just felt dumb to me.
I really like the post-apocalyptic type romances but this just felt... lacking. Please let me know if you have any recommendations for a good one! I’ve been more miss then hit though for this theme 😔
I pushed myself to get this far tbh. The h was pushing my buttons and not in a good way 🤪. She was TSTL, and add in zombies — and we get a horrible combination. It also didn’t feel all that well thought out...
Why were there zombies? Nobody talked about it and I found that unbelievable. I mean there are zombies! Wouldn’t you be discussing, theorizing, and then planning during the zombie apocalypse?! 🧟
Did they carry an unlimited supply of ammunition with them all the time?! Seriously. They all were killing off all these zombies in mass amounts and they just kept coming! And really? She happens to have this amazing skill from her childhood and killed a man with a sling shot?? 🙄
The H hates the h then does a 180 and claims her as his woman?! She doesn’t even question it and he’s supposedly hated her and had been cruel to her for years. Have some dignity, please. The ‘hatred’ from the club for the h because her mother broke up someone’s marriage also just felt dumb to me.
I really like the post-apocalyptic type romances but this just felt... lacking. Please let me know if you have any recommendations for a good one! I’ve been more miss then hit though for this theme 😔
December 20, 2025
Reread 12/19/25
Reread 5/10/23
Reread 1/18/22
Original Review 8/31/20
4.5 stars
Defy The Ravaged is book 1 in the Matron's Watchmen series. It was originally released in four parts, Willow, Thrive, Hunted, and Defend. I loved reading it as one book and enjoyed my reread with these awesome characters. Jay and Willow are amazing together, his devotion to her will make your heart melt. Defy The Ravaged is full of love and edge of your seat moments, Zombies are not the only thing that you need to fight. I would definitely recommend this book and can't wait for book 2 Ren's story.
***I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.***
Reread 5/10/23
Reread 1/18/22
Original Review 8/31/20
4.5 stars
Defy The Ravaged is book 1 in the Matron's Watchmen series. It was originally released in four parts, Willow, Thrive, Hunted, and Defend. I loved reading it as one book and enjoyed my reread with these awesome characters. Jay and Willow are amazing together, his devotion to her will make your heart melt. Defy The Ravaged is full of love and edge of your seat moments, Zombies are not the only thing that you need to fight. I would definitely recommend this book and can't wait for book 2 Ren's story.
***I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.***
July 4, 2021
I wanted to like this book, and I tried so hard to stick with the good parts, but the author just couldn’t deliver.
Everything in me said I should’ve put the book down at 30%. I kept going, hoping for something that would never come. By 50%, I was bored. By 70%, I was pissed I’d wasted hours on this. By the end, I was just sick with myself for even bothering to finish.
Lame characters.
Lame plot.
Starts with a bang, going immediately to the action, even if every sentence started with a pronoun. The history of the characters come from within the action. The author delivers on the world building of the zombies and the motorcycle clubs for the first 20%.
Where the author failed for me is the FMC. I respect that she doesn’t suddenly turn into a badass. She’s normal. But, she STAYS that same Pollyanna, fragile person, and I’m 75% into the book. The FMC, Willow, ruins the book - flat, one dimension, do-good chick that just isn’t likable because she doesn’t GROW with the story.
She’s just an ordinary college kid. But, with zombies everywhere and the world in disaster, she makes no attempt to arm herself, learn to fight, learn to defend herself? A sling shot? Really? She’s also so judgmental and Pollyanna that it’s sickening - ‘why is everyone so mean and bad?’ Is she fing stupid? ‘Poor zombie should’ve just been hit instead of killed’ - insert *eyeroll*.
Finally, she’s marching off into danger because some comic psycho guy is simultaneously surviving the zombies ALONE and obsessed with her like a stalker. It’s bad character and poor plot on the author’s part. PSYCHO guy had time to hang dead animals all around just to draw the zombies to them wherever they go… why? Oh, so he can get to the FMC who he just is obsessed with for no reason at all.
Either the zombie horde is so dangerous or it’s not. Serial killer stalkers aren’t immune to brainless zombies, right?
At 70%, I’m bored. The plot has died stupidly. The little theater here of the stalker and the stand-off with a town bully in an apocalyptic setting is just stupid.
The author’s detailing of every single little thing is helpful at first, but by 70% it feels like fluff. Get on with the f’ing story already. I find myself skipping for something to regain my interest. Nothing~
The baby and preteen adoption just feels too much. It doesn’t add to the story. It slows it down to these unreal moments. Like the stalker, it feels forced into the story for word count. Too many moms in the club for some college kid with a half-ass beginning of a romance and no survival skills to be all ‘Oh, look a baby and preteen - I think I’ll become mommy.’ Too much. Too stupid. Too unreal. Too boring.
The MMC looses all cred with me by claiming the FMC only to let her continually walk whilst he rides other people and lets her hobble beside them. His voice sounds like an idiot, not a hot military man. Sure he chased after her, but, by that point, I’m just not into their romance. Flat. His dialogue sucks, too.
The FMC was fully dependent on the MMC for protection as she berated him for smothering her…. Meanwhile, she waited for everyone to save her and protect her from the zombie world around them. I digress.
Suddenly, bam she’s going to be in charge at the ending.
The end was just anticlimactic and unbelievable. Rushed. Nonsense . Author didn’t know how to rap things up.
Killing psycho- rushed and unbelievable.
Family of five- rushed and unbelievable.
Romance - ehh, half-ass at best.
Brady bunch island - rushed and unbelievable.
Bottom line - Rainbows out the ass disappointed.
Everything in me said I should’ve put the book down at 30%. I kept going, hoping for something that would never come. By 50%, I was bored. By 70%, I was pissed I’d wasted hours on this. By the end, I was just sick with myself for even bothering to finish.
Lame characters.
Lame plot.
Starts with a bang, going immediately to the action, even if every sentence started with a pronoun. The history of the characters come from within the action. The author delivers on the world building of the zombies and the motorcycle clubs for the first 20%.
Where the author failed for me is the FMC. I respect that she doesn’t suddenly turn into a badass. She’s normal. But, she STAYS that same Pollyanna, fragile person, and I’m 75% into the book. The FMC, Willow, ruins the book - flat, one dimension, do-good chick that just isn’t likable because she doesn’t GROW with the story.
She’s just an ordinary college kid. But, with zombies everywhere and the world in disaster, she makes no attempt to arm herself, learn to fight, learn to defend herself? A sling shot? Really? She’s also so judgmental and Pollyanna that it’s sickening - ‘why is everyone so mean and bad?’ Is she fing stupid? ‘Poor zombie should’ve just been hit instead of killed’ - insert *eyeroll*.
Finally, she’s marching off into danger because some comic psycho guy is simultaneously surviving the zombies ALONE and obsessed with her like a stalker. It’s bad character and poor plot on the author’s part. PSYCHO guy had time to hang dead animals all around just to draw the zombies to them wherever they go… why? Oh, so he can get to the FMC who he just is obsessed with for no reason at all.
Either the zombie horde is so dangerous or it’s not. Serial killer stalkers aren’t immune to brainless zombies, right?
At 70%, I’m bored. The plot has died stupidly. The little theater here of the stalker and the stand-off with a town bully in an apocalyptic setting is just stupid.
The author’s detailing of every single little thing is helpful at first, but by 70% it feels like fluff. Get on with the f’ing story already. I find myself skipping for something to regain my interest. Nothing~
The baby and preteen adoption just feels too much. It doesn’t add to the story. It slows it down to these unreal moments. Like the stalker, it feels forced into the story for word count. Too many moms in the club for some college kid with a half-ass beginning of a romance and no survival skills to be all ‘Oh, look a baby and preteen - I think I’ll become mommy.’ Too much. Too stupid. Too unreal. Too boring.
The MMC looses all cred with me by claiming the FMC only to let her continually walk whilst he rides other people and lets her hobble beside them. His voice sounds like an idiot, not a hot military man. Sure he chased after her, but, by that point, I’m just not into their romance. Flat. His dialogue sucks, too.
The FMC was fully dependent on the MMC for protection as she berated him for smothering her…. Meanwhile, she waited for everyone to save her and protect her from the zombie world around them. I digress.
Suddenly, bam she’s going to be in charge at the ending.
The end was just anticlimactic and unbelievable. Rushed. Nonsense . Author didn’t know how to rap things up.
Killing psycho- rushed and unbelievable.
Family of five- rushed and unbelievable.
Romance - ehh, half-ass at best.
Brady bunch island - rushed and unbelievable.
Bottom line - Rainbows out the ass disappointed.
November 7, 2020
4.5 stars
Loved it. As usual no one knows what happened which is kinda a norm with end-of-the-world themes. Though I was hoping for an explanation, I am not surprised.
I liked the Willow. I thought she would grow into the usual kickass type of a heroine but she didn't. Doesn't mean she was a wimp though, she was just not that much into violence, if she could avoid it. But I still liked her. I thought her character was more realistic than most dystopian kickass heroines. I hate when a normal woman becomes a GI Jane just because the world went to shits even though she didn't have any prior training or no evidence is provided to support such a drastic change. So this, for me was quite a welcome representation.
I liked Jay and I liked all the secondary characters. So all in all not a bad read, not too generic but also not complicated at all. Just the right amount of entertaining.
Loved it. As usual no one knows what happened which is kinda a norm with end-of-the-world themes. Though I was hoping for an explanation, I am not surprised.
I liked the Willow. I thought she would grow into the usual kickass type of a heroine but she didn't. Doesn't mean she was a wimp though, she was just not that much into violence, if she could avoid it. But I still liked her. I thought her character was more realistic than most dystopian kickass heroines. I hate when a normal woman becomes a GI Jane just because the world went to shits even though she didn't have any prior training or no evidence is provided to support such a drastic change. So this, for me was quite a welcome representation.
I liked Jay and I liked all the secondary characters. So all in all not a bad read, not too generic but also not complicated at all. Just the right amount of entertaining.
March 30, 2021
This book was previously released in four novellas, Willow, Thrive, Hunted, and Defend.
Willow and Jay are such a great couple. Willow hasn’t had many people who care about her and she slowly blossoms under his watch. As usual with these apocalyptic stories, I crave more details into their relationship. I found myself as confused as Willow at times wondering what Jay felt for her. Granted, there isn't much time for relationships when you’re constantly fighting and running from zombies…
Willow and Jay are such a great couple. Willow hasn’t had many people who care about her and she slowly blossoms under his watch. As usual with these apocalyptic stories, I crave more details into their relationship. I found myself as confused as Willow at times wondering what Jay felt for her. Granted, there isn't much time for relationships when you’re constantly fighting and running from zombies…
June 4, 2021
DNF @ 43%
The interactions between Willow and Jay didn't work for me. There was not really any build up between them. He's immediately calling her baby (eye roll). Jay's character felt somewhat one dimensional. He was bossy and possessive with little to balance it out, which set up an uncomfortable power dynamic.
The interactions between Willow and Jay didn't work for me. There was not really any build up between them. He's immediately calling her baby (eye roll). Jay's character felt somewhat one dimensional. He was bossy and possessive with little to balance it out, which set up an uncomfortable power dynamic.
September 3, 2020
⚔️⚔️ONE RIVETING EXPERIENCE⚔️⚔️
Be afraid! Raegan delivers with this skillfully spun thriller, delivering one action packed, hard hitting, nail-biting, spine tingling, block busting whirlwind, wrapping this jewel up sleek, shiny and tight. Limitations are amplified and exploited, drawing deep for every ounce of moxie in one fierce surge for survival, engaging such surprising intensity and vigor. Trapped in a vicious game of perilous drama, chilling intrigue, horrifying encounters, escalating danger, spiraling suspense and cunning escapades, maneuvering through the manipulations of sinister deeds, vicious iniquity and heinous intent, searching for sanctuary and zipping foes, putting our characters through their paces, blasting this baby to a whole new world. The characters, banter, interactions and charged atmosphere are realistic, complex and genuine with traits and qualities, add depth and diversity, blending into charismatic personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating one gruesome backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Raegan, thanks for sharing this thrilling treat with us.
Be afraid! Raegan delivers with this skillfully spun thriller, delivering one action packed, hard hitting, nail-biting, spine tingling, block busting whirlwind, wrapping this jewel up sleek, shiny and tight. Limitations are amplified and exploited, drawing deep for every ounce of moxie in one fierce surge for survival, engaging such surprising intensity and vigor. Trapped in a vicious game of perilous drama, chilling intrigue, horrifying encounters, escalating danger, spiraling suspense and cunning escapades, maneuvering through the manipulations of sinister deeds, vicious iniquity and heinous intent, searching for sanctuary and zipping foes, putting our characters through their paces, blasting this baby to a whole new world. The characters, banter, interactions and charged atmosphere are realistic, complex and genuine with traits and qualities, add depth and diversity, blending into charismatic personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating one gruesome backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Raegan, thanks for sharing this thrilling treat with us.
December 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this book!! Finally, something to get me out of my slump.
This is a "light" zombie apocalypse book with heavy emotional impact. That's exactly the kind of balance that I like in a story. The action and horror does not overwhelmed the character driven story.
Willow, our heroine, wakes up one day to her her beloved stepdad eating her mother. She is saved by Jason, her step dad's biker nephew.
▪️ The complicated history between Willow and Jason is very well done and makes a lot of emotional sense. Willow's step dad broke up his own family in an ugly way and abandoned his own daughters, only to play daddy to Willow. There are difficult emotions all around. Willow is shunned by the biker gang at first, but it is done in a way that did not get too cartoonish. The bad behavior by the bikers who resent her is called out and naturally as the world is ending, it all becomes less important. They become a family as the story progresses and it sort of reminded me of a covered wagon ride though the old west. The group dynamics were really done immaculately.
▪️ Willow herself is the PERFECT mix of smart, self preserving, and brave. I love a heroine who knows when to hide, when to stand down, and when to fight. She's not a pushover either. Every single time she does something reckless, it is morally and logically necessary. It was so refreshing not to have the same old "let me go fight!!" arguments over and over again. Willow recognizes the need to be self sufficient, but she is also wise enough to know when she is more of a liability than an asset.
▪️ The romance was fun and solid. Some reviewers say it went too fast, but I think it is obvious that Jason had been secretly pining over Willow since before the story even began. When the apocalypse starts, he lets go of all pretenses and Willow is shocked to see his real feelings for her. I was worried that he would be a jerk to her, but he wasn't. They had great chemistry and built up a solid relationship.
▪️ The supporting characters were all great and they get richer as the story continues. Even though Willow is sort of an outcast with the bikers in the beginning, she always has her supporters and friends. She never becomes a maudlin "victim" character. And as the story continues, she gets closer to her companions. She makes friends with other women (thank god) and informally adopts a toddler and 12 year old boy, I loved to see Willow prioritize these kids even though she is only 21 herself. Jason also accepts them with open arms and their coparenting adds a sweet element to their romance.
The only flaw with this book is that a lot of the action stuff was too convenient and not well thought out. The zombies were incredibly easy to kill, the villain started off great but became too outlandish, and Willow was saved last minute too many times. These are things that are easy for me to ignore though, so it didn't dampen my enjoyment of the story. I think a little less danger would have worked better in this story.
Overall, it was a really great story. E.M. Raegan has a talent for understanding and writing complex emotions, which is my number one draw with any romance.
This is a "light" zombie apocalypse book with heavy emotional impact. That's exactly the kind of balance that I like in a story. The action and horror does not overwhelmed the character driven story.
Willow, our heroine, wakes up one day to her her beloved stepdad eating her mother. She is saved by Jason, her step dad's biker nephew.
▪️ The complicated history between Willow and Jason is very well done and makes a lot of emotional sense. Willow's step dad broke up his own family in an ugly way and abandoned his own daughters, only to play daddy to Willow. There are difficult emotions all around. Willow is shunned by the biker gang at first, but it is done in a way that did not get too cartoonish. The bad behavior by the bikers who resent her is called out and naturally as the world is ending, it all becomes less important. They become a family as the story progresses and it sort of reminded me of a covered wagon ride though the old west. The group dynamics were really done immaculately.
▪️ Willow herself is the PERFECT mix of smart, self preserving, and brave. I love a heroine who knows when to hide, when to stand down, and when to fight. She's not a pushover either. Every single time she does something reckless, it is morally and logically necessary. It was so refreshing not to have the same old "let me go fight!!" arguments over and over again. Willow recognizes the need to be self sufficient, but she is also wise enough to know when she is more of a liability than an asset.
▪️ The romance was fun and solid. Some reviewers say it went too fast, but I think it is obvious that Jason had been secretly pining over Willow since before the story even began. When the apocalypse starts, he lets go of all pretenses and Willow is shocked to see his real feelings for her. I was worried that he would be a jerk to her, but he wasn't. They had great chemistry and built up a solid relationship.
▪️ The supporting characters were all great and they get richer as the story continues. Even though Willow is sort of an outcast with the bikers in the beginning, she always has her supporters and friends. She never becomes a maudlin "victim" character. And as the story continues, she gets closer to her companions. She makes friends with other women (thank god) and informally adopts a toddler and 12 year old boy, I loved to see Willow prioritize these kids even though she is only 21 herself. Jason also accepts them with open arms and their coparenting adds a sweet element to their romance.
The only flaw with this book is that a lot of the action stuff was too convenient and not well thought out. The zombies were incredibly easy to kill, the villain started off great but became too outlandish, and Willow was saved last minute too many times. These are things that are easy for me to ignore though, so it didn't dampen my enjoyment of the story. I think a little less danger would have worked better in this story.
Overall, it was a really great story. E.M. Raegan has a talent for understanding and writing complex emotions, which is my number one draw with any romance.
August 30, 2020
The writing and editing of the ARC version of the manuscript was clean, with no typos that I found. The world building was vibrant and frightening. The characterization of the heroine was excellent, with me falling in love with her and really rooting for her to be able to find love and safety in a dangerous world. The development of the romantic relationship was great, with me falling in love with the hero along with Willow. The plot and pacing had non-stop action and high danger throughout. There was little angst and very high stakes in this novel, which I thoroughly enjoyed. This novel used the Forbidden Partner trope and the Zombie Apocalypse trope. The world building, plot, and pacing were all four stars. The characterization and development of the romantic relationship were also four stars. The combined rating of this novel was therefore four stars. This novel had a Happy Ever After ending instead of a cliffhanger, so that is a plus. I recommend this novel to anyone who likes apocalyptic or post-apocalyptic romance. I look forward to reading the next book in this series when it releases, and I will probably buy myself a keeper copy of this novel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 3, 2020
This is book one of the Matron’s Watchmen series and is a compilation of four novellas; Willow, Thrive; Hunted; and Defend. The main character are Willow and Jason, who hate each other, that is until Jason saves Willow’s life. Willow thought she heard her mother scream, over the noise from her headphones, but when she took them off she couldn’t hear anything. She went to check and ended up being attacked by her mother’s boyfriend Rick, who was looking and acting like an animal. As she ran from him, Jason rang and told her to get away from him and keep quiet. He was coming for her. Jason is Nick’s nephew, but she calls him Jay. The hatred came from her mother taking Nick from his marriage and his kids, and when Jason saw her all dressed up in fancy designer gear, he automatically thought it was Nick’s money paying for it and nicknamed her Princess. That was some three years ago and he has hated her ever since. Jason was serving in the military and spent his spare time either with his mum and sisters, or with his motorcycle club, The Matron’s Watchmen, hence the series title.
An outbreak of some sort of infection has hit and martial law has been implemented. Emergency evacuations were being started, according to the news, but the images showed thousands fleeing for their lives. But amongst those crowds were people that looked like Rick and the man in the hallway. Crazed and attacking people. These people had been called the Ravaged. Jason gets her to pack a bag and then takes her on his bike to his mother’s home, but that doesn’t end well. They grab food and her car, to try and make it out of town. When they get to the club, Jason leaves to find his brother. The bikers leave, just before being overrun and two of Willow’s friends manage to turn up, after she had got through to say where she was. Dahlia is an OAP but still feisty and is travelling with her grandson Billy. They have to decide whether to stay with the biker club members or make their own way to some sort of safety.
They race for a supply run, but run into danger. Billy is determined that they are safer away from the larger group and they make a run for it, but Willow gets taken when they stop for gas. Jay comes for her again and she begins to realise that he cares for her, more than she has ever actually known. They start back on the road after getting news that the state is soon to be classed as a dead zone. They all need to find a safe zone and on the way end up rescuing a baby, in a truck with a man called Fin. He seems nice to start, but Willow soon gets a bad vibe from him and keeps hold of the boy. Fin continues to follow them and has an unhealthy fascination with Willow. They get close to the border but find it closed!
They all end up finally in an old university building, which is under military rule, in one of the few safe zones about. The military who run it are very strict about who let in, but within days the biker club members hear whispers about the soldiers leaving. It seems that nowhere is safe and Fin has caught up to Willow yet again! A small town they reach after they escape, is not quite as safe as they thought, as they try to leave after resupplying. Someone in charge takes offense and is blunt and forceful in his actions against the group. It seems that even in a seemingly peaceful town, there are some who are taking the power trip far too forcefully and doing what they want to keep others in control. Add a sick psychopath in the mix and this small town is soon going to find itself overrun with these ravaged zombies.
The group are soon faced with what they believe is a similar blockade where they lost members and got held prisoner. They shoot first and may have killed any chance they have of ever finding a safe haven anywhere. There are thousands of the ravaged behind them and they have no idea where they can go for any safe zone. Their race for safety may have been placed in more danger than the ones they have faced so far. They are being hunted by a psychopath, who is baiting the ravaged, leaving a wide path of bloody food hanging around to pull them in. He has also locked many more into shops in the last town the group have stopped in. He has laid a trap for Willow and will do his best to ensure Jay can’t have his family! One set of communities seem to have a better plan to survive and have leaders who knew of the dangers coming towards them and took action early.
A lot more still to happen, and decisions made because of what others have done to the group, could cause them to make an enemy of the very people who could save them! Willow has been left behind after being separated in the last confrontation with other survivors and Jay is in no condition to chase after her. She feels like giving up, finding herself all alone, bar dog Olly by her side and is almost caught by the biters after she tires of running down the highway away from a horde of ravaged. They were looking for a home to defend, a place to be safe, and it looks like Willow has been saved from the biters just in time and found sanctuary with people who should hate her. She doesn’t feel she can stay there without Jay and the family she has begun to belong to, and with the guilt of their actions holding her down. Meanwhile, Jay is left bereft by her absence and seeks to find her once again. He will do everything he has to, to get her back, no matter the cost.
A gripping tale of an apocalyptic infection, where people change into ravaged zombies, who want to bite anything and anyone, in an instant. Those that weren’t prepared or were too timid to do all they had to, would not survive. It was a very sudden change and people had to adapt or die! Those that didn’t, would fall by the wayside. But those who carried on, have to live with what they have had to do, sometimes to their own loved ones. A cracking read. I’m glad I got to read all four novellas in one go, as each story was short in its length and that would have been annoying, having to wait between reads, when each ended on a cliffhanger! Part so if are very violent and gory, so don’t read it that would upset you. There is also a good bit of a romantic interlude between Willow and Jason, which as times is explicit. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
An outbreak of some sort of infection has hit and martial law has been implemented. Emergency evacuations were being started, according to the news, but the images showed thousands fleeing for their lives. But amongst those crowds were people that looked like Rick and the man in the hallway. Crazed and attacking people. These people had been called the Ravaged. Jason gets her to pack a bag and then takes her on his bike to his mother’s home, but that doesn’t end well. They grab food and her car, to try and make it out of town. When they get to the club, Jason leaves to find his brother. The bikers leave, just before being overrun and two of Willow’s friends manage to turn up, after she had got through to say where she was. Dahlia is an OAP but still feisty and is travelling with her grandson Billy. They have to decide whether to stay with the biker club members or make their own way to some sort of safety.
They race for a supply run, but run into danger. Billy is determined that they are safer away from the larger group and they make a run for it, but Willow gets taken when they stop for gas. Jay comes for her again and she begins to realise that he cares for her, more than she has ever actually known. They start back on the road after getting news that the state is soon to be classed as a dead zone. They all need to find a safe zone and on the way end up rescuing a baby, in a truck with a man called Fin. He seems nice to start, but Willow soon gets a bad vibe from him and keeps hold of the boy. Fin continues to follow them and has an unhealthy fascination with Willow. They get close to the border but find it closed!
They all end up finally in an old university building, which is under military rule, in one of the few safe zones about. The military who run it are very strict about who let in, but within days the biker club members hear whispers about the soldiers leaving. It seems that nowhere is safe and Fin has caught up to Willow yet again! A small town they reach after they escape, is not quite as safe as they thought, as they try to leave after resupplying. Someone in charge takes offense and is blunt and forceful in his actions against the group. It seems that even in a seemingly peaceful town, there are some who are taking the power trip far too forcefully and doing what they want to keep others in control. Add a sick psychopath in the mix and this small town is soon going to find itself overrun with these ravaged zombies.
The group are soon faced with what they believe is a similar blockade where they lost members and got held prisoner. They shoot first and may have killed any chance they have of ever finding a safe haven anywhere. There are thousands of the ravaged behind them and they have no idea where they can go for any safe zone. Their race for safety may have been placed in more danger than the ones they have faced so far. They are being hunted by a psychopath, who is baiting the ravaged, leaving a wide path of bloody food hanging around to pull them in. He has also locked many more into shops in the last town the group have stopped in. He has laid a trap for Willow and will do his best to ensure Jay can’t have his family! One set of communities seem to have a better plan to survive and have leaders who knew of the dangers coming towards them and took action early.
A lot more still to happen, and decisions made because of what others have done to the group, could cause them to make an enemy of the very people who could save them! Willow has been left behind after being separated in the last confrontation with other survivors and Jay is in no condition to chase after her. She feels like giving up, finding herself all alone, bar dog Olly by her side and is almost caught by the biters after she tires of running down the highway away from a horde of ravaged. They were looking for a home to defend, a place to be safe, and it looks like Willow has been saved from the biters just in time and found sanctuary with people who should hate her. She doesn’t feel she can stay there without Jay and the family she has begun to belong to, and with the guilt of their actions holding her down. Meanwhile, Jay is left bereft by her absence and seeks to find her once again. He will do everything he has to, to get her back, no matter the cost.
A gripping tale of an apocalyptic infection, where people change into ravaged zombies, who want to bite anything and anyone, in an instant. Those that weren’t prepared or were too timid to do all they had to, would not survive. It was a very sudden change and people had to adapt or die! Those that didn’t, would fall by the wayside. But those who carried on, have to live with what they have had to do, sometimes to their own loved ones. A cracking read. I’m glad I got to read all four novellas in one go, as each story was short in its length and that would have been annoying, having to wait between reads, when each ended on a cliffhanger! Part so if are very violent and gory, so don’t read it that would upset you. There is also a good bit of a romantic interlude between Willow and Jason, which as times is explicit. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
March 17, 2024
3/5* maybe
This book is right up my street/genre but a few things kept niggling at me. How was this infection only transmitted by teeth and not scratches or blood?? I'm not a bio-chemist but uuummmmm
The heroine, I feel like we barely got to know her, it was one crisis to the next. Her character felt fluffed over even in those few moments it was quiet. Dhalia broke my heart, it was a bit sad how we were barely told anything. I
The Fin business... How did he do what he did and not get infected?? Seems like that could have been their key to survival. Just saying.
Book 2? Maybe, not particularly sold.
This book is right up my street/genre but a few things kept niggling at me. How was this infection only transmitted by teeth and not scratches or blood?? I'm not a bio-chemist but uuummmmm
The heroine, I feel like we barely got to know her, it was one crisis to the next. Her character felt fluffed over even in those few moments it was quiet. Dhalia broke my heart, it was a bit sad how we were barely told anything. I
The Fin business... How did he do what he did and not get infected?? Seems like that could have been their key to survival. Just saying.
Book 2? Maybe, not particularly sold.
November 20, 2020
I enjoyed this and will definitely try another book by this author (aka Erin Raegan).
I love dystopian reads with a central romance, just not usually zombie ones (never pretty). But once Jay was forced to open his eyes, he was truly a swoon worthy Hero. And Willow went from a relatable heroine to an inspiring one. Be aware, along with the love story there is lots of death and gore. But with zombies/ravagers, it’s kind of a given, right?
I’m really looking forward to the sequel with Ren
I love dystopian reads with a central romance, just not usually zombie ones (never pretty). But once Jay was forced to open his eyes, he was truly a swoon worthy Hero. And Willow went from a relatable heroine to an inspiring one. Be aware, along with the love story there is lots of death and gore. But with zombies/ravagers, it’s kind of a given, right?
I’m really looking forward to the sequel with Ren
March 31, 2022
Love it
Spectacular. The action and adventures start from the beginning and don't let up ever.
I would definitely recommend this book
Spectacular. The action and adventures start from the beginning and don't let up ever.
I would definitely recommend this book
July 9, 2023
I hate them both on sight. Or should I say page?
Read
October 24, 2021This wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great either.
It started out good and I was quickly immersed in the story, then I realized the h is tstl and the H has no depth.
Initially, I thought this might be dual POV, and maybe that would have helped me connect to the H, but alas, it was not and therefore I did not.
In fact, Jason, the H, is essentially non-existent in a lot of the story. We get more dialogue between Willow and almost everyone else than we get of Willow and Jason.
Which leaves me to question where did this big 180 in feelings for Willow come from? Jason and his family have literally spent years ignoring, bullying, and looking down their noses at Willow. But then all of a sudden, zombies start eating peoples faces off and Jason has his heart set on her being his woman? Ehh.. okay.
It all just kind of happened between using slingshots to kill zombies and doing the opposite of everything you should do in a zombie apocalypse.
Im just saying, if your worried about zombies nomnomming on you, maybe stay away from crowded places? Avoid getting stuck in a traffic jam?
Anyhoo
I lost interest. DNF at 53%
It started out good and I was quickly immersed in the story, then I realized the h is tstl and the H has no depth.
Initially, I thought this might be dual POV, and maybe that would have helped me connect to the H, but alas, it was not and therefore I did not.
In fact, Jason, the H, is essentially non-existent in a lot of the story. We get more dialogue between Willow and almost everyone else than we get of Willow and Jason.
Which leaves me to question where did this big 180 in feelings for Willow come from? Jason and his family have literally spent years ignoring, bullying, and looking down their noses at Willow. But then all of a sudden, zombies start eating peoples faces off and Jason has his heart set on her being his woman? Ehh.. okay.
It all just kind of happened between using slingshots to kill zombies and doing the opposite of everything you should do in a zombie apocalypse.
Im just saying, if your worried about zombies nomnomming on you, maybe stay away from crowded places? Avoid getting stuck in a traffic jam?
Anyhoo
I lost interest. DNF at 53%
May 7, 2024
3.5 stars. I really enjoyed it! I had some pacing objections, but I think a lot of that was down to the original format of four novellas. Though either way I think the ending needed more room to breathe, largely because it's so absurd and it needed waaaay more time to justify . The ending was the weakest part of the whole book, for sure, but it's definitely HEA to assuage any fears there. I did have some general complaints with how the club treated Willow and the narrative arc there. That aside, I liked the concept and characters and the writing was solid. A couple very early moments of TSTL for Willow but it blew over.
February 5, 2023
Let's start this review off with the fact that I read this story for the zombie apocalypse and instead got a stalker able to travel great distances, track people, and plan elaborate schemes around zombie hordes with no one ever catching him. Because zombies themselves and the end of the world as we know it isn't enough suspense....
Anyway, I the book starts out GREAT. And it stays that way for a while. I was ready to five-star the shit out of this book right up until the insta love and the stalker trope begin. Meh.
This guy has hated her and bullied her for 3 years, and so has his entire family including their entire MC that was started to be watchmen for the women and children of the world. Ok.
But this girl's mother dates a married man and the daughter isn't even with saving at the end of the world according to these people. They only help her at all because they're forced to by the MMC, who leaves her with them for a couple days and luckily one (1) member takes pity on her and decides to do the forcing to everyone to be decent and let the pariah come with us thing while the MMC is gone.
And this guy, who has never been anything but mean to this girl, is suddenly in love with her. And has enough feelings to go for her first when the zombie apocalypse starts. And she spends so long thinking he still hates her until he just tells her she's his woman and he's gonna take care of her and he's gonna fuck her now. Okkkkk.
And then we get part of a chapter where the FMC thinks back over the past 3 years and realizes that in the past year he had changed towards her. His looks were burning with desire instead of hatred like they had been before. So she realizes he had been falling for her that whole time, and she had fallen for him too.
And that's all the character development we're given in regards to the MCs. It happened in the past and we're told about it in a few quick memories.
And let's not forget about how dumb it was for everyone and their dog to hate this girl for doing nothing but breathing.
Well these guys are pretty good at survival so they make it a month and some weeks past the point of the majority of the country being zombified, and in the beginning they scavenge and siphon gas for their huge entourage, but then there comes a point where they stop doing that and they seem to have endless bullets and gas for whatever they need.
Also it's pretty bad when even your character's internal monologue realizes she's acting out of character.
"Maybe this was a little spontaneous. Out-of-character even."
Oh yeah, going off to volunteer to help do something you don't have the skills for and putting everyone else in your group in danger because you feel guilty? The nerve.
Anyway, so much of this story was so good. The side characters were great, the atmosphere was set perfectly, the strays she kept picking up had homes in my heart too, the DOGS.
I especially liked that the MC aspect, even though I don't usually like MC romances. Watching what they did to stick together and take care of each other is why I love the apocalypse trope. I just wish it wasn't ruined by also having an end of days stalker thrown in on top of everything already going on.
Anyway, I the book starts out GREAT. And it stays that way for a while. I was ready to five-star the shit out of this book right up until the insta love and the stalker trope begin. Meh.
This guy has hated her and bullied her for 3 years, and so has his entire family including their entire MC that was started to be watchmen for the women and children of the world. Ok.
But this girl's mother dates a married man and the daughter isn't even with saving at the end of the world according to these people. They only help her at all because they're forced to by the MMC, who leaves her with them for a couple days and luckily one (1) member takes pity on her and decides to do the forcing to everyone to be decent and let the pariah come with us thing while the MMC is gone.
And this guy, who has never been anything but mean to this girl, is suddenly in love with her. And has enough feelings to go for her first when the zombie apocalypse starts. And she spends so long thinking he still hates her until he just tells her she's his woman and he's gonna take care of her and he's gonna fuck her now. Okkkkk.
And then we get part of a chapter where the FMC thinks back over the past 3 years and realizes that in the past year he had changed towards her. His looks were burning with desire instead of hatred like they had been before. So she realizes he had been falling for her that whole time, and she had fallen for him too.
And that's all the character development we're given in regards to the MCs. It happened in the past and we're told about it in a few quick memories.
And let's not forget about how dumb it was for everyone and their dog to hate this girl for doing nothing but breathing.
Well these guys are pretty good at survival so they make it a month and some weeks past the point of the majority of the country being zombified, and in the beginning they scavenge and siphon gas for their huge entourage, but then there comes a point where they stop doing that and they seem to have endless bullets and gas for whatever they need.
Also it's pretty bad when even your character's internal monologue realizes she's acting out of character.
"Maybe this was a little spontaneous. Out-of-character even."
Oh yeah, going off to volunteer to help do something you don't have the skills for and putting everyone else in your group in danger because you feel guilty? The nerve.
Anyway, so much of this story was so good. The side characters were great, the atmosphere was set perfectly, the strays she kept picking up had homes in my heart too, the DOGS.
I especially liked that the MC aspect, even though I don't usually like MC romances. Watching what they did to stick together and take care of each other is why I love the apocalypse trope. I just wish it wasn't ruined by also having an end of days stalker thrown in on top of everything already going on.
October 14, 2021
DNF 14% The military and cop propaganda is strong in this one. Also, the MC is annoying. She LOVES her stepdad soo much for the three years he's been her stepdad (she's 21, so he came into her life at 18). He's so amazing, he paid for her college tuition and he stays with her mom for her. So, let me get this straight, he loves you so much that he's willing to continue being with your mom though he doesn't want to be for your sake (a stepdaughter he met at 18 and has known for 3 years), but his love for his actual blood daughters who he raised wasn't enough to stay with their mother even though he didn't want to. What about that seems like a good man to you? He stopped financially supporting his blood daughters when he left their mother but he's paying all of your bills? That sounds like the biggest asshole ever and a SHITTY, TERRIBLE father but that doesn't bother the heroine because she benefits from their mistreatment, she even takes shots a them. Something along the lines of them being bitchy and having everyone who was calling foul on the stepdad fooled. Um, ma'am I'd be pretty bitchy too if my father cheated on my mom, divorced her and then pretended like we no longer existed (the MC mentions the fact that the stepdad never talked about his daughters, the first time she even knew he had daughters was when the main love interest came and ripped her and her mom a new one about being home wreckers).
"why I got that kind of love from him when his own daughters didn't, I would never know". Obviously, its because you're so amazing and so much more worthy than the daughters that are actually his. (EYE ROLL)
"why I got that kind of love from him when his own daughters didn't, I would never know". Obviously, its because you're so amazing and so much more worthy than the daughters that are actually his. (EYE ROLL)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2021
AMAZING READ! DEFINITELY GOING TO READ AGAIN AND AGAIN
Wow!!!
action packed, drama, life and death, romance this has it all and zombies to boot.
Willow has had a horrible start, mom is a dead beat gold digger home wrecker and poor willow on top of other stuff her mom let happen to her has been blamed for her mother's actions and treated like dirt. Apocalypse happens and one of her tormentors rides in to save the day. Jay is a ex military biker and he has a long road to redeeming himself and be good enough for Willow. One could even argue that isn't even completely down in this book and would probably take a life time to make right (but maybe that's more me then what is needed).
Honestly it's an awesome read and I 100% recommend this book. If you like romance, zombies, suspense, enemies to lovers kinda romance and a woman that finds her voice and as happily ever after as you can have in a world gone to blood and guts, well man oh man buckle up!
Fingers crossed the second book is just a great! going to be diving into that one next. Way to go Erin Raegan! Seriously you are an amazing writer and I can't wait to read more of your creativity. truely a superpower!
Wow!!!
action packed, drama, life and death, romance this has it all and zombies to boot.
Willow has had a horrible start, mom is a dead beat gold digger home wrecker and poor willow on top of other stuff her mom let happen to her has been blamed for her mother's actions and treated like dirt. Apocalypse happens and one of her tormentors rides in to save the day. Jay is a ex military biker and he has a long road to redeeming himself and be good enough for Willow. One could even argue that isn't even completely down in this book and would probably take a life time to make right (but maybe that's more me then what is needed).
Honestly it's an awesome read and I 100% recommend this book. If you like romance, zombies, suspense, enemies to lovers kinda romance and a woman that finds her voice and as happily ever after as you can have in a world gone to blood and guts, well man oh man buckle up!
Fingers crossed the second book is just a great! going to be diving into that one next. Way to go Erin Raegan! Seriously you are an amazing writer and I can't wait to read more of your creativity. truely a superpower!
November 2, 2023
Between a 2.5 and a 3.
I wanted so badly to like this book. It’s basically a mashup of two of my favorite things: motorcycle club romance and zombie apocalypse.
I think the book started out well. I liked the characters, there was great tension, and the World War Z style zombies were a great addition. But after a while, it felt like it wasn’t really going anywhere. I wasn’t sure what the plot was, other than them just trying to survive. There was like a psycho killer subplot that I think could have played a much larger role.
I will say, the best character in this book was Dahlia. We love a sassy old lady.
Finally, this book should have gone through at least one or two more rounds of editing. I think that could have helped it become more of a cohesive story and improve the plot lines. Oh, and also fix the many typos, primarily in the last half.
I definitely liked certain parts of this book, especially the first half, but I don’t think I’ll be continuing with the series. All that being said, I know a bunch of folks have enjoyed this and I’m so glad they did! And maybe you will too. Support indie authors!
I wanted so badly to like this book. It’s basically a mashup of two of my favorite things: motorcycle club romance and zombie apocalypse.
I think the book started out well. I liked the characters, there was great tension, and the World War Z style zombies were a great addition. But after a while, it felt like it wasn’t really going anywhere. I wasn’t sure what the plot was, other than them just trying to survive. There was like a psycho killer subplot that I think could have played a much larger role.
I will say, the best character in this book was Dahlia. We love a sassy old lady.
Finally, this book should have gone through at least one or two more rounds of editing. I think that could have helped it become more of a cohesive story and improve the plot lines. Oh, and also fix the many typos, primarily in the last half.
I definitely liked certain parts of this book, especially the first half, but I don’t think I’ll be continuing with the series. All that being said, I know a bunch of folks have enjoyed this and I’m so glad they did! And maybe you will too. Support indie authors!
June 20, 2024
3.5 stars for not killing characters unnecessarily. Seriously I love zombie stories but I’m also scared all my favorite characters would die. I heaved a sigh of relief every time they survived.
Now well, the romance and logic were a separate matter. Both didn’t add up. What was going on? Zombies all around and no one doing anything? No one trying to figure things out? The safe location still doesn’t seem quite so safe. Why don’t the zombie scratches work the same way as their bites? The poor dogs, how come only their group’s dogs survived? No way the zombie hordes didn’t eat them the first chance they had.
The group dynamic wasn’t working well either. There were children and women but we barely see them in the later stage of the book.
As for romance, Jay came on too strong and all of sudden. Their relationship was purely sexual which doesn’t help.
I lost count of Willow’s near escapes in all of it. She doesn’t come of as a smart or resilient character to last even days let alone weeks. Fin the psycho leading the horde to the group every time, how? None of it made sense and I would have liked details and more answers.
Now well, the romance and logic were a separate matter. Both didn’t add up. What was going on? Zombies all around and no one doing anything? No one trying to figure things out? The safe location still doesn’t seem quite so safe. Why don’t the zombie scratches work the same way as their bites? The poor dogs, how come only their group’s dogs survived? No way the zombie hordes didn’t eat them the first chance they had.
The group dynamic wasn’t working well either. There were children and women but we barely see them in the later stage of the book.
As for romance, Jay came on too strong and all of sudden. Their relationship was purely sexual which doesn’t help.
I lost count of Willow’s near escapes in all of it. She doesn’t come of as a smart or resilient character to last even days let alone weeks. Fin the psycho leading the horde to the group every time, how? None of it made sense and I would have liked details and more answers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2021
I loved this story. There were never a dull moment through out the entire book. There was no skimming, no eye rolls, just pure entertainment.
Willow and Jays story started before the book began but we get to see their relationship take course. He reminds me of the men in Kristen Ashley books. With all the ‘I am man, hear me roar’ and not speaking in full sentences. But Jay is definitely my new book boyfriend. He’s sweet, devoted, and damn hot with a baby in tow.
In a lot of ways it’s a lot like any other zombie apocalypse story (I mean what else is there but flesh eating people) but with all the characters, the steamy scenes, the trouble around every corner, it was so good.
All that being said, I feel the need to say that there were a fair amount of typos, but I quickly looked past them because the storyline was so spot on. I’ve read a lot of books that typos have ruined the experience and this one was not in that category.
Thank you to the author. I’ve been in a slump and this pulled me out. I can’t wait to read more from you!
Willow and Jays story started before the book began but we get to see their relationship take course. He reminds me of the men in Kristen Ashley books. With all the ‘I am man, hear me roar’ and not speaking in full sentences. But Jay is definitely my new book boyfriend. He’s sweet, devoted, and damn hot with a baby in tow.
In a lot of ways it’s a lot like any other zombie apocalypse story (I mean what else is there but flesh eating people) but with all the characters, the steamy scenes, the trouble around every corner, it was so good.
All that being said, I feel the need to say that there were a fair amount of typos, but I quickly looked past them because the storyline was so spot on. I’ve read a lot of books that typos have ruined the experience and this one was not in that category.
Thank you to the author. I’ve been in a slump and this pulled me out. I can’t wait to read more from you!
April 25, 2021
*3,5 stars*
That was one epic zombie book.
I fell into dystopian trope and by accident found this, or maybe not so accidentally.
Thinking of current world, I wouldn't blink an eye for zombie outbreaks, god knows some people who believe some whacked up conspiracy theories are pretty zombies in their head.
Now, I totally enjoyed this book, it was a love story in the middle of The Walking Dead episode. Me loved that series but it fell also on that point where they encountered some whacked humans. I felt that stalker in the middle of insanity a bit too much but it was what it was.
Also, I would complain about H&h love story. I would maybe have liked them to establish something before the outbreak. Some intro to the bang because this book honestly starts like The Walking Dead starts, immediately grab that chair and chew your nails. I wanted some easing into, i guess.
But overall, I was in the mood and it was exactly what I needed.
That was one epic zombie book.
I fell into dystopian trope and by accident found this, or maybe not so accidentally.
Thinking of current world, I wouldn't blink an eye for zombie outbreaks, god knows some people who believe some whacked up conspiracy theories are pretty zombies in their head.
Now, I totally enjoyed this book, it was a love story in the middle of The Walking Dead episode. Me loved that series but it fell also on that point where they encountered some whacked humans. I felt that stalker in the middle of insanity a bit too much but it was what it was.
Also, I would complain about H&h love story. I would maybe have liked them to establish something before the outbreak. Some intro to the bang because this book honestly starts like The Walking Dead starts, immediately grab that chair and chew your nails. I wanted some easing into, i guess.
But overall, I was in the mood and it was exactly what I needed.
May 1, 2022
This is a toss-up for me.
Pros:
- Willow feels like a realistic college girl caught up in a zombie apocalypse
- Realistically, I think people would behave in a similar manner to the characters in this book if we were ever faced with a zombie apocalypse
Cons:
- The immediate 180 change in attitude from everyone towards Willow. I went into this wanting some angst and character development, and this didn't really deliver.
- The romance. It didn't really deliver for me.
- The handling of Fin and Willow's 'relationship' - it was weird, sudden, and anticlimactic - definitely felt rushed
- Weird choices in the killing off of certain characters - it felt like they weren't needed to push the story along anymore but the author didn't know what to do with them, so I guess we'll just kill them off-screen or something the end.
Overall, it's not terrible, but there were too many missteps for me to call it 'well done' either.
Pros:
- Willow feels like a realistic college girl caught up in a zombie apocalypse
- Realistically, I think people would behave in a similar manner to the characters in this book if we were ever faced with a zombie apocalypse
Cons:
- The immediate 180 change in attitude from everyone towards Willow. I went into this wanting some angst and character development, and this didn't really deliver.
- The romance. It didn't really deliver for me.
- The handling of Fin and Willow's 'relationship' - it was weird, sudden, and anticlimactic - definitely felt rushed
- Weird choices in the killing off of certain characters - it felt like they weren't needed to push the story along anymore but the author didn't know what to do with them, so I guess we'll just kill them off-screen or something the end.
Overall, it's not terrible, but there were too many missteps for me to call it 'well done' either.
did-not-finish
November 2, 2023I loved how it started. I was so exited. Like yes!! Like SM Olivier Sanctary.. it grabbed me the second it started and i loved the angst. How everybody hated heroine for wrong reasons (because her golddigger mother), that she was this shy cute thing. There where some plot holes that i stumbled over. Like she told Billy is in high school. Next second he is 27 and like was 6y in jail. Then she has wet clothes in the shower. They have sex. And H helps to redress heroine in same clothes, but they are dry somehow.
DNF 70% when the Fin plot got tooooooo unreal. Like how he managed to follow them all this time and what he did etc. Like there is no way. no way for one mad to survive so long and do the things he did. Like he is some kind of super hero, because heroine and heros group made life seem hard and how they fought with zombies and barely survived. But this Fin dude captures hundreds of them and lets them loose alone and who knows what. Alone.
DNF 70% when the Fin plot got tooooooo unreal. Like how he managed to follow them all this time and what he did etc. Like there is no way. no way for one mad to survive so long and do the things he did. Like he is some kind of super hero, because heroine and heros group made life seem hard and how they fought with zombies and barely survived. But this Fin dude captures hundreds of them and lets them loose alone and who knows what. Alone.
September 29, 2024
Romance:3.5
Steaminess:3
Action/suspense:4
Overall:4
I’m a big fan.
This book was so exciting. Honestly, the romance was almost secondary. Truthfully, the romance was just okay. I still wasn’t entirely sure how the relationship between Willow and Jay began. But it was an intense one. And Jay was protective. It was steamy but not so much. Which is understandable. The apocalypse isn’t exactly the most romantic time.
But the action, the zombies, the gore. That was the absolute best hit of the story. It was so fun and kind of unflinching. Not to mention, the author wrote it in such a believable way. The characters absolutely felt like real people. And Willow herself has such a great character development and turns into a complete bad ass. More than anything, this was a kick ass zombie story.
Overall, I’m so pleased with this story. The romance was okay but the characters and zombies were so engaging.
Steaminess:3
Action/suspense:4
Overall:4
I’m a big fan.
This book was so exciting. Honestly, the romance was almost secondary. Truthfully, the romance was just okay. I still wasn’t entirely sure how the relationship between Willow and Jay began. But it was an intense one. And Jay was protective. It was steamy but not so much. Which is understandable. The apocalypse isn’t exactly the most romantic time.
But the action, the zombies, the gore. That was the absolute best hit of the story. It was so fun and kind of unflinching. Not to mention, the author wrote it in such a believable way. The characters absolutely felt like real people. And Willow herself has such a great character development and turns into a complete bad ass. More than anything, this was a kick ass zombie story.
Overall, I’m so pleased with this story. The romance was okay but the characters and zombies were so engaging.
February 9, 2025
Ok so finished it in one night, why??? Idk… I really wanted to read an apocalyptic book with romance subplot and found this on Reddit as per someone’s recommendation. So.. it fed the itch, it gave me what I was looking for and honestly I live for damsel in distress fmc. Everyone’s always writing badass heroines now which don’t get me wrong I love reading but sometimes I wanna read about the fmc getting saved, and this book gave me that. Problem? It’s too fast, not enough character building. I loved the dialogue but I knew nothing about the characters, nothing. And on top of that everything was always moving so fast. There was never anytime to delve into the world and the actual relationships and character building.
So for fulfilling that itch I’d give it a 3, but is it anywhere close to the best book I’ve read?? Nope
**a good apocalypse book: love in the time of a zombie apocalypse (and it’s a ff, ao3, read it)
So for fulfilling that itch I’d give it a 3, but is it anywhere close to the best book I’ve read?? Nope
**a good apocalypse book: love in the time of a zombie apocalypse (and it’s a ff, ao3, read it)
March 2, 2025
A Great Adventure
As a reader who loves apocalyptic themes this met my expectations. Other themes I enjoy Romance, Motorcycle Club, Travel, Survival , Abnormal Psychology also included in the storyline.
So picture this: your family has drama, but did one of your parents eat the other? These same parents also broke up a marriage and there has been bad blood ever since… now you have to rely on these people holding a grudge for your survival- things can get tense.
Overall this is a great story. Really good character development- everyone of these people feels so real.
You are rooting for or against people in this survival story. I would get so worried at times reading this. There was also great chemistry between the two main characters. I am really attached to this group. I love that they had dogs and they were a major priority to the group. Really recommend this book.
As a reader who loves apocalyptic themes this met my expectations. Other themes I enjoy Romance, Motorcycle Club, Travel, Survival , Abnormal Psychology also included in the storyline.
So picture this: your family has drama, but did one of your parents eat the other? These same parents also broke up a marriage and there has been bad blood ever since… now you have to rely on these people holding a grudge for your survival- things can get tense.
Overall this is a great story. Really good character development- everyone of these people feels so real.
You are rooting for or against people in this survival story. I would get so worried at times reading this. There was also great chemistry between the two main characters. I am really attached to this group. I love that they had dogs and they were a major priority to the group. Really recommend this book.
April 13, 2022
Holy zombie apocalypse love!!
This story was SOOOOOO good.
They plot, the characters - and their development in the story, the twists... I'm not adding any spoilers, so just read lower for star/spice count if you want a quick 'review'.
PER-FREAKING-FECT!! I honestly didnt expect to love this story, I was thinking it was going somewhere else in the plotline with the short description. But, I love it.
Absolutely, 100%, would recommend.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5)
Spice: slow/med burn - but 🌶🌶🌶🌶 (4) after it "starts" in the story.
Feels: ❤❤❤ (3)
I felt the feels, but it was so far outside of my own life that it didn't impact me as hard as some other books have. Still, the feels got me mad or wanting to cry at some points. Good book to get our of your own world/head with.
GREAT JOB, MISS REAGAN!! Could hardly put it down.
This story was SOOOOOO good.
They plot, the characters - and their development in the story, the twists... I'm not adding any spoilers, so just read lower for star/spice count if you want a quick 'review'.
PER-FREAKING-FECT!! I honestly didnt expect to love this story, I was thinking it was going somewhere else in the plotline with the short description. But, I love it.
Absolutely, 100%, would recommend.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5)
Spice: slow/med burn - but 🌶🌶🌶🌶 (4) after it "starts" in the story.
Feels: ❤❤❤ (3)
I felt the feels, but it was so far outside of my own life that it didn't impact me as hard as some other books have. Still, the feels got me mad or wanting to cry at some points. Good book to get our of your own world/head with.
GREAT JOB, MISS REAGAN!! Could hardly put it down.
January 1, 2023
This book is entertaining and fairly fast paced, and there are some interesting bits and pieces for a zombie apocalypse fan. However I just couldn’t get past the ridiculousness surrounding the plot’s main antagonist. He was like an omnipresent evil being who for whatever psychotic reason decided to harass the heroine and her group, which is fine as a plot device. But his ability to survive and even manipulate the zombies to do his bidding is so unbelievable when in the same breath the author takes great care to describe what a threat the zombies are to the group of protagonists. And this evil character just seemed to know his bearings and the in’s and out’s of any new locations he followed the MCs to, while our protagonists needed a local guide or a map? It just felt that this particular plot device was not well thought out and it affected my enjoyment of the story overall.
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