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After the Plague #1
Broken
Before the apocalypse they were strangers. Now their lives will forever be entwined.
99% of the population dies, leaving 1% grieving, scared, desperate, capable of anything, plunged into an apocalypse without laws, and no one to enforce them anyway.
Artist Frankie has zero skills to survive. When she loses the love of her life, she discovers an untapped well of hope and courage insider herself, and the strength to find others, the left-behind survivors who, for good or bad, must now rebuild.
Yorke, a lone soldier, never wanted a family, until everyone died, and he realized he'd been living all wrong. When finds Frankie, he has a single burning conviction: if anyone is going to make the rules in this strange new lawless world, it will be them. He will stop at nothing to keep her safe.
Together, they prove once-in-a-lifetime love really can come twice, and the apocalypse has nothing on hope.
99% of the population dies, leaving 1% grieving, scared, desperate, capable of anything, plunged into an apocalypse without laws, and no one to enforce them anyway.
Artist Frankie has zero skills to survive. When she loses the love of her life, she discovers an untapped well of hope and courage insider herself, and the strength to find others, the left-behind survivors who, for good or bad, must now rebuild.
Yorke, a lone soldier, never wanted a family, until everyone died, and he realized he'd been living all wrong. When finds Frankie, he has a single burning conviction: if anyone is going to make the rules in this strange new lawless world, it will be them. He will stop at nothing to keep her safe.
Together, they prove once-in-a-lifetime love really can come twice, and the apocalypse has nothing on hope.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2020
About the author
Imogen Keeper
66 books391 followersAn Amazon best-selling and award-winning author, Immy writes romantic apocalypse and dystopian stories. Her books are a shade too dark to be light, and a tinge too light to be dark. They'll make you cry and worry and wonder, but there's always a layer of hope and laughter and sexy times to brighten it all.
In addition to writing, Immy loves her children, her husband, books about steam and darkness, flowers (even if she accidentally shmurgles half of them), coffee, DIY projects, trying new things, learning new facts, sunshine, guacamole, and sticky toffee pudding.
KEEP UP WITH IMMY ON ALL PLATFORMS
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Facebook➜ https://www.facebook.com/ImogenKeeper
Join her private readers' group ➜ https://www.facebook.com/groups/52366...
Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Twitter➜ https://twitter.com/Imogen_Keeper
READING ORDER
After the Plague Series
- Broken #1
- Lost #2
- Found #3
- Safe #4
- Home #5 (coming soon)
The City of a Thousand Lies Trilogy
- Outlaw
- Wanted (coming soon)
- Captive (coming soon)
Dirty Little Secret Series
- Talk Dirty to Me
- Fight Dirty with Me
- Draw Dirty for Me (available in installments on Vella)
In addition to writing, Immy loves her children, her husband, books about steam and darkness, flowers (even if she accidentally shmurgles half of them), coffee, DIY projects, trying new things, learning new facts, sunshine, guacamole, and sticky toffee pudding.
KEEP UP WITH IMMY ON ALL PLATFORMS
Newsletter VIP room for a FREE BOOK ➜ https://www.imogenkeeper.com/
Facebook➜ https://www.facebook.com/ImogenKeeper
Join her private readers' group ➜ https://www.facebook.com/groups/52366...
Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Instagram➜ https://www.instagram.com/imogenkeepe...
Twitter➜ https://twitter.com/Imogen_Keeper
READING ORDER
After the Plague Series
- Broken #1
- Lost #2
- Found #3
- Safe #4
- Home #5 (coming soon)
The City of a Thousand Lies Trilogy
- Outlaw
- Wanted (coming soon)
- Captive (coming soon)
Dirty Little Secret Series
- Talk Dirty to Me
- Fight Dirty with Me
- Draw Dirty for Me (available in installments on Vella)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
July 21, 2023
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ SOUL SCREAMING STARS...📚Re-Reading the entire series because I realised I haven't finished it...Rating gone from 4 ⭐️ (2023) to 5 ⭐️ (2025)
BROKEN Is the first full length post apocalyptic book within the (After the Plague) series by author Imogen Keeper. Spoken in dual POV's. (Frankie & Yorke)
(2025) Having more of this genre under my belt (and hoping many more to come) I appreciated this more than I did previously, if you've not read this series definitely consider it. It pulls you in straight away, and you'll connect with Frankie so much. In the beginning she was a wife/artist who had her head in the sand as those around her were dying off from the virus which was ravishing the world/country creating mandatory lockdowns to contain the disease. Her husband and herself were thankful they had each other. One day he was her whole world, the love of her life, her rock and safe place, until he got sick and died and she's left all alone in a world that's barely holding on by a thread. On his death bed he urges her to find Colleen a news anchor at NBN whose set up a survivors camp at the broadcasting studio, he also urges her to get out of the city, find somewhere safe, and plan and plant for a changed future.
Then she encounters a dog (Beast) who leads her to a young boy (Auden) and just like that her life is worth living for again.
Yorke put his life within the hands of the government fighting for this country, his younger brother whom he hasn't been in contact with since he deported put his hands on opioids, with the virus overtaking the country Yorke hopes to reconnect with his younger brother.
Drunk and depressed up on a roof thinking he was the only person alive and in some ways wanting to end it all he hears the cries of a woman as though the sound is getting ripped right out of her soul pulls him out of his stupor, she saved him that night.
(2023) I've only just seen this series doing the rounds on here now and I couldn't wait to grab it and dive in and with no regrets this was inhaled. Between arcs this series will be on top of my list to finish. I'm already excited to get to the next one.
This was such a great start to this plague new world I've been thrust into and a nice change from my usual go to genres. These characters easily slipped into my heart as I read their fears, their loss of loved ones, their need to survive, wondering what tomorrow may bring as the world was cloaked in darkness.
If anyone had've said to me to read anything remotely like this in the past I would've laughed in their faces because this genre had never even been on my radar, but now that I've had a taste of it, I want more.
BROKEN Is the first full length post apocalyptic book within the (After the Plague) series by author Imogen Keeper. Spoken in dual POV's. (Frankie & Yorke)
(2025) Having more of this genre under my belt (and hoping many more to come) I appreciated this more than I did previously, if you've not read this series definitely consider it. It pulls you in straight away, and you'll connect with Frankie so much. In the beginning she was a wife/artist who had her head in the sand as those around her were dying off from the virus which was ravishing the world/country creating mandatory lockdowns to contain the disease. Her husband and herself were thankful they had each other. One day he was her whole world, the love of her life, her rock and safe place, until he got sick and died and she's left all alone in a world that's barely holding on by a thread. On his death bed he urges her to find Colleen a news anchor at NBN whose set up a survivors camp at the broadcasting studio, he also urges her to get out of the city, find somewhere safe, and plan and plant for a changed future.
Then she encounters a dog (Beast) who leads her to a young boy (Auden) and just like that her life is worth living for again.
Yorke put his life within the hands of the government fighting for this country, his younger brother whom he hasn't been in contact with since he deported put his hands on opioids, with the virus overtaking the country Yorke hopes to reconnect with his younger brother.
Drunk and depressed up on a roof thinking he was the only person alive and in some ways wanting to end it all he hears the cries of a woman as though the sound is getting ripped right out of her soul pulls him out of his stupor, she saved him that night.
(2023) I've only just seen this series doing the rounds on here now and I couldn't wait to grab it and dive in and with no regrets this was inhaled. Between arcs this series will be on top of my list to finish. I'm already excited to get to the next one.
This was such a great start to this plague new world I've been thrust into and a nice change from my usual go to genres. These characters easily slipped into my heart as I read their fears, their loss of loved ones, their need to survive, wondering what tomorrow may bring as the world was cloaked in darkness.
If anyone had've said to me to read anything remotely like this in the past I would've laughed in their faces because this genre had never even been on my radar, but now that I've had a taste of it, I want more.
November 11, 2021
Omg I knew I would fall in love with this and I so freaking did. This was so heart wrenchingly beautiful. I want to write more but I can't cuz I'm jumping right into the next one.
April 6, 2021
Reread/listen time! 10.11.21
Huge thank you to Imogen Keeper for the audiobook! This was my second time with this story and I found even more to love listening to William Travino and Imogen voicing these characters. This is one of my very favorite post apocalyptic series. Highly recommend in both book and audiobook formats.
******
4.6.21
Reading this book was such a pleasure! I was expecting the usual post-apocalypse story but this one took it up a notch. The amount of love between the couple at the start of the story was incredibly touching and melted my heart.
Auden and Beast are such a sweet addition to the story. They help our MC's to grow emotionally and in Frankie’s case, realize the inner strength she carries. Yorke is simply one of the most compassionate male leads I’ve read in a long time.
Ends on a cliffhanger so have that second book queued up and ready to go!
Huge thank you to Imogen Keeper for the audiobook! This was my second time with this story and I found even more to love listening to William Travino and Imogen voicing these characters. This is one of my very favorite post apocalyptic series. Highly recommend in both book and audiobook formats.
******
4.6.21
Reading this book was such a pleasure! I was expecting the usual post-apocalypse story but this one took it up a notch. The amount of love between the couple at the start of the story was incredibly touching and melted my heart.
Anyone who says you can’t belong to another human has never had this, and I feel sorry for them. You can belong to someone.The characters in this story are real, flawed, and all struggling to survive the new world they live in. The weaving of this book is build on these people, I think that's why it felt more realistic than most books of this genre. There was plenty of horror, but it was man-made rather than zombies...and that is honestly more terrifying.
Auden and Beast are such a sweet addition to the story. They help our MC's to grow emotionally and in Frankie’s case, realize the inner strength she carries. Yorke is simply one of the most compassionate male leads I’ve read in a long time.
Ends on a cliffhanger so have that second book queued up and ready to go!
November 14, 2021
I couldn't wait to start Broken after seeing high ratings from GR friends. Even though I'm strictly a romance reader I decided to give this one a try. I went in knowing that the h is going to lose her husband who is the love of her life and that the romance with Yorke was going to be slow. What I didn't expect was a slow boring story. The concept of the book was great unfortunately all the News info dumps were boring and I honestly lost interest. Add to that she hasn't even met Yorke yet. Now I did love how caring she was with Auden and how quickly she started to care for him. Overall this book wasn't for me and at this time I have no plans on continuing but I'm not opposed to maybe giving it another try.
July 17, 2023
What a great surprise! This story is great and a want more…
August 27, 2022
This is just the start of the After the Plague series. Book one is a short read with only 144 pages or so, but damn it's beautiful. I'm completely drawn to Frankie right now.
January 26, 2025
Book 1 serves absolutely nothing, so expectations are tamed. It’s just an intro, a sneak peek, but so far, this series is giving predictable vibes. Let’s see if it surprises me.
July 31, 2021
This series contains both an apocalypse and a surprisingly tender romance - not the kind of mash-up I was expecting to work, but it does.
Keeper makes it work! The relationships (both love and friendship) are incredibly touching, and I just...melted. And I want more.
The characters are well developed, real, flawed, and the struggle to survive in this new desolate world feels realistic. I love them all, am worried for them all, and will gladly adopt them all.
Broken and its sequels are very character-driven and the plot is at times heart-breaking but also hopeful in nature. Yorke especially is one of the wonderful male protagonists I've encountered in a long time.
The books are short and entertaining and can be read in one sitting. I can't recommend this series enough if you're a romance fan even if apocalypse isn't your jam.
Keeper makes it work! The relationships (both love and friendship) are incredibly touching, and I just...melted. And I want more.
The characters are well developed, real, flawed, and the struggle to survive in this new desolate world feels realistic. I love them all, am worried for them all, and will gladly adopt them all.
Broken and its sequels are very character-driven and the plot is at times heart-breaking but also hopeful in nature. Yorke especially is one of the wonderful male protagonists I've encountered in a long time.
The books are short and entertaining and can be read in one sitting. I can't recommend this series enough if you're a romance fan even if apocalypse isn't your jam.
January 5, 2024
4 Stars
It was pretty good. Sorta wish Jimmy was the MC. I cried a lot too, heh 😅 wish it was longer too
It was pretty good. Sorta wish Jimmy was the MC. I cried a lot too, heh 😅 wish it was longer too
January 1, 2022
I really liked this book but i would read it at least in one go up to book 3 and view it as 1 book.
Dual POV.
The heroine is living with her husband who she utterly is devoted to and he as with her as the plague hits.
The other POV is the Hero, who is not her husband.
So SPOILER
#
#
#
#
I guessed hubby wasn't going to make it.
It is very sad.
I felt the author was either very brave to have the heroine in love with another man, who she obviously will struggle to move on from or shot herself in the foot, as some readers I know will struggle to move on from this.
The writing is great.
The end of the world scenario is chillingly believable, though I did feel the news reports were perhaps a bit too much, I'm not so interested in every detail of the spread.
The other issue some may have is the Hero and heroine don't meet in this book which is why I would recommend reading books 1-3 in one hit.
There is a vague intimate scene with her husband, its not detailed.
Each book ends on a cliffhanger of sorts tbc
The author has hinted this will be an 8 book series, why do I do this to myself as they are not all out yet..
Dual POV.
The heroine is living with her husband who she utterly is devoted to and he as with her as the plague hits.
The other POV is the Hero, who is not her husband.
So SPOILER
#
#
#
#
I guessed hubby wasn't going to make it.
It is very sad.
I felt the author was either very brave to have the heroine in love with another man, who she obviously will struggle to move on from or shot herself in the foot, as some readers I know will struggle to move on from this.
The writing is great.
The end of the world scenario is chillingly believable, though I did feel the news reports were perhaps a bit too much, I'm not so interested in every detail of the spread.
The other issue some may have is the Hero and heroine don't meet in this book which is why I would recommend reading books 1-3 in one hit.
There is a vague intimate scene with her husband, its not detailed.
Each book ends on a cliffhanger of sorts tbc
The author has hinted this will be an 8 book series, why do I do this to myself as they are not all out yet..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2026
I am…perturbed by this book.
It was sooooo short. To the point that it annoyed me. This didn’t even feel like a book - it felt like a prequel. It felt like a weird short story almost. I don’t even know what to call it.
It seems like the one story is oddly split into several parts. Based on book one, it would make so much more sense if they were all together with “Part One”, “Part Two”, etc titles in between.
Side note: I just looked at there are 7 books in this series???? Yeah this definitely could’ve been condensed into two novels with different parts.
Because this was so short, I don’t have a lot of solid opinions on the characters. I’m hoping that Frankie grows on me some more. I legit can’t remember his name, but I really like the MMC. I like that he has feelings and is trying to be a good person, instead of just a stoic sack of muscles. Auden is adorable, but I don’t know how accurate his age portrayal is right now, so that may piss me off in the future.
The majority of this in Frankie’s POV was depressing as fuck. She was such a downer, and trust me I get it, but like come onnnn. As a reader that makes it so hard to invest in her.
(Small spoiler)
ALSO, the way she went to the news station at the end and told these ladies she had supplies and would give them to them??? Is she stupid or is she dumb? And now you’re just going to drive right into THEIR compound and get locked in with a child? No no no. I can’t take how insanely stupid this is.
It was sooooo short. To the point that it annoyed me. This didn’t even feel like a book - it felt like a prequel. It felt like a weird short story almost. I don’t even know what to call it.
It seems like the one story is oddly split into several parts. Based on book one, it would make so much more sense if they were all together with “Part One”, “Part Two”, etc titles in between.
Side note: I just looked at there are 7 books in this series???? Yeah this definitely could’ve been condensed into two novels with different parts.
Because this was so short, I don’t have a lot of solid opinions on the characters. I’m hoping that Frankie grows on me some more. I legit can’t remember his name, but I really like the MMC. I like that he has feelings and is trying to be a good person, instead of just a stoic sack of muscles. Auden is adorable, but I don’t know how accurate his age portrayal is right now, so that may piss me off in the future.
The majority of this in Frankie’s POV was depressing as fuck. She was such a downer, and trust me I get it, but like come onnnn. As a reader that makes it so hard to invest in her.
(Small spoiler)
ALSO, the way she went to the news station at the end and told these ladies she had supplies and would give them to them??? Is she stupid or is she dumb? And now you’re just going to drive right into THEIR compound and get locked in with a child? No no no. I can’t take how insanely stupid this is.
February 5, 2021
What a beginning!!
I loved the start of this saga and soared through book 1 in one sitting. There were moments that made me laugh out loud at Frankie's zaniness and then a chapter later need a box of tissues at all the hard things an apocalyptic pandemic could bring. It's truly a natural emotional story I'm utterly invested in. I'm intrigued by Yorke, his background and skills, and can't wait for him to find his coconut bun woman!
The story and voice are "kick you in the babymaker" strong. It ends in a cliffhanger and I'm not even a little mad about it because I can feel that this was the opening chapter to a kick-ass book. This is a story to follow and be patient for, and yes, I am moving right along to book two.
If you like survivalist slow burn romance reads—ones full of pain and glory, where the main characters are hardening/growing up and seeking others in this great big apocalyptic world, this is the exact book you need to read.
I loved the start of this saga and soared through book 1 in one sitting. There were moments that made me laugh out loud at Frankie's zaniness and then a chapter later need a box of tissues at all the hard things an apocalyptic pandemic could bring. It's truly a natural emotional story I'm utterly invested in. I'm intrigued by Yorke, his background and skills, and can't wait for him to find his coconut bun woman!
The story and voice are "kick you in the babymaker" strong. It ends in a cliffhanger and I'm not even a little mad about it because I can feel that this was the opening chapter to a kick-ass book. This is a story to follow and be patient for, and yes, I am moving right along to book two.
If you like survivalist slow burn romance reads—ones full of pain and glory, where the main characters are hardening/growing up and seeking others in this great big apocalyptic world, this is the exact book you need to read.
March 24, 2022
Broken was a great start to this apocalyptic series. It was well written, had great pacing, and had both a heart-warming and heart-wrenching story line. Broken packs an emotional punch for a relatively short book. I look forward to reading the next books in this series and getting to know these characters more.
Thank you to NetGalley for this digital book in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley for this digital book in exchange for my honest review!
February 4, 2021
ETA Audio Review 10/2021:
The book is perfectly narrated in dual POV by Imogen and William. This was more than just a book being read, it was an audio experience. If you don't know by now, I am one of those people who like sound effects in my audio books, and although that's not the case here, there were parts of the book that were different. For example, the news anchors when they speak, the sound is different, just as if it were on TV. We get a lovely French accent as well. It just lends so much to the experience of an audiobook for me. Totally pulls me into the story.
If you like a little romance in your post-apoc world, you definitely need to give this series a try.
Too close to real life
The beginning of the book made me feel like I was reliving life about a year ago when a pandemic brought all of our lives to a halt.
The storyline and world building are excellent. I am experiencing loss, hope and excitement right along with the characters.
Frankie loses someone near and dear to her but then she finds someone (2 someones if you count the doggie). She goes from being taken care of to having to care for another. This really helps with her character growth.
Yorke is out there prepping. Getting things done.
Off to read book 2.
The book is perfectly narrated in dual POV by Imogen and William. This was more than just a book being read, it was an audio experience. If you don't know by now, I am one of those people who like sound effects in my audio books, and although that's not the case here, there were parts of the book that were different. For example, the news anchors when they speak, the sound is different, just as if it were on TV. We get a lovely French accent as well. It just lends so much to the experience of an audiobook for me. Totally pulls me into the story.
If you like a little romance in your post-apoc world, you definitely need to give this series a try.
Too close to real life
The beginning of the book made me feel like I was reliving life about a year ago when a pandemic brought all of our lives to a halt.
The storyline and world building are excellent. I am experiencing loss, hope and excitement right along with the characters.
Frankie loses someone near and dear to her but then she finds someone (2 someones if you count the doggie). She goes from being taken care of to having to care for another. This really helps with her character growth.
Yorke is out there prepping. Getting things done.
Off to read book 2.
June 19, 2022
After the Plague is a dual POV story that follows Yorke (a returning soldier) and Frankie (an artist) as they navigate the very beginnings of a plague-brought apocalypse. The writing flows well, the characters are likable, and the apocalyptic details feel real and hit close to home. My biggest critique is that this very short book doesn’t feel complete. It really reads like part one of a bigger novel. And while there may be action and romance in the sequels, I didn’t find as much of it here as I would’ve liked to hook me into book 2. However, the introduction of Beast and Auden was cute, and I have a feeling a future found family might be in order once the two MCs meet up.
So if you’re looking for a post-apocalyptic read and are committed to reading more than just the first one, I’d say definitely give it a look!
Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC!
So if you’re looking for a post-apocalyptic read and are committed to reading more than just the first one, I’d say definitely give it a look!
Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC!
December 15, 2021
I first found Keeper through her book Outlaw and loved how bold and brave her writing was. There was no holding back from the reader and I couldn't stop turning the pages. Broken was the same brutal, raw, real characters and I once again found myself gobbling up her work.
Frankie is the star of the show for me in this book and her inner thoughts are so relatable, it's piercing. Caught in the middle of a plague, she has to reevaluate what she thinks she's capable of and what she can actually do. I was cheering for her and crying with her. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Huge fan of Imogen Keeper.
Frankie is the star of the show for me in this book and her inner thoughts are so relatable, it's piercing. Caught in the middle of a plague, she has to reevaluate what she thinks she's capable of and what she can actually do. I was cheering for her and crying with her. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Huge fan of Imogen Keeper.
February 17, 2024
as the world is falling apart, succumbing to a super virus, you follow 2 people's origin stories in this start to an apocalyptic romance series. this was short and sad but also I loved it? you know exactly what is gonna happen but are willfully trying to avoid inevitability like the heroine. the hero is in full on survival mode but the care he has with the people he finds around him is lovely. this surprised me. I'm surprised I could even read this with me having a lot of anxiety over covid kinds of stuff. but I loved it and will continue.
Want to Read
January 26, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/26/2021)! 🎁
June 25, 2024
too much trying to happen but nothing happening at the same time
July 28, 2025
As someone who loves post-apocalyptic romances, how did I miss this one for so long?! I'm coming here from the future after reading the whole series. No spoilers, but just know I loved it all. Yorke is everything, and Frankie... *chef's kiss* to the author. This first book in the series had me bawling my eyes out, and I honestly wasn't even sure if i was gonna like Frankie.
I see some reviewers saying this book #1 was slow, not enough action etc. Just understand these are just the building blocks and learning the beginning parts of Frankie and Yorke makes you so much closer to these characters. I think having this broken into a series gave no favors to story and should have been just two huge books... but maybe that scares some readers? I dunno.
All I can say is I enjoyed book #1, but I loved every book after that. So if you're not sure about book 1 Frankie or don't think there's enough action in book 1, stick with :)
I see some reviewers saying this book #1 was slow, not enough action etc. Just understand these are just the building blocks and learning the beginning parts of Frankie and Yorke makes you so much closer to these characters. I think having this broken into a series gave no favors to story and should have been just two huge books... but maybe that scares some readers? I dunno.
All I can say is I enjoyed book #1, but I loved every book after that. So if you're not sure about book 1 Frankie or don't think there's enough action in book 1, stick with :)
January 16, 2024
Series Review:
I found the first book extremely compelling and heart wrenching, making an apocalyptic plague seem realistic, not to mention showing us a FL that was already married and had a life with a man she loved. I found this set up extremely unique and brave of the writer to start the series with a FL that is fully in love and invested on someone other than our ML.
The problem is that the writer was not able or unwilling to move away from that initial relationship at all. I was FOUR books in and the FL is still unable to start a new relationship because of her feelings for her dead husband. Which is fair in real life, but not what we are looking for when we are reading a romance.
Which leads me to my main complaint. For me, this series has been categorized by one phrase: "I get it, but..."
Again, and again, and again, there are situations where you can potentially understand why things are happening, but it does not make it the most reasonable choice or the most enjoyable to a reader. You have to pause and try to explain why they are doing the things they are, which knocks you out of the story.
For example:
- Yorke (ML) is noticing Shasta's (a side character) attention not because he’s interested in her necessarily, but because the one he is interested in (FL) is not ready for a relationship yet and cries every time they make any progress. Which makes perfect sense, but not necessarily what I want to read when reading a romance novel.
- Frankie (FL) waiting two months before she goes searching for Colleen (news anchor and leader of a survivors group). It could potentially make sense if we think of it from the angle of she was giving herself and Auden (child she has adopted) some time to adapt and grieve. But at the same time it really makes no sense to wait that long and expect this group of people to still be there.
- Or staying in a dangerous city that is getting more and more dangerous by the day, to look for Colleen and her group when they don’t know each other at all (they were together a few hours), and there is really no benefit for them to do so. It doesn’t make sense, but you could also try and explain it as they are being super, super, duper nice and wanting to help this other group of people.
And then going back into the very dangerous city they just escaped from to try and find this group of people that for all we know have already left, been captured, or are dead. It’s just stupidity that we need to try and explain away again.
This is why so far the situations are: "I get it, but..."
Which is the reason I stopped reading on book 4. I couldn't bring myself to read some more about this lady mourning for her dead husband and not starting a relationship with a man that loves her and treats her and her adopted child extremely well. Now the writer introduced someone that looked just like the dead husband, but is an ass, and the FL is loosing her mind over it.
In other words, the writer doesn't want this healthy relationship to progress and keeps waving the dead husband flag as a plot device to keep the leads separate until the end of the series. But it has gotten contrived and extremely painful to read, so I stopped on the 4th book.
Book 1: Broken 4 stars
Book 2: Lost 3 stars
Book 3: Found 3 stars
Book 4: Safe 2 stars (where I dropped off this series)
Overall I give the series (first 4 books) 3 stars.
I found the first book extremely compelling and heart wrenching, making an apocalyptic plague seem realistic, not to mention showing us a FL that was already married and had a life with a man she loved. I found this set up extremely unique and brave of the writer to start the series with a FL that is fully in love and invested on someone other than our ML.
The problem is that the writer was not able or unwilling to move away from that initial relationship at all. I was FOUR books in and the FL is still unable to start a new relationship because of her feelings for her dead husband. Which is fair in real life, but not what we are looking for when we are reading a romance.
Which leads me to my main complaint. For me, this series has been categorized by one phrase: "I get it, but..."
Again, and again, and again, there are situations where you can potentially understand why things are happening, but it does not make it the most reasonable choice or the most enjoyable to a reader. You have to pause and try to explain why they are doing the things they are, which knocks you out of the story.
For example:
- Yorke (ML) is noticing Shasta's (a side character) attention not because he’s interested in her necessarily, but because the one he is interested in (FL) is not ready for a relationship yet and cries every time they make any progress. Which makes perfect sense, but not necessarily what I want to read when reading a romance novel.
- Frankie (FL) waiting two months before she goes searching for Colleen (news anchor and leader of a survivors group). It could potentially make sense if we think of it from the angle of she was giving herself and Auden (child she has adopted) some time to adapt and grieve. But at the same time it really makes no sense to wait that long and expect this group of people to still be there.
- Or staying in a dangerous city that is getting more and more dangerous by the day, to look for Colleen and her group when they don’t know each other at all (they were together a few hours), and there is really no benefit for them to do so. It doesn’t make sense, but you could also try and explain it as they are being super, super, duper nice and wanting to help this other group of people.
And then going back into the very dangerous city they just escaped from to try and find this group of people that for all we know have already left, been captured, or are dead. It’s just stupidity that we need to try and explain away again.
This is why so far the situations are: "I get it, but..."
Which is the reason I stopped reading on book 4. I couldn't bring myself to read some more about this lady mourning for her dead husband and not starting a relationship with a man that loves her and treats her and her adopted child extremely well. Now the writer introduced someone that looked just like the dead husband, but is an ass, and the FL is loosing her mind over it.
In other words, the writer doesn't want this healthy relationship to progress and keeps waving the dead husband flag as a plot device to keep the leads separate until the end of the series. But it has gotten contrived and extremely painful to read, so I stopped on the 4th book.
Book 1: Broken 4 stars
Book 2: Lost 3 stars
Book 3: Found 3 stars
Book 4: Safe 2 stars (where I dropped off this series)
Overall I give the series (first 4 books) 3 stars.
August 12, 2022
Read August 2022
3.5 stars = really good, but won't be reread
A Post-Apocalyptic Romance
What happens after a deadly virus wipes out most of the global population.
☢ 🇦 💀 🇵🇱🇦🇬🇺🇪 ☢
I had a hard time reading the first 20%. This is where all the info. about the plague is given in great detail. Much of it is eerily similar to what we all went through in 2020. With people masking up, wearing protective gloves, social distancing, trying to stay home and stay safe. With little to no effect. I skimmed & skipped over most of it.
I slowed down and read it carefully once the story began. It shifts between the lives of Jimmy and Frankie, a husband and wife, and Yorke, an ex-soldier. The writing is excellent, and I found myself captivated, anxious about what would happen next and dreading the obvious outcome. The realism was moving, leaving me feeling quite sad. The characters are genuine and flawed. The wife starts off weak but learns to be stronger and survive.
For some, this may hit too close to home. It imagines what life could be like if a deadly virus wiped out 90% of the world's population. It's not romantic or fun—it's harsh and cruel. The power goes out, fuel runs out, and staying clean is difficult. Survival truly is for the fittest. It's clear the author did her research!
The best part was the middle. The love between Jimmy and Frankie was so strong that I could really feel it. I wish I could have learned more about them before . When they reminisce about how they met and fell in love,
I was like this -
It's tough to share more without giving away the ending, but life does go on. I hope the next book brings love and healing. I enjoyed the sweet young child and the cute dog in the story—I like them so much that I almost want to create a "kids and pets" bookshelf!
Even though it wasn't easy, I'm glad I read this. It will stick with me for a long time to come. I will be reading the next book.
Edited to Add: I enjoyed book 1, but I didn't finish book 2. The world feels too dark and bleak for me. I checked out book 3, and it seems to get even worse. I read for entertainment and to feel good, not to feel depressed. No, thank you!
3.5 stars = really good, but won't be reread
A Post-Apocalyptic Romance
What happens after a deadly virus wipes out most of the global population.
☢ 🇦 💀 🇵🇱🇦🇬🇺🇪 ☢
I had a hard time reading the first 20%. This is where all the info. about the plague is given in great detail. Much of it is eerily similar to what we all went through in 2020. With people masking up, wearing protective gloves, social distancing, trying to stay home and stay safe. With little to no effect. I skimmed & skipped over most of it.
I slowed down and read it carefully once the story began. It shifts between the lives of Jimmy and Frankie, a husband and wife, and Yorke, an ex-soldier. The writing is excellent, and I found myself captivated, anxious about what would happen next and dreading the obvious outcome. The realism was moving, leaving me feeling quite sad. The characters are genuine and flawed. The wife starts off weak but learns to be stronger and survive.
For some, this may hit too close to home. It imagines what life could be like if a deadly virus wiped out 90% of the world's population. It's not romantic or fun—it's harsh and cruel. The power goes out, fuel runs out, and staying clean is difficult. Survival truly is for the fittest. It's clear the author did her research!
The best part was the middle. The love between Jimmy and Frankie was so strong that I could really feel it. I wish I could have learned more about them before . When they reminisce about how they met and fell in love,
I was like this -
It's tough to share more without giving away the ending, but life does go on. I hope the next book brings love and healing. I enjoyed the sweet young child and the cute dog in the story—I like them so much that I almost want to create a "kids and pets" bookshelf!
Even though it wasn't easy, I'm glad I read this. It will stick with me for a long time to come. I will be reading the next book.
Edited to Add: I enjoyed book 1, but I didn't finish book 2. The world feels too dark and bleak for me. I checked out book 3, and it seems to get even worse. I read for entertainment and to feel good, not to feel depressed. No, thank you!
April 19, 2021
Wow
Ok. I love this genre and this book was written so well. Ill be honest I cried alot. It was realistic and heartbreaking. I've gotten through all three of the books in this series in 2 days. Definitely well worth the read
Ok. I love this genre and this book was written so well. Ill be honest I cried alot. It was realistic and heartbreaking. I've gotten through all three of the books in this series in 2 days. Definitely well worth the read
July 13, 2021
Ahhhhh, honestly, this book. I wasn't sure what to expect with a romance set in the plague, but this worked. It worked so good.
The heartbreak of losing it all, the hopelessness of having nothing, and no one to get you through it. The descriptions, the visuals, the chemistry between Yorke and Frankie from the get go. The burn is slow, but it hurts so good. These two have a powerful connection. The world Immy has created here is terrifyingly real, especially living in the world we live in today. Her characters, even the side ones, EVEN THE DEAD ONES, climb on in there a steel a little piece of your heart. Auden and Beast, I worry about them like they're my very own little post apocalyptic fam.
I can't recommend this story enough, even if, like me, post apocalypse normally isn't your jam. This story is a winner in the romance stakes and it blows it right out of the park with its super layered and detailed world building. The writing is spellbinding.
Go read. Now.
The heartbreak of losing it all, the hopelessness of having nothing, and no one to get you through it. The descriptions, the visuals, the chemistry between Yorke and Frankie from the get go. The burn is slow, but it hurts so good. These two have a powerful connection. The world Immy has created here is terrifyingly real, especially living in the world we live in today. Her characters, even the side ones, EVEN THE DEAD ONES, climb on in there a steel a little piece of your heart. Auden and Beast, I worry about them like they're my very own little post apocalyptic fam.
I can't recommend this story enough, even if, like me, post apocalypse normally isn't your jam. This story is a winner in the romance stakes and it blows it right out of the park with its super layered and detailed world building. The writing is spellbinding.
Go read. Now.
February 1, 2021
When the world is crap, a lot of other things are crap, too. Frankie goes through a whole lot of that crap; this definitely isn't a "light" book, but I sped through it nonetheless. She deals with a lot of bad, but comes through it all, refuses to give up, and in the end...makes me want to read book two!
December 13, 2020
Pretty good, at least after the heroine gets a grip on herself and stops being needy, whiny and helpless. Still horrible naive. After the apocalypse she really seems to think that the world is no different, just less people and more difficulties to find supplies. Not realizing that the varnish of civilization is so very thin and when there is no-one to enforce the laws anymore some nasty men (and it is always the men) will take over.
Will find out in part 2 how it goes.
Will find out in part 2 how it goes.
August 29, 2020
6 months into the Corona-virus pandemic and I read this story. What was I thinking??? A simple premise: the world is destroyed by a deadly plague and the survivors are few and far between. Two characters emerge, both very different in their perceptions. Frankie's love for her husband and what happens in a few short days is enough to bring tears to my eyes. Yorke's survivalistic approach, gather as many weapons as possible, stockpile food stuffs, etc. is more appropriate but comes off as being dispassionate. While there is humor and lighter moments, the traumas experienced are hard to handle. Book one in the serial and I am off to read the second story
re-reading the second time (book 5 is coming out soon) and I still cry when ... dies. whaaah!
re-reading the second time (book 5 is coming out soon) and I still cry when ... dies. whaaah!
June 16, 2022
I was aware that this was part of a series, but I didn't pay attention to the fact that it was a novella. It's 12 chapters and took about an hour to read. Frankie does lose the love of her life, but that doesn't happen until the story is more than half over, so I wish it hadn't been spoiled in the blurb. Yorke doesn't get as much page time, but so far seems like a typical soldier trying to survive the apocalypse.
It was good enough for me to be interested in the next one, but honestly I think they're overpriced for novellas.
It was good enough for me to be interested in the next one, but honestly I think they're overpriced for novellas.
November 7, 2023
I skipped most of it, not sure why she has the need to over explain every single thought, or make each scene so long. In reality, there is not enough plot for a novel. It is simply a couple of chapters, that could have been resumed as the first act. Some scenes were identical to Stephen King' The Stand, but it feels shallow, with too many words to describe simple thoughts and actions. Anyway, I'm not reading the next one.
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