When It Ends

by Penelope Black

What if the end is just their beginning?

They stole my heart at fourteen and broke it before we even graduated high school.
It’s been five years since I’ve seen them, and only a twist of fate reunites us when the mountain falls. It’s the first disaster in a predicted apocalypse—a string of natural disasters that could be catastrophic.

It’s the beginning of the end of everything.
Finis omnibus.
Old feelings reignite and new feelings blossom as the four of us form an unbreakable bond. As the world starts to fall and society fractures, it’s a race against time for survival.

Genres: Why Choose, Romance, Dystopia, Dark Romance, Post Apocalyptic, Dark, Second Chance

374 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2022

About the author

Penelope Black lives in the Midwest with her husband and two tiny humans. When she's not writing, she enjoys over-the-top action movies, iced chai lattes, and soaking up the sun in her backyard with a good book.

Keep up with Penelope on all platforms:
Newsletter—>bit.ly/PensNL
Facebook—> facebook.com/author.penelope.black
Facebook group—> facebook.com/groups/penelopeblack
Instagram—> instagram.com/authorpenelopeblack/

Reviews

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

FULL RTC LATER

Being that my usual go to genre hasn't been doing it for me lately I went on the search and saw this doing its rounds on my newsfeeds and thought I'd give it a shot. Well it didn't disappoint, the race to get to where they would be safe before the world imploded had my heart skipping a few beats, the only thing that I found lacking was the heat factor, being that it's RH there was only one very small scene but all in all I enjoyed the other aspects of this book and it definitely won't be the last time I read anything by this author because she sure knows how to write.

[Kursed Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning home to the desert after her abrupt departure five years prior, Amelia meets “Sonny” on her cross-country drive home. They share a plate of cheese fries and a mind-blowing night at an aging casino outside of Vegas before she sneaks out the next morning.  
 
Arriving at the only house she ever called home, she is hit hard with memories of her best friends, Cole Armstrong and West Campbell, a pair of foster brothers, and Mia’s next-door neighbors, up until moving. To clear her mind, she takes a drive through the Spring Mountains where she collides unexpectedly with her past inside The Lodge on Charleston Peak. 
 
After winding her way back down the mountain and narrowly missing a rockslide, she receives a baffling call from her father, Hal. A geological scientist of notoriety, he warns her of the impending finem omnia, the end. The apocalypse is prophesied to be preceded by a myriad weather and environmental emergencies. The first of which, the rockslide on Spring Mountains. 
 
What follows is a love story that transcends the degradation of life as they know it. Full disclosure, this is a book I am not likely to have picked up on my own. Likewise, I don’t typically enjoy a slow burn. Yet, I barely noticed because the storyline had me absolutely riveted. Penelope’s writing takes on an almost lyrical quality and the character development was heartbreakingly beautiful. I am so glad I had an opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and read When It Ends. This is one that will stick with me for the foreseeable future.  
 
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️ 
Burn: 🔥½
Darkness: 🖤🖤 
Heat: 🌶 
Range of Emotions: 😩 
Ending: HEA/HFN
POV: Multiple 
 
🗂 Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Romance 
 
✨ Tropes: Enemies-to-Lovers, Found Family, One Night Stand, Reverse Harem, Second Chance

⚠️ Safety Squad: VîöIencė, Attempted SA (Not by Hs)

📣 Type: When it Ends is a standalone.

🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.

[Vee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Something is missing and I can’t pinpoint exactly what is it. It may be several ‘little somethings’.

It probably also didn’t help that I kept comparing the plot to other apocalypse reads that I’ve enjoyed. I truly love an ‘end of the world’ book.

See there was chemistry, but I don’t know if there was enough. It definitely didn’t feel like a soul-crushing kind of love. Insta-love was alive and well, but I don’t think that equals good chemistry. It was also a second chance romance and somewhat of an ‘enemies to lovers’, but that plot line didn’t hit either. It was more frustrating to read, than ‘Oooo look at all this sexual tension’.

The pacing was pretty slow and this trope should be all about action. Although action-packed moments happen, a lot of the time they are just in the car travelling to their intended destination. I was rarely on the edge of my seat or totally immersed in the plot.

I think I needed more from the FMC. Her personality… I can honestly not say very much about it. She didn’t seem to have many defining qualities. She was quite forgettable.

The writing was good, I just think the characters could have been developed more.

I did DNF at 68%, as I wasn’t invested enough.

Other apocalypse books I recommend that deliver something different would be :

1 Sanctuary Series - S.M. Olivier (RH)
2 Willow - E.M. Raegan.

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“What if this is it? If this is when it ends?”
Sonny smooths his thumb between my bunched brows, “Then I’ll find you in the next life.”
“And in the one after that,” West vows.
“In every life,” Cole promises.

Tropes:
- why choose
- apocalypse/natural disaster

When It Ends is an epic apocalyptic romance with a why choose twist that reminded me of both The Day After Tomorrow and 2012 movies, and I could not recommend it enough.

I was hooked from the very first chapter, and loved that this focused more on Amelia, Sonny (Gray), Cole and West’s struggle and determination to be together and survive as the world ends, and not too heavily focused on the romance.

Listen, it was so damn good I honestly didn’t even need the spice when it finally happened 🤣

[AvidReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even after finishing this, the echoes lingered in my mind for quite a while.

A gripping, thrilling, scary, anxiety inducing apocalypse romance that had a melancholy undertone.
Reading this I realised I love a survival romance trope (is that a trope).

From chapter 1 itself I was gripped by unbelievable curiosity to know about the breakup between best friends. I loved that the story unravelled slowly. Both the apocalypse and the romance was incorporated beautifully. And the writing style- Ahhhmazzzzing!
Amelia the heroine was strong and beautiful. Likewise Cole and West were good heroes. But Gray, he stole my heart. I loved him the most.

I would’ve given this full stars if it wasn’t for the heroine forgiving too quickly. I understand their world was ending and they are literally running for their lives but a little more grovel was ok. Also I got irked with the reason behind their splitting up. For supposed best friends who were joined to hip and in love, they never went after or pursued each other. The confrontation scene needed more clarity. I got a little confused about who was saying dialogues and all.

But still a fantastic book with passion, friendship, angst and heartbreak.

Kindle Unlimited, recommended and safe.

P.s heroes are nor blood related. They are foster brothers.

[❀ Crystal ✿ - PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for an apocalyptic romance, even better a reverse harem. While I enjoyed this book it kinda felt a little too structured and as if it followed an apocalyptic manual. Parts that I'd have expected to be exaggerated were never fully explored and rushed through. The romance though, went at a nice steady pace as the world is deteriorating around them all and their first priority is escape and survival. In a roundabout way the heroine has a history with all the men but again given the state of the world, there's much that gets left unsaid until the end when they all hash it out. The story was a fast paced read and I enjoyed the tension between them all as well as the state of the earth as the world unraveled. Perfect standalone Sunday read!

[Leonie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a four POV book, told by the POV´s of Amelia, Cole, Gray and West.

I honestly couldn´t really connect to any of the four main characters. To me they were all a little too two dimesional, which made me not really care about them. I guess the one I liked the best out of all of them was Gray because he seemed funny and caring. Amelia was okay in my opinion but most of the time she seemed like she had no clue what was really going on so it seemed like she was just dragged along. In general I would have wished for a bit more background information on all of them.

There aren´t really any side characters in this book, so I can´t really judge the book based on that.

The book started of quite promising and I was actually enjoying the apocalyptic vibes it had to it. I think this was my first apocalyptic romance book without fantasy being mixed into it. A few problems I had with this book were the pacing, it felt off most of the time and felt either too quick or too slow for me. Then the romance, it sometimes felt a bit shallow for me and more like a lust story than a love story. I think I would have liked to read about the characters being more in love or at least falling in love, I feel like that was pushed a bit into the background. Regarding the romance this is a reverse harem book, which normally I tend to enjoy those but I have to be honest and say it was a bit of an ick for me that the three love interests were brothers. (Yes step brothers, but still, the family thing isn´t really my cup of tea.

Overall it was an okay read but I wouldn´t necessarily read it again.

trigger warnings: robbery, attempted rape (not caused by the love interests), gun violence, death/murder

[Lynnzie (lynnziebooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything. I was hooked from the first chapter. I quickly became invested in the characters as well as the story. The premise is so interesting and unique that I couldn’t put the book down.

The writing is so detailed and immersive that I kept thinking these events were happening in real life. I checked my phone multiple times questioning why no one was talking about the events and then feeling dumb when I realized my headspace is still in the book. I love when a book can make me feel like I’m a part of the journey and this one did that perfectly.

This is a reverse harem, stand alone. It’s an apocalyptic romance which isn’t something I ever knew existed but totally recommend. Thank you to the author for an e-arc!

[Kade Gulluscio · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book. Really high hopes. I had heard great things. and the premise was exciting.

The book started off great. Some excitement, a back story, plot was good. The spicy scenes were slow, and there wasn’t as many as im used to it. But that was fine.

The writing style was easy to follow. And up until the last few chapters, it kept me engaged.

But to be honest, the ending was just disappointing. I felt like we had this longgggg build up to get to the dad and the bunker. And then bam, they immediately change their mind. Then one more chapter and it’s the end?

It just felt rushed and anti-climatic. :(

[Mel B. · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Potential Was There…

I waffled between giving this book one or two stars. I decided on two because I actually did like the characters.

**SPOILERS**

Amelia (Mia) finally “comes home” after a long absence only to discover that the world is ending…literally!

Right before Amelia hears from her father, a scientist with inside information about the natural disasters that are about to wipe out Earth as we know it, Amelia reconnects with two lost loves and one, one night stand. All four of them head to Amelia’s father’s coordinates which are to a huge government made bunker.

Along the way truths are discovered that may break the group apart. You see, Cole and West were fostered in the house right across from Mia’s, the three of them became best friends. But when they were teenagers it all changed, both Cole and West fell in love with Mia and Mia fell in love with them both. She didn’t want to choose, but one reckless night she lost her virginity to Cole, the next day she had to leave with her dad (I assume) and couldn’t even tell the boys goodbye. When she returns (having had a one night stand with a man named “Sonny”) she realizes Sonny is actually Gray, Cole and West’s OTHER foster brother. Yup…I know…

So, this book had all the makings for a great post apocalyptic romance RH…but failed to produce in the end. We get four really intense characters that are barely fleshed out by the end of the book. At the rate this book read, it should’ve been a series, or at least a duet. Amelia left the love of her lives…without saying goodbye? That already is strange (considering how the author wrote the characters) but then she writes that Amelia wrote, and messaged, and called the guys for years, and they never responded. Again, that’s NEVER explained! We finally get an answer as to why Amelia is angry at Cole - West wrote a letter to Amelia, using Cole’s name saying that the night he’d taken her virginity was the worst of his life, and that it was over between them. He did this out of jealousy. This all comes out with about three pages left of the book AND all West’s punishment is to get punched by Cole, one time, and instantly forgiven by Amelia. Yes I understand it’s the end of the world, she doesn’t want to hold grudges…but considering how this “point” (Amelia and Cole’s “misunderstanding”) took up like the ENTIRE book, it was a VERY VERY VERY anticlimactic ending!! There’s no way West should’ve been forgiven so easily…and why the heck didn’t the author mention Amelia’s myriad of letters and phone calls, both Cole and West act as if she dropped off the face of the planet, as opposed to trying to keep in contact…save that one letter she wrote to the two of them that West tore up in jealousy. It just doesn’t add up at all.

Then we have have “Sonny,” a.k.a. Gray, the handsome “stranger in a bar” that Amelia meets right before going home. She has this amazing one night with him, leaves without saying goodbye, only to discover he’s West snd Cole’s foster brother/roommate…how convenient *eye roll* - ohhh and he has no problem at all with sharing, lol.

When the four of them FINALLY reach the government bunker, they’re taken in by her father and shown around. It’s an awesome place, if you don’t mind underground living, and Amelia immediately feels “survivors guilt” over the fact that she and her three guys get to stay in these custom digs while there are thousands of people outside the bunker being kept out by the military. She decides, since, hey, she’s resourceful *another eye roll* that she’s going to “give up her spot” in the bunker to someone outside. And of course the guys come with. Then, oh, how fortunate…Gray’s uncle was a “prepper” so Gray has a smaller bunker not to far from the government bunker that they can ride out the apocalypse in. Are. You. Kidding. Me. What part of any of that makes sense??!!

It’s THE END OF THE WORLD, I’m sorry, you might be the most altruistic person in the world and you wouldn’t just rush out into the end of the world to give up one or possibly three spots up in a bunker for someone else. Especially when you’re told that it “doesn’t work that way.” Heck you don’t even know if those spots are going to go to deserving people!! They could be given to another rapist, like the one who tried to rape Amelia. It’s survival of the fittest, and Penelope Black wrote her characters in a way that made you believe they weren’t all THAT stupid. Or at least the guys understood the entire survival of the fittest, concept. I just can’t see Amelia and her men in any BELIEVABLE scenario running out of the government bunker with like ONE PAGE LEFT of the book only to find a smaller, intimate bunker (with enough rations- of course, lol) to ride out the Apocalypse. It’s completely unbelievable!

Then there is the fact that these characters had the potential to be really great…but the book was either 1. Too short to explore their depths or 2. The author felt the crunch to RUSH TO THE END (tie up loose ends) OF THE STORY, neither is good. It left the story arc feeling unfinished, and distinctly dissatisfying. There was so much more that I felt we, as the readers, deserved to know! Like, obviously Amelia and her father aren’t in great terms…well that’s never explored. Again, the matter that Amelia left without even so much as a goodbye, another untouched subject. The letters and calls she made to the guys over the years, also not explained…the randomness of Gray’s uncles bunker that he just so happens to mention ONLY AFTER Amelia decides to forfeit her place in the government bunker. The “aftermath” ie what happens to these characters? It’s like we get an end with NO end. Sure the book finishes with Amelia drinking coffee from her “favorite” mug, her guys all safe in Gray’s uncles bunker for at least 6 months or so. But honestly it was soooo unfinished, and unsatisfying. There should’ve been another book, or at least an extended epilogue which showed Amelia and her guys AFTER all the disaster was finished. Maybe a scene with her reconnecting with her father, or a scene showing how the four of them are surviving or planning to survive topside once the year is up (her dad said one year before it was safe to go topside). But the book just…ends.

So, yes, sadly this book fell way short of expectations.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars—WHEN IT ENDS by Penelope Black is a contemporary, adult, apocalyptic, reverse harem, romance story line focusing on Amelia, Cole, West and Gray.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.


Told from four first person perspectives (Amelia, Cole, West and Gray) WHEN IT ENDS follows twenty-two year old Amelia Christensen in the days prior to the literal end of the world. After a one-night stand in Vegas with a man she knows only as Sonny, Amelia returns to her grandmother's home, where she will embark on a journey with her past. Enter Cole Armstrong and West Campbell the two boys Amelia had fallen in love with years before, two boys lost in the foster care system, never to be heard from again but an environmental disaster is about to ravage the world, and along with another foster brother Gray aka Sonny, our foursome head for places unknown in the wake of an apocalyptic meltdown. Amelia’s father works for the government, and has offered a place of sanctuary but our heroine refuses to leave behind the men with whom she is falling in love. What ensues is the quick rebuilding relationship between Amelia and Cole, West and Gray, and the potential fall-out as the end of the world beckons.


The relationship between Amelia and Cole, West and Gray is a reverse harem relationship. Amelia spent one night with Gray aka Sonny, never thinking she would see him again, but our heroine had fallen in love with Cole and West close to ten years earlier.Jealousy blinded the foster brothers when it came to our heroine’s affections but Amelia was willing to share her ‘love’ with the men that had stolen her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.


WHEN IT ENDS follows the foursome as they must over come the ensuing chaos and panic of a world about to implode. People are panicking, lives are lost, and only the chosen few will survive. The premise is intriguing and engaging; the romance is erotic and spicy; the characters are energetic and charismatic. The entire story line, excluding the epilogue, covers but a few days in the life, and glosses over the true hardships and fall-out of a world gone mad-as the world begins to devour itself, we are no longer witness to the atrocities but skip ahead several months as the foursome hunker down somewhere safe and sound. This is a RH romance story not a story about survival thusly we are not up close and personal with the true nature of endurance and their journey to persevere. WHEN IT ENDS ends on a happily ever after-for now-there is still more story to tell.


www.thereadingcafe.com

Merged review:

3.75 stars—WHEN IT ENDS by Penelope Black is a contemporary, adult, apocalyptic, reverse harem, romance story line focusing on Amelia, Cole, West and Gray.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.


Told from four first person perspectives (Amelia, Cole, West and Gray) WHEN IT ENDS follows twenty-two year old Amelia Christensen in the days prior to the literal end of the world. After a one-night stand in Vegas with a man she knows only as Sonny, Amelia returns to her grandmother’s home, where she will embark on a journey with her past. Enter Cole Armstrong and West Campbell the two boys Amelia had fallen in love with years before, two boys lost in the foster care system, never to be heard from again but an environmental disaster is about to ravage the world, and along with another foster brother Gray aka Sonny, our foursome head for places unknown in the wake of an apocalyptic meltdown. Amelia’s father works for the government, and has offered a place of sanctuary but our heroine refuses to leave behind the men with whom she is falling in love. What ensues is the quick rebuilding relationship between Amelia and Cole, West and Gray, and the potential fall-out as the end of the world beckons.


The relationship between Amelia and Cole, West and Gray is a reverse harem relationship. Amelia spent one night with Gray aka Sonny, never thinking she would see him again, but our heroine had fallen in love with Cole and West close to ten years earlier.Jealousy blinded the foster brothers when it came to our heroine’s affections but Amelia was willing to share her ‘love’ with the men that had stolen her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.


WHEN IT ENDS follows the foursome as they must over come the ensuing chaos and panic of a world about to implode. People are panicking, lives are lost, and only the chosen few will survive. The premise is intriguing and engaging; the romance is erotic and spicy; the characters are energetic and charismatic. The entire story line, excluding the epilogue, covers but a few days in the life, and glosses over the true hardships and fall-out of a world gone mad-as the world begins to devour itself, we are no longer witness to the atrocities but skip ahead several months as the foursome hunker down somewhere safe and sound. This is a RH romance story not a story about survival thusly we are not up close and personal with the true nature of endurance and their journey to persevere. WHEN IT ENDS ends on a happily ever after-for now-there is still more story to tell.

www.thereadingcafe.com

[justlarissareads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amelia runs into her long lost best friends West & Cole while visiting a mountain lodge restaurant. While there they witness some rocks slipping and they hightail it out of there. Once they get to the guys’ home, she realizes that West & Cole are roommates with Gray who was her one night stand the night before.

She then gets a call from her father who is a respected scientist telling her that she needs to make it cross country to a bunker that is reserved for them because of his VIP status. So she and the guys pack and hit the road, racing against time and turbulent events, hoping to make it to the bunker in time.

When I read the blurb for this I was very intrigued and excited to experience this world. The story started off strong, but lost my interest around the halfway mark. There was a slow build up and then the ending felt rushed in comparison to the rest of the story. The book ends with everyone getting a HEA, but it still felt incomplete to me. Maybe this will be revisited later with another book. I enjoyed reading this author’s work and look forward to reading more by her in the future.

ARC REVIEW

3.5/5⭐️
4/5🌶

Apocalyptic, Second Chance, Reverse Harem, Multiple POV

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Available Now***

4 STARS

This was my first Penelope Black book. The plot and tropes definitely called my name for this one.

What I loved:
1. I really enjoyed the dynamics of this trio of men. Each had their own way with the heroine, and when they all went protective over her. Yes. Just yes.
2. The end of world plot like definitely keeps this whole thing moving. The impending danger, the examination of the collapse of humanity, and the rush to safety will definitely keep people reading.
3. There are a lot of good warnings about the need for changing how we operate in the world to avoid a similar type of situation.
4. Overall, I enjoyed the writing and would definitely read another book by this author.
5. The steamy scenes that were there were good.

What I needed more of:
1. This epic secret that tore them apart didn’t seem so epic by the end. It was revealed very late in the story and was resolved very easily. Now, what is hard is that they are facing end of days so I kind of get it. Why hold onto that when it could all be over. Alas, my fictional heart wanted more from this moment and revelation.
2. For a reverse harem, there is little to no steam (definitely an RH slow burn) and NO FULL GROUP scene. I needed it. At least once. There is a lot of kissing and touching and definitely the ideas of loving them all and sharing her, but there was almost no action until so late. Again, you are going to say but end of days and apocalyptic storyline, but REVERSE HAREM! I feel like there are some expectations that come with RH that this story didn’t meet. It had to be hard because they can’t be getting down at every turn because they are literally fighting for their lives and survival but it’s RH. I can’t let that go.
3. I did few like there were parts that could have been condensed or seemed repetitive, but overall the pacing and action kept me reading, even with the lack of steam.

I did really enjoy the story. My expectations for a reverse harem definitely set me up for issues with the book, but I would definitely still pick up a book from this author in the future.

ARC REVIEW

[JL Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A possible end of the world RH?
Ummm...YES please!
Amelia has just moved back to the only home she ever actually ever felt at home in. The home where she met two of the best friends she's ever had. The two boys she loved. Five years have passed since she left them. Who would have thought that she would be reunited with them right before the beginning of the end. And what's more she also happens to know their third roommate/brother. Soon after being reunited they are in a race against time to try to get to safety before major natural disasters begin.
OMFingG this book was unputdownable! From the get go I loved Amelia and all three guys Cole, West and Gray (Sonny). Cole took a little bit more to warm up to but still. Their whole journey to safety, all the hurdles and unknowns they endured had me on the edge the whole time. So amazing!

[Maria Dassay · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review


RH
Friends to lovers to enemies to lovers and insta love all in one and I know what you might be thinking umm what that’s crazy but I’m telling you it all makes sense and is all worth it!

Finis omnibus. It’s the begging of the end. Literally the world is ending.

It’s been five years since Amelia has seen the boys she’s been in love with since she was fourteen. And the moment she sees them again everything goes crazy. They are told to prepare for the end. The world starts to fall apart as they race against time for survival.

Gray(Sonny),West, and Cole all have my heart❤️

“That’s alright, Cher. I’m excellent at sharing.”

Sonny smooths his thumb between my bunched brows. “Then I’ll find you in the next life.” “And in the one after that,” West vows. “In every life,” Cole promises.

Y’all this was so good! I’ve loved every book Penelope has written so I had no doubts about this one but she really killed this one!

[Becca Sabala · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first apocalyptic RH and I have to say I absolutely loved it. That could be biased because I've yet to not love everything Penelope writes. But for me this was another win!

Amelia is reunited with her old bestfriends Cole and West right before the world they knew crumbles.

This is a slow burn, but the world building and character development will have you so focused you won't even notice. I'm not one that generally enjoys slow burn, I love all the spice and I want it quick. But this book had me hooked from the start. There is so much angst and the characters just keep you so caught up in them that you'll be right there with them waiting for whats next.

I absolutely loved this book and really wish it was a series not a standalone!

[THE PETITE LIBR☆RY · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book I found myself basically skimming because it just left something to be desired for me.

I definitely enjoyed the concept and I was grateful for the HEA, even if Amelia was a bit bland. She had all the stereotypical traits of a Disney princess: the most beautiful hair you’ve ever seen, blissfully unaware of what’s going on around her, absent mother/daddy issues. I can’t even remember the physical descriptions of the three male characters, nothing outside of their names and drama stuck with me. I think a swifter resolution to the conflict and more emphasis on the apocalyptic environment would have made this a more enjoyable read for me.

✿ REVERSE HAREM (GROUP ACTIVITIES)
✿ MULTIPLE POV
✿ MISCOMMUNICATION HEAVY :(
✿ HEA

[Smuttybooks_geekystuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely hooked from the beginning of this story.

The tension of the situation unfolding around them was amazing.

It felt like I was watching a movie and just had to keep reading to find out how it was going to end.

I'm not the biggest fan of RH but this one is done perfectly.
All the characters work great together and they are obsessed with their girl.

It's steamy (literally 😏) with an incredible storyline and very hot, protective men.

I want... no NEED more from this world! Please?!

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. It was alright

This book was slow and had many boring places for me.

The main character was painfully naive. She relied on the men around her to be the grown-ups, pretty much. She was usually crying or having panic attacks.

She continues to take emotional abuse from one of the men.

I did actually really like gray. He was my favorite character.

I had to stop reading at 68%.
I was done with the FMC and the @$$h0!e.

Would not recommend. But the writing itself was good, as well as the plot.

[Alley Ciz · Rating 5 out of 5]

holy crap I would suggest not wearing a heart rate monitor while reading this book because damn was mine racing while reading this book. And of course Pen lives to torture us with her steller slow burn tension. Not gonna lie though, low key--not low key at all--hoping to get more because it was so good. Plus, Mia has the coolest bestie ever! *opinion not biased at all lol*

[chaoticcaffeinatedbookgremlin ▪︎Manda▪︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need proper time to write a review this book deserves.
For now 5 stars and my favorite part of the book❤️❤️
■“Then I’ll find you in the next life.”
“And in the one after that,” West vows.
“In every life,” Cole promises.■

[Felicia's Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is apocalyptic times. Amelia, Gray, Cole and West all find love and friendship through these times. This book was good. It ends on HFN. Can't wait to see if we get a novella in the future.

[Maxine × Paper and Ink × · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I had my reservations about this book, the whole end of the world without the Zombie apocalypse had me a little hesitant to read, but im so glad that I gave it a shot because I loved it.. A string of natural disasters causing the world as we know it to end in an apocalyptic fashion is such a realistic approach that it truly did make this book fantastic. I loved Grey so much! Well deserving the the four stars I gave...

[Kei ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

POV: Multiple
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Romance
Tropes: Reverse Harem, Enemies to Lovers, Brothers, MMF, Second Chance.

"He holds out his hand to me, palm up. And I slide my hand in his, lacing our fingers together without hesitation. I have a feeling I’ll follow him almost anywhere."

On her way back home after many years, Amelia stops off at an old casino motel and meets "Sonny". After chatting for hours he walks her home to enjoy a night of passion. Sneaking out the next morning she continues her journey home, which is filled with memories of her two used-to-be best friends Cole and West. A twist of fate puts all three on a mountain during the first signs of an end the the world scenario and forces the three back together. Back at the boys home, their room mate joins the three - Grey, or "Sonny" as he is known as to Amelia.

After a call from her father, scientist Hal, Amelia convinces the trio to join her on a cross country trip to an end of the world VIP bunker because the super storms are beginning. This is a world's end event and their only chance at survival.

During the drive, tensions are tight between Cole and Amelia, romance builds and true friendship emerges. Tough decisions are made on their road to their happily ever after.

The read was strong in the beginning, tapering off towards the last 40%. I didn't really vibe with Amelia much at all, I think she was written to be the damsel in distress - but kept making horrible decisions. Almost every decision made lead to her needing the boys to 'rescue' her. Spice did pick up towards the end and everything was wrapped up, but still left open. So while it currently is a stand alone, it does have the potential to be more.

Recommended to those who want a new spin on romance, or like me who love both apocalyptic reads and romance reads and just wanted to see what would happen if they were mashed together.

[Natalie Mummasbooknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!
I just knew before I even started that this was going to be a 5 star read and I was not wrong. Apocalyptic reverse harem? Yes please! I was instantly drawn in from the start, and automatically liked Amelia, our female MC from her sarcastic responses to the pick up lines tried on her! I wanted to know her back story and what had happened for her to end up where she was. As with Penelope's other books, I knew there was going to be one guy who was the angry surly one, the one with the shell we had to crack, the one to watch for, and I was not disappointed. Cole, West and Sonny. I loved the different personalities of these men, they all bring something to the table and they work so fluidly as a team, their own little family, it was wonderful to read about them. Amelia is the missing puzzle piece and they all just click. Waiting for the story to unfold as to what had happened between Cole, West and Amelia all those years ago was torture but so worth it! The apocalyptic aspect was so good, it had me on the edge of my seat for much of the book. It was a fast past story with great world building and so many details I could picture everything. The steam didn't pick up till the end but it was worth the wait, I mean, its an apocalypse? I think it would have been OTT for there too have been too much steam given the storyline, for me it was the perfect amount.
This is a standalone apocalyptic reverse harem, but I really hope we get another story later down the line of Amelia and her men. After everything that happened I just need more!

[thatashtyngirlreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars for this quick & steamy apocalyptic RH! Releases June 1st. 2 chili peppers for spice 🌶

This apocalyptic RH was so much better than I anticipated. I mean, I knew I would like it because I’m a huge fan of Penelope’s writing, but I didn’t know what to expect! The only apocalyptic type books I’ve read have been YA Dystopian romances that left me with a whole lot of action, but not enough ACTION, if you know what I mean. *wink wink* *nudge nudge*
Which that was fine for teenage me, but adult me needs to add a little spice, and this one delivered.

When It Ends made adult me VERY happy. It’s a bit of a slow burn, but I was so engrossed in the story that it didn’t bother me. There was plenty of tension and angst, not knowing what was coming next for Amelia and her boys. It kept me guessing, and I couldn’t put it down. I definitely recommend if you’re looking for an RH, but want something just a little different from the normal dark/bully RH tropes.

This has a good mixture of tropes- friends to lovers with a sprinkling of enemies to lovers, found family, touch her and you die vibes, & forced proximity.

The only thing that kept me from giving this a full 5 stars is that I didn’t want it to be over! I wanted just a little more story because I loved it so much. So y’all go check this one out and let me know what you think and who’s your favorite! Feel free to slide into my DMs and discuss!

Happy reading, besties! 🤍

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a book that starts off with a bang - hehe - get my not so subtle pun there? This is an interesting story, one that reminded me of the movie 2012/The Day After Tomorrow. I have not read a book in this genre before, and one that I am not opposed to reading another in the future. I think Penelope Black really is starting to develop as an author because she is starting to expand the characters back stories (darker) and put more concepts that can be viewed as triggering experiences. I do not have any triggers (as of now) but like to see the struggle and how the characters react to them. I enjoyed reading about Amelia and her really sexy men (Sonny/Gray, West, and Cole).
This is a page turner, fast read, and one that you dive in head first because it is just that amazing! I also liked how this is a standalone instead of a series because it is what you need when you are waiting for a series to be completed, or just need a break from your typical. I have to admit I loved how it ended. I am not sure why I do not feel like it is a 5 star book because it has everything I want and need in a book. Maybe I wanted more in a way I cannot even explain, but it is one I say read and do it NOW! I really enjoyed this story and it will transport you into a world in hopes you find guys like this - however, I would have been great with just Sonny because he is mine- he just got added to book boyfriend list for sure.

[Erica Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Amelia’s apocalyptic love story. She returns to Vegas after being away several years with memories of West and Cole (foster brothers) and her feelings for them. She has also met Gray on her journey back and it just so happens he became their foster brother too, right after she left before.

The reunion isn’t what you would hope it would be. It is full of heartache, lust, loss and commotion. There are all these changes happening in the world and their lives, as well as all of humanity is in danger. We journey with them through “When It Ends”, quite literally - or maybe figuratively. That I won’t divulge.

The push and pull with these characters keeps you engaged. There is so much going on. There is this history that we get glimpse of and constantly craving answers to. West and Cole have very different versions of their past memories with Amelia, and for good reason.

Gray is the new addition to Amelias life and they click instantly. There is this bond there with them that really brings all four of them together. He felt like the glue to me at times. Always the one to lighten the mood but also always prepared for what’s to come.

I just loved the adventure this book took my brain on. It was thrilling and emotional and captivating all at the same time.

[emma | emmabeereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️!!!!

penelope black & her books have me in a constant chokehold. I mean it’s like you plucked my favorite things straight from my smutty mind!!!! penelope’s fmc are the baddest of bad & strongest. I love them probably even more then I love the men she writes (which they are pretty damn great too).

this book is a standalone & it’s an apocalyptic RH. the characters were just perfect in every way. Amelia, Cole, Grey & West were just a great group in this book. I was shocked that it was a bit more slow burn than her others books & honestly that’s probably the only reason it didn’t get a 5 ⭐️ from me. but the overall story & the freaking sexual tension kept me hooked from beginning to end. the men were fierce but you also in penelope’s books see how sweet & loving they can be for their woman & I love watching that happen in every one of her books. this one is no exception to that rule.

it was a quick read & I loved this type of story as I had never read anything related to apocalyptic times, but man was it good. penelope does a beautiful job at tying everything together & making her books feel finished & complete.

[Emilie Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

“I think falling in love at the end of the world would be tragic. Reckless, even.”

Okay so I went into this book knowing nothing about it because I received an e-ARC for it. I have never read any of Penelope Black’s books, but now I’m smacking myself for not doing so sooner!
I LOVED this book. The characters have so much chemistry and the banter between gray and Amelia could keep me entertained and smiling for YEARS.

The tropes in this book are THE BEST. There is a reverse harem with three foster brothers, forced proximity because the world is literally ending, and the most DELICIOUS SLOW BURN that pays off tenfold towards the end. I CANT STOP THINKING ABOUT THE SHOWER SCENE.

Overall, this book is well written, completely unique, fast paced, and it’s a standalone so no cliff hangers or waiting around for the next installment. I highly recommend picking up this book if you’re in a reading slump. This is definitely one of my top reads of 2022 and I’m begging everyone to read this book so we can all swoon for Cole, West, and Sonny🥵