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Ash and Bone #1

A River of Ash and Bone

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Twenty-four years after the outbreak…

River is shaken after her father’s death, adrift after the one constant in her life fell victim to the harsh landscape, just like so many others. She’s living day by day, dodging both the undead and the alive, and trying to find some sense of purpose or direction.

A single decision changes her life…

It should have been impossible for her life to get any worse, but upon scouting the city for resources, she finds herself in a situation that quickly turns sour. River commits the ultimate crime and, despite her protests, is brought back to a stranger’s camp in penance for her actions.

For the first time in forever….

She has friends, safety, and comfort. Can she really go back to sleepless nights spent alone, starving, and constantly on edge, when she’s found the shelter of her dreams? And what is she going to do about the four larger-than-life men that haunt her every move and make her feel things she never has before–the ones that took her in the first place?

As her relationships grow and secrets are revealed, River is left with a huge decision, all while battling an even bigger threat looming outside the walls of her refuge. One that has the power to take away all she’s come to care about.


*This novel includes content that may not be suitable for all readers. Content warnings are available in the beginning of the book, please don’t forget to check them! This is a why choose romance with plenty of spice.

403 pages, Kindle Edition

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339 people want to read

About the author

Wren Cartwright

6 books37 followers
Wren Cartwright is an indie author living on the east coast who enjoys reading and writing about magical beings, people in love, and happily ever afters. Wren promised to pick a genre and stick to it, but beyond a common theme of romance, that hasn’t happened so far. Enjoy reading about vampires, immortals, zombies, and whatever else her imagination conjures up!

Find Wren on most social media under: wrencartwrightauthor

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5 stars
97 (35%)
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92 (33%)
3 stars
58 (21%)
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18 (6%)
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6 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Ky.
388 reviews77 followers
August 21, 2022
I have no words to explain how much I loved this book.
I was asked (and honored tbh) to beta read this book for Wren. It was my first why choose story, and my first post apocalyptic story.
SHE. DID. NOT. MISS.
This book was the right mixture of plot and heat and hit everything spot on. I’ve already recommended this to several friends, especially those new to the why choose world.
Also, team Nix and Grey forever. I said what I said 😶😏
Profile Image for Jai M {Cat Crazy Dragon }.
872 reviews49 followers
October 24, 2023
50% Rubbish, 50% Entertaining 🥸

There was so much wrong with this, it was like reading a talented, young, 20 something’s fantasy, minus ANY sort of research.

It was so cheesy, embarrassing, completely lacking in any believability or authenticity. Also, no significant individual characters beside the immature, bratty FMC, and the 4 MMC’s who at times were indistinguishable, and the villainous OW [she did have decent female friends, we just never got to really know them].

Think B-grade, late night horror, only no horror, and with a cliché TV- movie ending.

I’m too lazy to list all the flaws at this moment [may add details later…].

Suffice it to say, that despite its many flaws [overdone smut that would have been better spent on some world building and character development], it did have a fun story plot, and some entertaining overall character arcs [even if the individuals mostly blurred together].

So, I was able to finish it, with only some skipping and skimming in the last 30%, and in only a day and a 1/2. So not all that bad.
If only at least a couple of the overdone sex scenes were cut, the author could have spent more time on the action, rather than less than a scene in the middle and another in the end, adding up to a chapter at most, and finishing the book with the obligatory sappy, laughing group scene.

Yes, it really went there. 🥱😵‍💫
Profile Image for Bethany Louise.
78 reviews50 followers
September 24, 2023
I’d give this a 3.5 - I really enjoyed the zombie element of this book! The FMC has me conflicted as she’s generally pretty bad ass but also comes across naive at times which can be a little annoying! I mostly enjoyed the relationships in the book but some of the spicy scenes/language wasn’t to my taste! The book had good world building and I really like some of the characters! Intrigued to see where the second book goes!
Profile Image for Alyssa Waltz.
305 reviews29 followers
November 25, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️
🌶🌶

I was really excited for a zombie apocalypse read, because I've never read one before this and thought it was super unique. Plus, why choose? Count me in.

The setting was well written, and I really enjoyed that there is a map of the camp. The "virus" took effect 24 years prior to the beginning of our story, which I enjoyed, because the way of life has pretty much been established by this point.

I can honestly say that I loved all of the main characters, though River does test my nerves at times, but I'm not a big fan of "insta-love". And while, TECHNICALLY, it wasn't that, she does immediately fall into bed with 3/4 of the guys within the first week of being essentially kidnapped and says she's falling for them within the second week. So, be warned if you prefer the tension to be a little strung out, like me. There were also certain wording/phrases that would pull me out of the story during the spicy scenes. For example, the dropping of pronouns such as "feels so good" instead just saying "you feel..." I don't know, it just made me feel kind of weird.

Also, there were certain things that just didn't make sense for a world that has been without "civilization" for 24 years, at this point. Like, still eating canned foods that have been scavenged? No way any of that is still good. And finding clothes in brand new condition doesn't seem likely, either. One of the MMCs is also described as having intricate tattoos over his entire body, and I just don't see that happening without the proper tools and technology.

Overall, I did enjoy the storyline and the characters. Not my favorite, but enjoyable. I loved the zombie aspect. I would be interested in reading more of this series when it comes out!
Profile Image for Lauren Head.
6 reviews
August 24, 2023
A post-apocalyptic zombie book, River is a young women (early 20's) and has only ever survived with her dad by her side, months after he passed she find a bag full of food and takes it.. that's where she ends up cornered by a freshly turned zombie and meeting the triplets and then Grey

Not my usual type of book normally as this is the first zombie/post apocalypse book I've read but was hooked in by 5-10%.. the world building is extremely vivid and does give me "warm bodies and the walking dead plus a tad of divergent" vibes.

River is a strong badass FMC right from the beginning whos been dealt a shit hand from the start but constantly fights her way through anything, as the story goes on she opens up more and learns to be vulnerable. She finally gets the sense of belonging, being cared and protected for.

Nix - instantly loved him, drew me in with the quiet, mysterious somewhat broody personality! Using the pet name "Sunshine" he's sweet and shy but holy fuck what a filthy mouth🥵

Caelan - sounds hot af with his tattoos and what not, the instant flirtations and sarcy remarks. His pet name "baby" he's the lighthearted joker of the group.

Grey - made me instantly swoon with the
"sweetheart" pet name; has a dark past but loved the connection between him and river from the get go

Mirekh - dark, broody, cold - I'm not sure what to make of him at first but you end up loving him and the sweet pet name "Princess"

There were times in this book that hade my heart in my throat and stomach; adrenaline pumping from the action that was unraveling.

The spice also had the same effect, making me need a cold shower 😂🥵

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and finished it within 12 hours!! I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would! And I cannot wait for the next book 🤍🫶🏻⭐️
Profile Image for Melo.
835 reviews19 followers
April 26, 2025
DNF 40%

I was bored.

For some insane reason River (heroine) is so angry that they brought her to a safe camp, that all she thinks about is escaping. They found her desperate and so hungry that she'd eat almost anything. But oh no "I want my freedom" The TSTL in this one is strong.

The MMCs were dull. We are told you could see Rivers bones through her clothes due to starvation. Yet apparently she's the bee's knees and the men can't keep their, well everything off her lol I'm lost for words..... Apparently skeletons are a smut kink for these MMCs.

Sigh.....
Profile Image for MrsKristin.
462 reviews2 followers
November 13, 2022
I love a good post-apocalyptic story and a why choose?!? Yes please!!

River only knows being alone after her father is killed. When she is brought back to a sanctuary by the leaders triplet sons, her life changes forever. She goes from only traveling with her dad to having a whole community of people. Without meaning to, she makes friends and learns how to live with them. But is her need to be on her own more powerful? Will she stay or will she go?

When mysterious things happen at camp and around the area, what will River and the guys do? River is used to doing what needs to be done and the guys are going to protect her by keeping her safe...but what if that isn't what River needs?
Profile Image for Tosha Y. Miller.
Author 15 books76 followers
March 10, 2023
Cute

I went into this thinking the girl was going to be different. I tend to like books where the main character is a little crazy, but I fell in love with River. Despite being a zombie book, the romance was a cute, sweet ride. Of course, there is drama and horrible pasts, but if this ever happens, I hope I'm as lucky as River. She struggled before going to the camp, but it all ended well for her. I'm excited to read more about the people in the camp. I recommend you read this why choose romance. It may look dark, but it's not that dark. The relationship is full of love and heartwarming moments. Besides, who doesn't like a girl that can handle herself during a zombie apocalypse?
Profile Image for Kat Schumacher.
356 reviews2 followers
November 6, 2022
I received this as an ARC for my honest review

Check your tigger warnings ⚠️

A zombie outbreak... River is all on her own, Choices she has to make..

This book has it all! I was hooked from the being. The twist, the turns the what's gonna happen next... this why choose is everything you need!! This is 💯 must read. You won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Natasha.
586 reviews29 followers
April 10, 2024
So this is the first book I've read by Wren Cartwright. 

I've been in a reading slump & was just looking for something new. 

I have seen this book a few times on social media & figured I'd give it a try. 

River is trying to survive after her father's death, in a post-apocolyptic world, where zombies exist, before she is taken into a camp against her will. Can she trust the four men who are keeping her from escaping or will trusting the four strangers lead to trouble? 

So I go into books relatively blind. I don't read the blurbs, don't check out reviews or anything before diving in. And I was drawn in by this cover. Seriously, it's gorgeous! 

It is also a why choose romance, meaning the female main character ends up with multiple love interests in the end. I love why choose/RH so I figured it was right up my alley. I don't often read post-apocolyptic books, in fact I probably could count the ones I have read on one hand to be honest. But it definitely intrigued me. A new and unknown world with danger and zombies? How could that not? 

So, in the beginning I did enjoy the book. I mean, it was setting up for this new world nicely. The female main character was strong- she was on her own, doing everything she could to survive before the guys came along. They tried bossing her around and at first she held her ground. 

But it didn't take long for her to start falling for them. She was at the camp for a few days, still planning her escape away from her captures, but also resigning to her fate of staying. Of being with each of the guys. I just felt, it moved way to quickly from hate to acceptance for most of them. I just think, it should have taken maybe a little longer than just a few days and one nice thing, before she just accepted them. I just feel like we didn't get to know the MMCs enough in that short time before she accepted them, & a lot of what we know is what the fmc tells us, vs seeing it (if that makes sense?). I would have liked to see more from the characters than being told what they are like. 

Otherwise, I enjoyed the book. It was a good, fairly quick & easy read. It does touch in some dark topics so definitely check TW before diving in just in case, but overall it was a good dystopian/apocalypse read.
3.5 ⭐ out of 5 ⭐. 
3🌶️ out of 5🌶️.- multiple detailed scenes throughout

Tropes:

→ dark romance
→ why choose romance
→ forced proximity
→ enemies to lovers
→ post apocalyptic
→ zombies

Trigger Warnings:
• pandemic
• violence
• gun violence
• death/murder
• death of a parent
• attempted sexual assault
• kidnapping/abduction
• child abuse
Profile Image for KrisB.
90 reviews
February 25, 2023
This was my first post-apocalyptic story I have read. I do love a good RH, and I will say the story was quite intriguing. River was used to being alone since the death of her father, which makes her a strong, resilient MC. She is then brought to the sanctuary and now is thrown into a world where she has to succumb to not being alone (shame, I know), especially when she has not one, but FOUR hot men to protect and care for her, without her losing her independence to be the strong character she is. They all have different dynamics, which I love in a RH. The spice was A+, and I particularly loved the group scenes. I do wish we had gotten more from the guys, I love a multi-POV story.
Overall, while this was a much different trope that I would normally choose, I did enjoy the read!

I received this book as an ARC, which I am leaving an honest review
Profile Image for Leslie || original book nerd.
925 reviews43 followers
February 13, 2023
A River of Ash and Bone ARC Review

Couple: River with Merikh, Nix, Caelen & Grey

Author: Wren Cartwright

Tropes: dark romance, apocalypse romance, zombie romance, RH romance

Review: This book is my first by this author. I found the writing good and the character development strong even with the book being from only 1 POV (River). Even though I enjoyed the read, I found myself wishing for the other character’s POVs to be present.

This book is a newer take on a post-apocalyptic world. Whereas many authors write about recent or developing zombie themes and post-apocalypse romances, this story takes places a few decades post-apocalypse. It was interesting the how the fall of the country was written and how the author set the developing scenes and plots. I found the book to be multi-dimensional with aspects I would love to see continued.

River is the heroine in the story and is a young woman who recently lost her dad and has been barely surviving on her own. The main arc in this book is her struggling to lower her pride and accept help. We also see her struggle to acquaint herself at the camp and with her “loss” of freedom. River meets her guys after she gets attacked by an infected member of their crew (unbeknownst to them) and taken hostage.

Merikh, Nix, & Caelen, a set of triplets, apprehend River after she kills their teammate and immediately accuse her of trying to pilfer food from them. While the story creates this central arc of why she was taken hostage, the book also centers around how they really want to help her and get her to safety. At first, they do not believe her reasoning and deny their friend being infected. They later learn the true events as to what went down and suffer extreme guilt over how they treat her at first.

Grey is introduced after they take River back to camp. He is the only one not related to each other in the group. He quickly attaches himself to River sensing she needs a friend and they form a tight bond right away. The other guy who is conflicted and trusts River quicker than the others is Nix. Both Grey and Nix sense a deep hurt and kindred soul in River. The ways they all relate and help each other is interesting to read.

The dynamic between Caelen and River is the most intense and quirky. Both are serious but joking personalities and they both hold secrets close to their chests. I found myself liking Caelen the most since he really seemed like the backbone to the quartet. Merikh on the other hand was domineering and alphaholish. Him and River immediately butt heads and the intense reactions they have to each other eventually leads to them with lots of SPICE. Merikh, is the one who surprisingly takes Rivers hurts the worse and takes the most aggressive reaction towards fixing it.

This book was a different perspective on the zombie-romance. Each character was strong and team-oriented which was a first for me. I also enjoyed how they each had a strong character trait and provided special things to the group.

Rating: 4.5, not for everyone but a great version of zombie apocalypse romance
Profile Image for Raquel.
32 reviews2 followers
November 30, 2022
Do you guys know that feeling you get when you find a rare trope that you absolutely love? For me, one of them is reverse harem romances in zombie apocalypse settings. They’re so difficult to find, but I absolutely love them! I love why-choose books, and I adore zombie apocalypse books, so mixing them is a treat for me.

And this book ticked all of the boxes for me. It was exactly what I wanted it to be! This book starts 24 years after the initial outbreak, which means we skip all of the (sometimes repetitive) panic at the start when people are still trying to figure out what’s happening. Instead, this is the only reality our main character has ever known. She was born after the start of the apocalypse, so she grew up learning how to survive in this messed-up world. The result? We get a badass and independent FMC who, throughout the book, is forced to see that sometimes surviving isn’t enough.

It’s also a standalone book, which I really appreciate. The story didn’t drag on forever, and it wrapped up nicely. It was quite long, but again, I prefer that over having a duology or even a trilogy. The spice was really good, and we got group scenes, which is chef’s kiss.

I will say that I wish the author had explored the male main characters a little more. We spend a lot of time focusing on River’s journey and growth, and not a lot of time learning more about the rest of the cast. I especially think Caelan suffered from this. Overall, though, I still liked the moments we did have of them getting to know each other! My sweet boy Nix was definitely my favorite, but I appreciated Caelan’s crazy golden retriever energy a lot as well!

For my final thoughts, I will say that I might be biased because I love books like this, but I do recommend you give it a try even if you don’t! Try new things! Who knows, you might find that River and her boys have stolen your heart.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Crystal.
293 reviews7 followers
August 28, 2023
Wow!!!! 🥵🌶🌶🌶🌶

This book is set in a post-apocalyptic zombie world 24 years after infection started. River is a young 20-something woman living on her own after her Dad passes, when she finds a bag of food laying in the street. Hungry and desperate, she takes the bag only to be confronted with a newly fresh zombie and triplets. After she kills the zombie, the triplets take her back to their camp to pay for her crimes of theft and murder.

And this is where the story begins....

This is the first time I've read a post-apocalyptic or zombie novel. It gave me The Walking Dead vibes. Yes, there are zombies, but it's nowhere the main focus of the book. This is also the first time I read a "why choose" novel. I had no idea what that even was, but wow.... That's hot 🔥🥵.

River is a strong, no bullshit, mouthy woman who can take care of herself. She has no idea what it feels like to love romantically, a sense of home, a feeling of safety, or comfort. Until she gets close to the triplets plus 1. All 4 give her fulfillment.

Grey is the sweet one with a damaged past. Romantic and Soft. "Sweetheart"

Nix is the gentle, caring one. The quiet one with a filthy mouth. Swoon.... "Sunshine"

Caelan is the sarcastic, bad boy covered in tattoos. "Baby"

Merikh is the hard shelled, mushy inside control freak. "Princess"

With men options like that, I wouldn't be able to choose either. Love that this book doesn't let the spice overpower the story line but, WOW, when the spice is spicy, I needed a cold shower.

Other parts of the storyline had enough action and world building to keep me constantly on my toes and wanting to keep reading. I was hooked right from the beginning.

I received a free ebook copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Wren for giving me the opportunity to read this book. This was definitely a genre I wouldn't have gravitated towards, but I'm so glad you widened my reading choices. I can't wait for your next book.
Profile Image for Erin Smith.
141 reviews6 followers
November 9, 2022
Wren.. oh my god.. bravo! This book was so amazing! I was completely overtaken by this book from the first page! I love reading zombie apocalypse stories and this has shot to the top of the list of my favorites!

The scenes are so descriptive that I can vividly picture everything in this book, without it drawing away from the story or being overwhelming! Also having the map of the camp at the beginning was so nice to have an actual visual of the layout. It gave me a better mental note when things were happening in the book.

There was a certain scene that made me cry, when River and Grey were talking about the past. I think having those emotional moments are important as a reader, becoming actually emotionally invested in the story. Which certain parts definitely pulled at my heart strings.

I’m also so glad the MC, River, was actually a bada$$ and not some damsel in distress, expecting to just wait to be saved. Her sarcastic attitude and willingness to fight was so great throughout the entire story.

This unusual polycule relationship works so well with the rest of the storyline. And who doesn’t love a RH? The spicy scenes were wonderful and not at all cringy like a lot of other books have been. And thankfully, you again get a good idea of what’s going on without having to draw diagrams or re read the scene, going “wait, how.. I thought that was there..” type thing.

Overall, this book was fantastic! I ignored my husband for just about two days straight, while I read this! I was that invested in the story! I’m definitely going to be reading more of Wrens work!
Profile Image for readingwithShelbyyy.
62 reviews2 followers
February 26, 2023
This book is my first by this author, and the first book that I stepped outside of my comfort zone to read. It’s a newer take on a post-apocalyptic world. Which had its weird “what” moments.

Read if you love:
* Dark romance
* Apocalypse romance
* Zombie romance
* Reverse Harem romance

River is a young woman who recently lost her dad and is barely surviving on her own. She meets some guys after she gets attacked by an infected member of their crew and taken hostage at a camp, little did she know she would soon think of it as home. She immediately falls into bed with three of the four guys within the first week of being essentially kidnapped and says she's falling for them within the second week.. which was really weird.

Weird parts? How could they still be living off of canned food after so many years, how did they find clothing that hasn’t been worn before, how could they continue to do certain things ? I have lots of questions 🤣

This was my first time stepping into the reverse harem book world let alone a zombie themed book (which I love walking dead!)

The spice was hot, even when you try to figure out how she could be sleeping with four men at once and claim she loves them as quickly as she did after being attacked and kidnapped.

I think this book is a good stepping stone to try out a reverse harem book, overall I’m still trying to process it but it was good in my eyes!

Thank you @fallencrestcrew for this ARC! Honestly, if I didn’t receive this book I probably wouldn’t have read it on my own 😂 thank you for making me step outside my comfort zone!
188 reviews
September 3, 2023
*part of ARC review.*

I was lucky enough to receive this book to read before I receive the ARC of its upcoming sequel out later this month for an honest review.

This is my first why choose, RH and first book I've ever read about zombies but I wanted to try something so different for what I usually read.
This book took the intensity away from epic fantasy and just gave me something I could enjoy. Which for the most part, I did.
It was extremely fast paced and an easy read. I would have liked a little bit more detail into the environment and the zombies but I think that's just because I'm used to more world building.
I was convinced RH probably wouldn't be for me after my first couple of scenes but by the end I was worried for the life of each character and wanted it to work for them. Even if some of the romance made my eyes roll- but that's just me. I'm not big on romance and another reason to throw myself out of my comfort zone.
I really enjoyed how Wren shared the boys stories and it took equal part not just the FMC another refreshing from my go to.

If you love why choose, I'm sure you'll love this and it's definitely worth a go. I'm actually looking forward to the second book.
Profile Image for Codi.
10 reviews
November 24, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I have a lot of feelings about this book.

Firstly, I really like the concept. It’s like The Walking Dead meets Den of Vipers. I don't see zombie stores that typically have romance and it’s really interesting to see that. I also think the setting was handled very well and the virus was explained neatly.

As for the characters, I think they were fine. I didn’t love them, but I didn’t dislike them either. I think it would have been interesting to see more emotional depth and connection between the characters. I’m not a fan of “insta-love” or “insta-lust” typically, and this could probably be considered that. I feel like the story lacked that emotional romance and spark to accompany the spice.

I also feel like the book was quite long. There were a lot of moments that I got a bit bored, and I wasn’t too invested in the story.

All in all, I did enjoy the book. The spice was well-written. I think this author has a lot of potential and I’m eager to see where they go from here!
Profile Image for Lucile *:・.
74 reviews5 followers
November 30, 2022
♡ First of all, I wanted to thank the author for sending me an ARC of her incredible novel. ♡

♡ Tropes:
• Why Choose
• Post-apocalyptic
• Forced proximity
• Morally grey characters
• Spicy scenes

⚠ Be sure to check the TW before reading this book. The topics aborded are not for everyone. Respect your boundaries if you think this book might trigger you. ⚠

♡ This book took me by surprise. I usually don't read books set in a post-apocalyptic world because that's just not the kind of book I like. But this one? I loved it. And add four morally gray characters? There is nothing we can do but love this novel. I really enjoyed reading it, except that their relationship was too much of an insta-love. I would have preferred more tension. I also wish there were more moments with the main characters, I feel like we haven't seen them enough. But again, that's my opinion and it didn't really impact my reading. I cannot wait to read more novels by the author.

♡ If you are looking for a book where the FMC ends up with four morally grey MMCs, all in a post-apocalyptic world with zombies, go for this book!
Profile Image for Darcy.
2,154 reviews23 followers
November 10, 2022
I throughly enjoyed this story. I am not one who likes zombie movies or tv shows but this was absolutely brilliant. It takes us on a journey with River as she is struggling just to get by. I do love how strong River is as it is felt throughout the story. There are times that I felt she really didn’t think things through enough but her positives outweigh hand of her negatives. I will also say no one is perfect so these couple of things only make her feel more real. Same with the guys as they were really strong, caring, and protective. They also have a few quirks that you may not enjoy in a man but they were fantastic. The descriptions are vivid. I absolutely loved the descriptions in the story as it really added so much of a picture that I can easily see how the story was progressing. The zombies were beautifully entwined into the story were they do not over play the rest of the story. This is absolutely a stunning story and is a must read.
Profile Image for i ma read it.
174 reviews
November 29, 2022
Please check the content warnings before reading.

I wasn't sure if this book would be able to keep me interested because I'm normally not into zombies and the post-apocalypse, but I am so glad that I decided to try something new! I was captivated by the first page. The writing is so descriptive that I felt fully immersed in the story the entire time! I could see myself walking around the camp, bashing in the zombies and don't get me started on the 3 mattress sized bed.

River, a young woman used to surviving on her own by scrounging for food, while defending herself from zombie attacks, is taken captive and brought to camp after killing one of the camp inhabitants. She is forced to live there by the camp enforcers as punishment.This book is about so much more than about just surviving zombies. It's about trust, friendship, loyalty and community. And if that isn't enough how about a sweet slow burning reverse harem love story?!

I received this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Amber Henline.
33 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2022
As my first ARC book it couldn’t have been one that was more intriguing than this one. Zombie outbreak? Staying alive? With romance??? It is incredibly descriptive. It can easily be pictured in my mind. It’s a little slower to get into but I never wanted to stop reading.
I adored River. She was a mix of a strong and brave women to needing affection and love. You can’t blame the way she feels throughout the entire book. Her survival is how she got to where she is!
4 guys. FOUR. How dare they be so great. Nix and Grey hold my heart. While Caelan and Merikh will make you feel HEAT.
The spice scenes blew my mind. They were described as if you could feel it too 😆.
The emotions for every character and the realness of the environment. Fantastic writing, even if it started slow. It didn’t have a lot of action and the climax parts were rushed I feel but was a great story. I’d be interested in reading what happens next in River’s story.
Profile Image for Mel (literaturelylost).
104 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2023
I was so excited to read this book and it did not disappoint. It was my first why choose romance, and wow it did not disappoint.
I admired how to apocalyptic backdrop was not new phenomenon. The story is set years after the first zombie virus had taken over the world and mutated which was fascinating and brilliant.
I instantly got attached to the characters, and River was such a cool FMC and I did relate her constant should I stay or should I go scenario. Should she stay where it is safe, but was taken there by force or continue by herself as she had done for so long.
The spiciness of this book was, whoa... But it didn't completely take away from the story or the characters and I liked that.

My one tiny issue was that it felt rushed in some spots. I'm a details gal, and I would have loved to slow some parts down to get a broader vision of the camp and the other side characters and how they all interact.

I can't wait for the next one!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
14 reviews
June 3, 2024
I enjoyed the post-apocalyptic, zombie infested setting of this story. The steam was also enjoyable with a decent amount of filthy words and likable pet names. However, the relationships between the characters could have been better developed. I felt like I hardly got to know the guys (especially Caelen) and there was no time spent on them developing feelings for River- it was very instalovey on their side. There was also talk about River's incredibly close female friendships, but they too felt entirely underdeveloped.

The premise felt completely forced. It wasn't her fault that John was bitten and it didn't make sense that she was being "punished" for killing him. The "punishment" is another aspect that was illogical. They talked a lot about how they'd forced her to do all of these chores and experience so much discomfort but when and where??? She fetched food maybe once by herself, she never cleaned, she took one cold shower, and slept on the floor one time with both a pillow and a blanket. We were just repeatedly told that she had been thoroughly punished.

One thing I did appreciate was that the couple of times River put herself in danger were for legitimate reasons and not motivated solely by selfish pride (something I often see in stories centered around "strong" female characters).
Profile Image for Tim Verhoeven.
17 reviews4 followers
December 14, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I have to admit that I would probably not fit the demographic where this book is targeted at. But the cover really caught my eye and the description sounded promising, so I gave it a go. It was an entertaining read. Since I was already reading a book that's part of a series I had to squeeze this into my schedule. But Wren Cartwright's writing also kept me going on. I finished it in two days!

The book has a bit of everything. Romance, secrets, plot twists. At times it can be quite the rollercoaster.

It is quite graphic so sensitive readers probably should look elsewhere. Also I find that the author sometimes tries to squeeze in too much information and at other times barely glances over things that I personally would love to see explored more.
5 reviews2 followers
February 20, 2023
River is fighting for her life everyday while living in a dystopian world filled with the undead and scarcity of supplies. River finds herself in a situation where she is taken captive to a camp that has been developed with all the comforts. She soon finds herself no longer a prisoner, but finding a home with Grey, Caelan, Merikh, and Nix. But will their home be safe forever?

Oh my... this was my first time stepping into the reverse harem book world. I still don't know how I feel about it or if I would read another reverse harem book. I can admit this book was extremely well written, I enjoyed the story line, and it was hotter than hot even when I was trying to figure out all the logistics of sleeping with four men at once. I think this book is a good stepping stone to try out a reverse harem.
Profile Image for Kirsty Warner.
89 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2023
Well hello one bad ass female character in the form of River.

Love love loved this book. From start to finish.
I love how the author started the story after the outbreak and made it all about her survival in the only world shes ever known other than the one prior to her loss and heartbreak.

When a tempting offering is just sat their ripe for the picking you would be a fool not to take advantage and run for the hills wouldn't you... Oh hindsight.
Instead it changes the trajectory of your life and you begin to discover a life and world you could of only ever imagined and then some...

But with certain happenings is this life the one you were destined to leave? Will the independent female boss that she is be caged by the men in her life?

This is definitely a must read.
Even more so if sharing is your thing!

Cant wait to read more from Wren.
Profile Image for Hard Back Life.
249 reviews1 follower
November 22, 2022
This is an apocalyptic why choose romance. The FMC hooks you from the very beginning with her recent loss of her father who was her only family member and survival partner. Now all on her own and struggling, River finds her self at the mercy of four brothers after she makes a hasty decision. They bring her back to their camp where she is offered the unimaginable. Security, a community with friends, regular food, hot water and a place to lay her head are all things she’s always desired but what is she to do when they start presenting her with possibilities she never gave herself hope to want, like love. This book has spicy scenes with group play, violent encounters with other survivors and run ends with the undead.
Profile Image for Raquel Kilby.
17 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2023
Thank you for the ARC to read in preparation of book 2 ☺️
I'll be honest, I haven't read many post-apocalyptic books, but I was excited to read this. I love why choose, there's just something about it 👌
This book was great, the characters were enjoyable and I love their names too (Grey and River especially).
While the romance did happen quite quickly, I was okay with it as it's the sort of world where bad stuff happens every day and you need to take what you can, where you can! For someone who grew up most of her life with just her dad for company, River did quite well in the situations that threw her off course and it was believable.
All in all, an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to book 2! 😁
Profile Image for Jessica.
16 reviews9 followers
November 5, 2022
Starting the book I loved having such a strong character. River is a badass. Her attitude, her will power and her sheer strength. Once we get to know her and the boys it does soften up and they get their turns 😉- then we have our of heartbreak once they find out she still wanted to leave. I understand her reasons! Don't get me wrong, taken somewhere new and forced to live with men you don't even know but as it goes on she learns to love them and their quirks. I appreciate the ending with Ryder and happy ending.
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