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~ Fog is book one in the interconnected Factions of Red River series, but can be read as a standalone. ~
Ally:
It only took me a few seconds to realize all I needed to know about him. He’s dangerous, lethal, crazy, and I need to run from him. Now I just need to figure out if he’ll let me run.
Jax:
It only took me moments to realize all I needed to know about her. She was intelligent, a survivor, tough, quick, and drop dead gorgeous. Can I wait long enough for her to become as obsessed with me as I am with her?
There are four factions in the closed off city of Red River. They all refuse to work together but they can’t survive without each other. Decades ago, they signed a treaty after a devastating war. Ever since, they’ve lived in strained, violent, peace. Now, tensions are starting to rise again. Violence is a constant in this world, but it’s starting to get out of Jax and his family's control.
In a gritty dystopian world run by criminals, can two people truly find peace? With a city-wide war brewing and enemies all around, can Jax convince Ally that she’s his, while still running his faction? Can Ally learn to trust Jax, while she tries to save the citizens? With war on the horizon, can they survive together, or will Red River eat them alive?
Warning: Please be aware that there is mature and graphic content that is not suitable for people under 18.
Ally:
It only took me a few seconds to realize all I needed to know about him. He’s dangerous, lethal, crazy, and I need to run from him. Now I just need to figure out if he’ll let me run.
Jax:
It only took me moments to realize all I needed to know about her. She was intelligent, a survivor, tough, quick, and drop dead gorgeous. Can I wait long enough for her to become as obsessed with me as I am with her?
There are four factions in the closed off city of Red River. They all refuse to work together but they can’t survive without each other. Decades ago, they signed a treaty after a devastating war. Ever since, they’ve lived in strained, violent, peace. Now, tensions are starting to rise again. Violence is a constant in this world, but it’s starting to get out of Jax and his family's control.
In a gritty dystopian world run by criminals, can two people truly find peace? With a city-wide war brewing and enemies all around, can Jax convince Ally that she’s his, while still running his faction? Can Ally learn to trust Jax, while she tries to save the citizens? With war on the horizon, can they survive together, or will Red River eat them alive?
Warning: Please be aware that there is mature and graphic content that is not suitable for people under 18.
394 pages, Paperback
Published May 3, 2022
59 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
About the author
Shelby Manuel
10 books94 followersReader & Writer of twisted love stories and haunted hearts.
May all villains be obsessed, and all heroines be spoiled.
HEAs...eventually.
May all villains be obsessed, and all heroines be spoiled.
HEAs...eventually.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 30, 2022
Wow what a ride this book was!
I was hooked from the get go.
Loved Allys strong character and the way Jax was Obsessed haha
I always worry that the smut takes over or ruins the plot but that didn't happen with this book, it only enhanced the overall story.
I really enjoyed the side characters aswell and am lucky enough to have book 2 as an ARC and immediately started.
Cant wait to continue the story with Mick and Riley
I was hooked from the get go.
Loved Allys strong character and the way Jax was Obsessed haha
I always worry that the smut takes over or ruins the plot but that didn't happen with this book, it only enhanced the overall story.
I really enjoyed the side characters aswell and am lucky enough to have book 2 as an ARC and immediately started.
Cant wait to continue the story with Mick and Riley
August 30, 2022
thank you shelby for sending me fog & an arc of wasteland. i got through this book in 2 days, easily a page turner. admittedly, i don't usually go for a dystopian plot, but the author did a fantastic job of setting this world up and building it for the reader. the spice was on point & loved it. it wasn't the entire focus of the book which made it even better. i loved the world the author opened up to us and the characters, too. i'm interested to see where else this series goes.
i adored the romance between grumpy bad guy jax and cynical nurse ally, they really compliment each other well. their spice was chef's kiss. their dialogue and banter felt natural. ally's character development wasn't rushed and i like to think she taught jax a thing or two about patience. i usually hate the "couple breaks up 75% through the book" thing authors do, but this was well executed and made sense for the characters.
i would love to know what happened to nora in all the time she's been apart from ally, but i am super stoked to get started on my arc of wasteland and read about mick and riley!
i adored the romance between grumpy bad guy jax and cynical nurse ally, they really compliment each other well. their spice was chef's kiss. their dialogue and banter felt natural. ally's character development wasn't rushed and i like to think she taught jax a thing or two about patience. i usually hate the "couple breaks up 75% through the book" thing authors do, but this was well executed and made sense for the characters.
i would love to know what happened to nora in all the time she's been apart from ally, but i am super stoked to get started on my arc of wasteland and read about mick and riley!
July 6, 2022
This is an amazing dystopian read and I would wholly recommend it. Not very often that I say that I think a full-length book should be even longer but I definitely would've loved it if it was. It's an amazing storyline and I can't wait for future books within this world.
August 29, 2022
The world fell apart and gangs fought for power to run different cities. In Red River, there are four factions, living in a barely stable truce. Ally, a nurse who works in the neutral territory, but lives in Fog, finds herself running into one of the most dangerous men to reside in Fog. After having created walls to keep herself safe and at a distance from other people, Ally must learn that her current way of living isn’t really living. The only question being, will Jax the Ax and the second leader under his brother Theo of the Fog Faction, force his way into her heart and break those walls down?
Jaxon, also known as Jax the Ax, has been running errands and is the man you don’t want to mess with in Fog. He is the type to kill and ask questions. Until one errand has him meet a beautiful woman with more fire than he has ever met. She challenges him and drives him crazy. Growing up, he was taught about soulmates and Jax thinks this fiery vixen is his. The only problem? This vixen is dead set on not letting him get too close. He knows he needs to show her she is loved and cherished, but he isn’t sure how to do it or the past that keeps her from trusting him.
Review
Before I begin this review, I wanted to say I got this as a free copy for a review from the author herself. I really am glad I was able to get this as an ARC in prelude to the second book Wasteland.
Fog : The Factions of Red River by Shelby Manuel is a post-apocalyptic romance. The story takes place in the city of Red River, where it has been divided amongst four factions. The faction that the story takes place is Fog, ran by the McHales. When starting the book, I read the prologue, which gives back story and I feel it did an amazing job. I was intrigued by the end of it, but as I went through the book, I was in love with the story. It was beautifully written and kept some twists in there to throw me off my game. Though, I can proudly say I kind of knew the ending half way through. But don’t we all figure things out before the author wants us too
Jaxon, also known as Jax the Ax, has been running errands and is the man you don’t want to mess with in Fog. He is the type to kill and ask questions. Until one errand has him meet a beautiful woman with more fire than he has ever met. She challenges him and drives him crazy. Growing up, he was taught about soulmates and Jax thinks this fiery vixen is his. The only problem? This vixen is dead set on not letting him get too close. He knows he needs to show her she is loved and cherished, but he isn’t sure how to do it or the past that keeps her from trusting him.
Review
Before I begin this review, I wanted to say I got this as a free copy for a review from the author herself. I really am glad I was able to get this as an ARC in prelude to the second book Wasteland.
Fog : The Factions of Red River by Shelby Manuel is a post-apocalyptic romance. The story takes place in the city of Red River, where it has been divided amongst four factions. The faction that the story takes place is Fog, ran by the McHales. When starting the book, I read the prologue, which gives back story and I feel it did an amazing job. I was intrigued by the end of it, but as I went through the book, I was in love with the story. It was beautifully written and kept some twists in there to throw me off my game. Though, I can proudly say I kind of knew the ending half way through. But don’t we all figure things out before the author wants us too
August 28, 2022
Type: dark romance
Ease of read: 4/5
Spice: 5/5
Age range: 18+
Read content warnings for this book. Extremely mature content.
Book 1, Fog, brings you into a Sons of Anarchy world without the motorcycles. The Faction rules the city. Jax and Ally are an unlikely pairing that have you needing a Jack and coke just to handle the tension in the air between them. Jax is the enforcer and younger brother of Fog’s leader, Theo…Ally is a nurse working in the neutral zone. As things go from bad to worse you are rooting for the dark, attractive, rage fueled, tatted man with desire behind his eyes to get the girl, but does he?
The good news is Book 2, Wasteland, picks up where book 1 stops but more from someone else’s POV. While you still find out more about Jax and Ally’s story you are thrust into another pair who are never meant to be together. Wasteland is centered around Riley, Jax and Theo’s little sister, and Mick. Their story of sacrifice, friendship, heartbreak, and love will leave you aching for book 3.
Loyalty, love, and family…are the bonds strong enough to bare the weight of a world crumbling around them? With a war drawing nearer every day, alliance’s and death are on the doorstep!
This had me on the edge of my seat, I was itching to turn the page and find out more. The characters are wonderfully written and their quirks and sass have you laughing and emotional as they deal with life’s ups and downs.
Ease of read: 4/5
Spice: 5/5
Age range: 18+
Read content warnings for this book. Extremely mature content.
Book 1, Fog, brings you into a Sons of Anarchy world without the motorcycles. The Faction rules the city. Jax and Ally are an unlikely pairing that have you needing a Jack and coke just to handle the tension in the air between them. Jax is the enforcer and younger brother of Fog’s leader, Theo…Ally is a nurse working in the neutral zone. As things go from bad to worse you are rooting for the dark, attractive, rage fueled, tatted man with desire behind his eyes to get the girl, but does he?
The good news is Book 2, Wasteland, picks up where book 1 stops but more from someone else’s POV. While you still find out more about Jax and Ally’s story you are thrust into another pair who are never meant to be together. Wasteland is centered around Riley, Jax and Theo’s little sister, and Mick. Their story of sacrifice, friendship, heartbreak, and love will leave you aching for book 3.
Loyalty, love, and family…are the bonds strong enough to bare the weight of a world crumbling around them? With a war drawing nearer every day, alliance’s and death are on the doorstep!
This had me on the edge of my seat, I was itching to turn the page and find out more. The characters are wonderfully written and their quirks and sass have you laughing and emotional as they deal with life’s ups and downs.
September 1, 2022
Rating: 2.7 leaves out of 5
Characters: 1.5/5
Cover: 5/5
Writing: 1.5/5
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal-Romance/Short-Story/Erotic
Type: Ebook
Worth?: Yeah
Spicy: 2/5
Hated|Disliked|It Was Okay|Liked|Loved|Favorited
I was given this as an arc and had to DNF it. Shelby if you are reading this I am sorry that I could not finish this or start the next book.
From the very beginning I started to have a small problem, mostly that words that were uppercased shouldn't have been. Not the biggest pet peeve and not something I would stop reading for. Some sentences didn't make sense or some things that were in the book shouldn't be when it came to it being a dystopian world.
Also how is someone not a BIG at the height of freaking 6'6? None of that made sense. This is all in the matter of a prologue and one chapter. I decided to just keep going but at the 4th chapter I decided that was that.
Characters: 1.5/5
Cover: 5/5
Writing: 1.5/5
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal-Romance/Short-Story/Erotic
Type: Ebook
Worth?: Yeah
Spicy: 2/5
Hated|Disliked|It Was Okay|Liked|Loved|Favorited
I was given this as an arc and had to DNF it. Shelby if you are reading this I am sorry that I could not finish this or start the next book.
From the very beginning I started to have a small problem, mostly that words that were uppercased shouldn't have been. Not the biggest pet peeve and not something I would stop reading for. Some sentences didn't make sense or some things that were in the book shouldn't be when it came to it being a dystopian world.
Also how is someone not a BIG at the height of freaking 6'6? None of that made sense. This is all in the matter of a prologue and one chapter. I decided to just keep going but at the 4th chapter I decided that was that.
August 27, 2022
I received this book and read it straight away. I loved it! I really enjoyed the idea of an uprising in the world and areas now controlled by people instead of governments. The story between Ally and Jax draws you in without you losing the plot of the story. I read this in one sitting, couldn't put it down. Also as a side note, I love Ace he's so cheeky!! Can't wait to read the second book Wasteland with Rileys (Jax sister) story
September 1, 2023
This was a great book. I enjoyed the dystopian elements as well as the romance. The characters were fun and interesting. The world building was unique. I am really excited to read the next in the series which is odd for me because I usually like more zombie in my dystopian literature.
August 30, 2022
What a read, am I going to get the physical copy? Yes yes I am.
Fast paced, he falls first post apocalyptic, gang, dark romance. Will be recommending.
Spice started 25% in and is spicy!
Can't wait for Wasteland.
Fast paced, he falls first post apocalyptic, gang, dark romance. Will be recommending.
Spice started 25% in and is spicy!
Can't wait for Wasteland.
September 30, 2022
𝐼 𝒽𝒶𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝒽𝓊𝓇𝓉 𝒽𝒾𝓂 𝒷𝑒𝒻𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒽𝓊𝓇𝓉 𝓂𝑒. 𝐼 𝒸𝒶𝓃'𝓉 𝓁𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝑒𝓁𝓈𝑒. 𝐼 𝓌𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹𝓃'𝓉 𝓈𝓊𝓇𝓋𝒾𝓋𝑒.
Shelby is a new author to me, but I'll definitely read more of her books.
This book has many trigger warnings, so check them before reading.
Fog is a raw and gritty dystopian romance about Jax and Ally.
Both had traumatic upbringings and had to grow up quickly to survive. Jax wants Ally, but Ally has a lot of trust issues due to her past. Can Jax and Ally ride the storm together, or will the city eat them alive?
These two have some great sexual chemistry, and the spice in this book was chef's kiss!
I can't wait to read Mick and Riley's story in Wasteland.
Shelby is a new author to me, but I'll definitely read more of her books.
This book has many trigger warnings, so check them before reading.
Fog is a raw and gritty dystopian romance about Jax and Ally.
Both had traumatic upbringings and had to grow up quickly to survive. Jax wants Ally, but Ally has a lot of trust issues due to her past. Can Jax and Ally ride the storm together, or will the city eat them alive?
These two have some great sexual chemistry, and the spice in this book was chef's kiss!
I can't wait to read Mick and Riley's story in Wasteland.
June 8, 2022
The story of a nurse and a bad guy….. dun dun dunnn
I loved the banter in this book, the world building as well, I could really picture myself in the city we were in.
I think Allison is great, she’s complex but you understand her inner struggles. Jaxon as well and he’s a big softie for his close circle so you gotta love him.
The side characters are also great and I just want to know more about them!
I wish we got a tiny bit more on the drama of the city itself with the different gangs but what was shown was great!
I cannot wait to read the rest of the series ;)
I loved the banter in this book, the world building as well, I could really picture myself in the city we were in.
I think Allison is great, she’s complex but you understand her inner struggles. Jaxon as well and he’s a big softie for his close circle so you gotta love him.
The side characters are also great and I just want to know more about them!
I wish we got a tiny bit more on the drama of the city itself with the different gangs but what was shown was great!
I cannot wait to read the rest of the series ;)
June 12, 2022
I love a good dystopian book.
I saw this author on Tiktok and found this book after having a nosey on her linktree.
Based in The Fog faction, Ally meets Jax through threatening circumstances. Jax likes her immediately, Ally however wants to keep him at arms length, all the while both fighting invisible threats.
I read in one sitting. Such a good plot. I would have liked a bit more world description, but it was really good.
Shelby Manuel is a promising new author and i can't to read more of her work.
I saw this author on Tiktok and found this book after having a nosey on her linktree.
Based in The Fog faction, Ally meets Jax through threatening circumstances. Jax likes her immediately, Ally however wants to keep him at arms length, all the while both fighting invisible threats.
I read in one sitting. Such a good plot. I would have liked a bit more world description, but it was really good.
Shelby Manuel is a promising new author and i can't to read more of her work.
June 9, 2022
Love Love Loved this! Dystopian, with a strong female charater! Jax and his friends & family are hilarious. The banter is perfect! I can not wait for the rest of the red river series! 😍
February 1, 2024
JAX AND ALLY! Omg this was amazing
Okay, so I’ve slowly been going through this author’s catalogue and I finished her other book, Flower’s Beast, and instantly needed more. I read Fog in a day, seriously couldn’t put it down.
Since I started with her novella Christmas series, I was a little afraid the vibes wouldn’t be as amazing in one of her full length novels, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.
I feel like I was in this series, like one of the characters in this gritty city. I haven���t read many dystopian novels, really only divergent but this is different, like it seems more realistic of how our society is actually going to crumble.
Okay…I haven’t even gotten to the review.
The world building happened without me even really noticing, not overwhelming me but getting to the harsh truth of this city right away. It was easy to picture, as I kind of pictured it as a mix between Gotham and Detroit lol
The cast of characters, while morally screwed and a bit violent, we’re real to me. Their personalities matched either me or people I know, making me feel again that I was a part of the city.
THATS ALL BESIDES THE LOVE
Jax is hilarious and I want him to somehow be my best friend and also show me his moves 🤤
And I honestly feel the same for Ally. From Jax’s pov, I wanted to protect Ally and also marry her.
She’s the grumpy in this relationship, although Jax can turn dark pretty quickly without his Little Fox omfg
I just couldn’t get enough. Even the side characters were holding my attention. I want this as a movie series and it’s genuinely infuriating I didn’t know about this until now. I’m moving on to book two right away!
There were some mistakes I guess, but not with the plot, and certainly not with how this book left me filled with adrenaline and like a longing for more. It’s insane.
For this being the authors debut book….this is genuinely one of my favourite books now. I’ve read a few things online and watched a few videos, making me think the next books are even better. So I’m ready!
Okay, so I’ve slowly been going through this author’s catalogue and I finished her other book, Flower’s Beast, and instantly needed more. I read Fog in a day, seriously couldn’t put it down.
Since I started with her novella Christmas series, I was a little afraid the vibes wouldn’t be as amazing in one of her full length novels, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.
I feel like I was in this series, like one of the characters in this gritty city. I haven���t read many dystopian novels, really only divergent but this is different, like it seems more realistic of how our society is actually going to crumble.
Okay…I haven’t even gotten to the review.
The world building happened without me even really noticing, not overwhelming me but getting to the harsh truth of this city right away. It was easy to picture, as I kind of pictured it as a mix between Gotham and Detroit lol
The cast of characters, while morally screwed and a bit violent, we’re real to me. Their personalities matched either me or people I know, making me feel again that I was a part of the city.
THATS ALL BESIDES THE LOVE
Jax is hilarious and I want him to somehow be my best friend and also show me his moves 🤤
And I honestly feel the same for Ally. From Jax’s pov, I wanted to protect Ally and also marry her.
She’s the grumpy in this relationship, although Jax can turn dark pretty quickly without his Little Fox omfg
I just couldn’t get enough. Even the side characters were holding my attention. I want this as a movie series and it’s genuinely infuriating I didn’t know about this until now. I’m moving on to book two right away!
There were some mistakes I guess, but not with the plot, and certainly not with how this book left me filled with adrenaline and like a longing for more. It’s insane.
For this being the authors debut book….this is genuinely one of my favourite books now. I’ve read a few things online and watched a few videos, making me think the next books are even better. So I’m ready!
May 2, 2023
Imagine you lost everybody who you once loved ofcourse it would be difficult to open up and trust anybody. And yet in this dystopian world two people find eachother by accident, their chemistry is off the charts and they can't to stay away from eachother.
Shelby did an amazing job with Fog, she describes this new dystopian world very well and you just get sucked into their story. You have 4 factions and Fog is one of them where jaxon is the faction leaders right hand man, he is in charge of the rougher side of the bussiness and when he has debts to collect, he comes face to face with Ally. Their acctraction so eachother is so palpaple. They can't forget or seem to stay away from eachother.
I really love how jax is perceived as 'Jax the axe' but he is anything but that. It just takes the right person to bring out that mushy side of him. And Ally is extremely tough, i really loved her charachter. The way she handled herself, what she's been through, what made her who she is today. A strong badass woman who knows her way around dangerous men.
Always check trigger warnings but this is a dark romance with stalker and killervibes but it is so worth the read. I can't wait for the other stories about the brothers and to see how the faction Fog will fare with everything that's happened in this book.
Shelby did an amazing job with Fog, she describes this new dystopian world very well and you just get sucked into their story. You have 4 factions and Fog is one of them where jaxon is the faction leaders right hand man, he is in charge of the rougher side of the bussiness and when he has debts to collect, he comes face to face with Ally. Their acctraction so eachother is so palpaple. They can't forget or seem to stay away from eachother.
I really love how jax is perceived as 'Jax the axe' but he is anything but that. It just takes the right person to bring out that mushy side of him. And Ally is extremely tough, i really loved her charachter. The way she handled herself, what she's been through, what made her who she is today. A strong badass woman who knows her way around dangerous men.
Always check trigger warnings but this is a dark romance with stalker and killervibes but it is so worth the read. I can't wait for the other stories about the brothers and to see how the faction Fog will fare with everything that's happened in this book.
September 8, 2022
First off, thank you Shelby for sending me this book!
This was my first dystopian plot book, I loved it. The author went into great detail setting the scene. Grumpy Jax stole my heart. Ally is that person that takes care of everyone and puts herself last. She didn’t want to relay on anyone, but it’s exactly what she needed to do.
I love that Ally is a total bad ass nurse. She’s had a hard life but she’s always done what she had to do to survive.
Jax family runs one of the fractions. He’s known as “Jax the Ax” A monster.
Ally gets a call from an ex needing help and that’s where she runs into Jax. He’s instantly attracted to her and to be honest she’s attracted to him also but doesn’t want anything to do with him.
I love the story of their relationship, the banter between them. Jax is the one person who can destroy the walls that Ally has built. I also love that there is a nice amount of spice. It’s also good spice 😉 that adds to the story.
I cannot wait to read book 2 “Wasteland”
Please check trigger warnings before reading!!
This was my first dystopian plot book, I loved it. The author went into great detail setting the scene. Grumpy Jax stole my heart. Ally is that person that takes care of everyone and puts herself last. She didn’t want to relay on anyone, but it’s exactly what she needed to do.
I love that Ally is a total bad ass nurse. She’s had a hard life but she’s always done what she had to do to survive.
Jax family runs one of the fractions. He’s known as “Jax the Ax” A monster.
Ally gets a call from an ex needing help and that’s where she runs into Jax. He’s instantly attracted to her and to be honest she’s attracted to him also but doesn’t want anything to do with him.
I love the story of their relationship, the banter between them. Jax is the one person who can destroy the walls that Ally has built. I also love that there is a nice amount of spice. It’s also good spice 😉 that adds to the story.
I cannot wait to read book 2 “Wasteland”
Please check trigger warnings before reading!!
August 31, 2022
This may very well be one of the best dystopian storylines I've read and it's only the first book.
This book follows Jax, the brother to the leader of one of the factions after the world implodes, and Ally, the sweet nurse with a ton of baggage as they navigate their dangerous world on the brink of another war and their feelings for each other.
I loved that the tables were turned in this story. Normally, it's the male fighting his feeling for the girl but on this book, Jax is open about his feelings, wearing his heart on his sleeve while Ally tries to come to terms with a past that has her holding back from loving her man.
I truly enjoyed this. The world building was awesome, the characters relatable and the story was able to keep my attention.
The only thing I'd love to see is more darkness. While there are darkish themes, I'd personally prefer more.
This book follows Jax, the brother to the leader of one of the factions after the world implodes, and Ally, the sweet nurse with a ton of baggage as they navigate their dangerous world on the brink of another war and their feelings for each other.
I loved that the tables were turned in this story. Normally, it's the male fighting his feeling for the girl but on this book, Jax is open about his feelings, wearing his heart on his sleeve while Ally tries to come to terms with a past that has her holding back from loving her man.
I truly enjoyed this. The world building was awesome, the characters relatable and the story was able to keep my attention.
The only thing I'd love to see is more darkness. While there are darkish themes, I'd personally prefer more.
September 12, 2022
I went into this book pretty blind but let me tell you, it was everything. In a dystopian setting, the world building was really well done and I didn’t feel lost. The setting was similar to modern day as far as technology, which made it easy to digest. The characters are relatable and down to earth, while also being completely badass. I loved the writing and the multiple POV, which was switched at just the right times to truly understand each character. The spice is *chef’s kiss.”
Not only was I invested in the relationships, but the ongoing story line is super intriguing. Mystery, action, and politics all weave into the story. I could not put this book down, and immediately wanted more. Luckily, I was fortunate to receive an ARC of the second book, that I similarly devoured….
Highly recommend this book and series to you!
Not only was I invested in the relationships, but the ongoing story line is super intriguing. Mystery, action, and politics all weave into the story. I could not put this book down, and immediately wanted more. Luckily, I was fortunate to receive an ARC of the second book, that I similarly devoured….
Highly recommend this book and series to you!
August 30, 2022
When I got this book I started it right away when I got off work. And I couldn’t put it down once I started it and read it right though the night. (oops)
Sometimes with romance books the story line is kind of forgotten and more focus is but on the couple in the books, but the relationship between Jax and Ally didn’t take from the story line at all. I got a healthy amount of romance and spice between them and had a plot to follow and understand.
The world building was amazing and I didn’t have to refer back in the book to remember what the characters are taking about and I could picture everything in my head as if I was watching it on a TV screen.
The side characters were amazing and makes me excited to read more about them in future books in this series.
Sometimes with romance books the story line is kind of forgotten and more focus is but on the couple in the books, but the relationship between Jax and Ally didn’t take from the story line at all. I got a healthy amount of romance and spice between them and had a plot to follow and understand.
The world building was amazing and I didn’t have to refer back in the book to remember what the characters are taking about and I could picture everything in my head as if I was watching it on a TV screen.
The side characters were amazing and makes me excited to read more about them in future books in this series.
October 2, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Fog is the first book in the factions of red river series! I don’t normally read dystopian story but Shelby has created such an incredible story with a great level of detailed world building and amazing depth to each character which is introduced to us with this book. I feel this sets a great stage of the rest of the series. But not only that Jax and Ally’s love story is incredibly. I love that Ally Is a strong FMC even though she has a lot of baggage/triggers she doesn’t fold easily. I also love how quickly Jax becomes obsessed with Ally and wants to protect her.
this is a dark and spicy enemies to lovers story which I highly recommend.
This second book Wasteland is also available now!
Fog is the first book in the factions of red river series! I don’t normally read dystopian story but Shelby has created such an incredible story with a great level of detailed world building and amazing depth to each character which is introduced to us with this book. I feel this sets a great stage of the rest of the series. But not only that Jax and Ally’s love story is incredibly. I love that Ally Is a strong FMC even though she has a lot of baggage/triggers she doesn’t fold easily. I also love how quickly Jax becomes obsessed with Ally and wants to protect her.
this is a dark and spicy enemies to lovers story which I highly recommend.
This second book Wasteland is also available now!
October 5, 2022
Is it hot in here or is it just me? Let me just start with this: Jax and Ally have such amazing chemistry. Right out the get-go, I was pulled in by the way their banter flowed well. And don't get me started on the spice. It wasn't over the top but it was definitely *chef's kiss *. This is my first time reading a dystopian Romance and I was not disappointed. The world you are portaled into is well written and in a way, extremely believable considering the where we are headed in real life. The detail put into describing the different factions in this world and how they function was nicely done that even a nitwit like myself was able to easily navigate through them and not get confused. Overall, an stellar start to the series. Excited to see what is to come.
September 11, 2022
Dystopian is not my go to trope, but Shelby Manuel's Fog: Factions of Red River Book 1, turned me into a fan. She is a new author to me, and am I ever glad I found her! Heed the trigger warnings, they are there for a reason. The world Fog is set in is not gentle or nice. I'm not going to give any spoilers, but in a world gone wrong, it is now run by criminal organizations or factions. Ally, is strong, fiery, and totally relatable. Jax, is obsessed from the moment they meet. I loved the world building, character development, and of course, the spice. I'm definitely looking forward to book 2.
September 26, 2022
Dystopian books aren't really my thing, but I may need to reconsider my stance on that. This book sucked me in from the very beginning. It was a real page turner and the chemistry between Ally and Jaxon was 5 Alarm Fire hot. This book has a strong FMC and MMC as well as strong supporting characters. The multiple POV's really brings this book to life.
This book had it all: Action, Suspense, Intrigue, Steam and it ends on a Cliffhanger leaving you wanting more and more. I can't wait to delve into "Wasteland" to continue the journey.
This book had it all: Action, Suspense, Intrigue, Steam and it ends on a Cliffhanger leaving you wanting more and more. I can't wait to delve into "Wasteland" to continue the journey.
December 10, 2022
If you love a dark, dystopian universe with sweet romance and absolutely filthy spice, look no further because this series is for you! I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going to happen next. Each MC and side character is complex and compelling and makes you want to know more always! This book also has some of my favorite types of content including: man falls first, touch her and die, stalker romance, badass FMC, mafia family (vibes, not exactly what they’re called), “now that I’ve found you, I’m never letting you go”, and the “let me take care of you” after something bad happens scenes. I am obsessed!!!
October 13, 2022
This was a really good book, I love it dystopian romance when it’s done well and this delivers. Shelby is a new author to me, her writing style is easy to read and I was totally captivated by this story. Both the characters are really likeable and will have you falling in love with them. There is a lot of drama, action and steamy times. There are some sensitive issues discussed but the author does these really well. Loved it!
August 18, 2023
seriously good
This is the author’s debut book!? So good. It was gritty but not overly dark. It really drew me in, the middle kinda slowed down a bit. The world building was good and truly Ally and Jax were relatable characters. Not immature. The push and pull was realistic and not over the top at all. No one was cartoon like, like some of the book written today. Spice was good 3.5/5. I’m off to read more of her books and excited to see her writing tighten up a bit
This is the author’s debut book!? So good. It was gritty but not overly dark. It really drew me in, the middle kinda slowed down a bit. The world building was good and truly Ally and Jax were relatable characters. Not immature. The push and pull was realistic and not over the top at all. No one was cartoon like, like some of the book written today. Spice was good 3.5/5. I’m off to read more of her books and excited to see her writing tighten up a bit
September 2, 2022
Honestly I didn't know what to expect with this book and it took me a little while to get into the story. However, I loved Jax and Ally they had such a twist and turn relationship and with the plot of the book also being a challenge for them in there relationship. However, once you really invest in this book and its story line you will love it.
September 17, 2022
When I first started reading dystopian, I never expected to like it. Then I get this little gem. You'll be rooting for the villain in no time. Fog is an example of a bad world ran by criminals. Ally is the strong heroine that we all need. Then there's Jax who is completely obsessed with Ally. Who will win in this cold cruel world. This is the type of book that will get your heart pounding.
September 21, 2022
Loved it!!
I loved the storyline and it kept me interested. I didn't want to put it down. There was action, suspense, angst and steam! I loved both our main characters, Ally and Jaxon. Their chemistry was undeniable and I'm glad we got both there POVs. To me this had an end of the world and/or divergent kind of vibe.
This was my first book by this author and she didn't disappoint!
I loved the storyline and it kept me interested. I didn't want to put it down. There was action, suspense, angst and steam! I loved both our main characters, Ally and Jaxon. Their chemistry was undeniable and I'm glad we got both there POVs. To me this had an end of the world and/or divergent kind of vibe.
This was my first book by this author and she didn't disappoint!
October 16, 2022
good
I found this series recommended in a FB group and decided to give it a go. I liked it. I wish there was a bit more action and learning more about the fractions, then the 2 MCs going back and forth about there feelings for eachother, that seemed to drag into every chapter. Overall I enjoyed it.
I found this series recommended in a FB group and decided to give it a go. I liked it. I wish there was a bit more action and learning more about the fractions, then the 2 MCs going back and forth about there feelings for eachother, that seemed to drag into every chapter. Overall I enjoyed it.
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