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Unlikely Heroes #2
A Wilderness Within: A Contagion Thriller Romance
MP3 CD Format Lincoln Atwood survived the contagion that wiped out nine tenths of humanity. As the last survivor in a secret government bunker, he knows that the other survivors are scared, angry, and dangerous, just like him. After weeks alone with the mummified bodies of his colleagues, he escapes the bunker. But the world outside has changed. Among the crumbling ruins of civilization, he loses himself to the wilderness in his soul. When he sees Caroline, a fellow survivor, she is vision of light in a world gone dark. He wants to help her, but she won't trust him, when there's danger around every corner. How can he convince her that fate has brought them together?
Caroline Kelly survived hell when she escaped quarantined Chicago in search of her family after the outbreak. But it's not as easy to travel from Illinois to Missouri with the world gone dark in the space of three months. The last thing she needs is to get captured by a muscled, bearded mountain man who looks and acts like a damn super soldier. When it's clear she can't escape him, she finds herself becoming fascinated with the brooding, intense man. He makes her heart race. When tragedy strikes, Caroline realizes she might have a plan to save the world, but she'll need Lincoln's help. Can she trust Lincoln not only with humanity's future, but also her heart?
Contains mature themes.
Caroline Kelly survived hell when she escaped quarantined Chicago in search of her family after the outbreak. But it's not as easy to travel from Illinois to Missouri with the world gone dark in the space of three months. The last thing she needs is to get captured by a muscled, bearded mountain man who looks and acts like a damn super soldier. When it's clear she can't escape him, she finds herself becoming fascinated with the brooding, intense man. He makes her heart race. When tragedy strikes, Caroline realizes she might have a plan to save the world, but she'll need Lincoln's help. Can she trust Lincoln not only with humanity's future, but also her heart?
Contains mature themes.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published March 1, 2021
119 people are currently reading
994 people want to read
About the author
Emma Castle
11 books514 followersEmma Castle has always loved reading but didn’t know she loved romance until she was enduring the trials of law school. She discovered the dark and sexy world of romance novels and since then has never looked back! She loves writing about sexy, alpha male heroes who know just how to seduce women even if they are a bit naughty about it. When Emma’s not writing, she may be obsessing over her favorite show Supernatural where she’s a total Team Dean Winchester kind of girl!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
December 21, 2021
This was so spooky to read right now. This was published in 2019 and about a virus that wipes out 90% of the population. Lincoln is a solider whose last friend dies. He runs into Caroline and saves her after she is terrified of meeting him. The two team up to survive together and quickly develop feelings. I really enjoyed the survival aspect of this romance, but the ending was too perfect and optimistic. Maybe its because we're living though a pandemic, but the ending was too sweet and tied up in a little bow. This was interesting, though, because so many things were so true about living through a pandemic, and this one was written a year before COVID-19 actually hit. I really did enjoy the romance and how we delved into the emotional pasts of our two characters. I'm excited to read more from Emma Castle!
July 2, 2019
If Shay Savage's Transcendence met Laura Thalassa's Pestilence.
What an enjoyable read! Had the perfect alpha male who cares deeply for his heroine, and had a tough as nails heroine who knew what she wanted. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a book with no angst, but still a good plot.
I took off a star because the ending felt a little too perfect and clean cut. Everything came just a little too quick and easy for the MC's, but otherwise still enjoyable.
Safety:
No cheating
No OW/OM drama
No seperation
Slight push and pull from the heroine with obsessed hero.
No sexual abuse
Hero wasnt a manwhore and heroine wasnt a virgin.
*just an additional note*
This is a standalone and it is a completely separate plot/characters from the first book in this 'series'. I also highly recommend the first book in this series 'Midnight with the Devil'. This author is showing alot of promise!!
What an enjoyable read! Had the perfect alpha male who cares deeply for his heroine, and had a tough as nails heroine who knew what she wanted. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a book with no angst, but still a good plot.
I took off a star because the ending felt a little too perfect and clean cut. Everything came just a little too quick and easy for the MC's, but otherwise still enjoyable.
Safety:
No cheating
No OW/OM drama
No seperation
Slight push and pull from the heroine with obsessed hero.
No sexual abuse
Hero wasnt a manwhore and heroine wasnt a virgin.
*just an additional note*
This is a standalone and it is a completely separate plot/characters from the first book in this 'series'. I also highly recommend the first book in this series 'Midnight with the Devil'. This author is showing alot of promise!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2021
I mean, scary to start with, because it is eerie as hell, but this was actually a very hopeful story.
Its a fairytale version of the apocalypse.
5/5 stars
Its a fairytale version of the apocalypse.
5/5 stars
July 6, 2019
Like a 3.5-4.
End of world fics are a guilty pleasure for me, especially when it's a viral/biological contagion that wipes out the planet, which is the premise for this book. There's nothing groundbreaking here, nothing that hasn't already been done by Stephen King or Robin Cook, but the set up is engaging and the science plausible enough to be able to suspend disbelief. And I really enjoyed the author's use of flashbacks to allow the horror of the contagion to unfold while still maintaining the action of the present.
The romance is pretty insta-love, though realistically if you were facing the almost complete annihilation of humanity, you'd probably be keen to sleep with the first halfway decent person you encountered too. So insta-love feels a little more okay here. The smut is nice too, surprisingly tame for how graphic the violence is, but satisfying.
The hero is an alpha male military type, again, that works in this context. The heroine is a mixture of strong/scrappy and ditsy. She could have been portrayed better, her naiveté was really at odds with what she experiences on-page and in flashback. But she's not aggravating, and her hope for humanity fuels the hero's growth, which is nice.
The ending, however, ugh, waaaaaaaay too cheeseball for me. I'd have preferred a different epilogue, but in all it was an enjoyable book.
End of world fics are a guilty pleasure for me, especially when it's a viral/biological contagion that wipes out the planet, which is the premise for this book. There's nothing groundbreaking here, nothing that hasn't already been done by Stephen King or Robin Cook, but the set up is engaging and the science plausible enough to be able to suspend disbelief. And I really enjoyed the author's use of flashbacks to allow the horror of the contagion to unfold while still maintaining the action of the present.
The romance is pretty insta-love, though realistically if you were facing the almost complete annihilation of humanity, you'd probably be keen to sleep with the first halfway decent person you encountered too. So insta-love feels a little more okay here. The smut is nice too, surprisingly tame for how graphic the violence is, but satisfying.
The hero is an alpha male military type, again, that works in this context. The heroine is a mixture of strong/scrappy and ditsy. She could have been portrayed better, her naiveté was really at odds with what she experiences on-page and in flashback. But she's not aggravating, and her hope for humanity fuels the hero's growth, which is nice.
The ending, however, ugh, waaaaaaaay too cheeseball for me. I'd have preferred a different epilogue, but in all it was an enjoyable book.
June 29, 2019
Pasauli ir piemeklējusi nāvējoša Hydra-1 vīrusa epidēmija. Tikai 5% cilvēces ir imunitāte, starp laimīgajiem (vai tomēr ne tik laimīgajiem) izdzīvotājiem ir gan DELTA kareivis Lincoln Atwood, gan interneta mārketinga speciāliste Caroline Kelly. Uzminiet nu, kurš ir šī stāsta varonis! Tieši tā, Caroline!!
Mazs cinītis gāž lielu vezumu – to var teikt gan par mūsu ļaundari - vīrusu, gan mūsu galveno varoni, kas par spīti visam nolemj glābt cilvēci un ne bez panākumiem.
Stāsts ir ne tikai par izdzīvošanu pēc civilizācijas krīzes, bet par cilvēku vajadzību strādāt kopā, lai visu atkal būvētu no jauna, par tehnoloģiju atgūšanu, literatūras un dzejas nozīmi grūtā brīdī. Un ticību labajam un cerību par labāku nākotni. A, un tā kā tā tomēr ir romantiskā grāmata, sekss, protams, netiek aizmirsts.
Mazs cinītis gāž lielu vezumu – to var teikt gan par mūsu ļaundari - vīrusu, gan mūsu galveno varoni, kas par spīti visam nolemj glābt cilvēci un ne bez panākumiem.
Stāsts ir ne tikai par izdzīvošanu pēc civilizācijas krīzes, bet par cilvēku vajadzību strādāt kopā, lai visu atkal būvētu no jauna, par tehnoloģiju atgūšanu, literatūras un dzejas nozīmi grūtā brīdī. Un ticību labajam un cerību par labāku nākotni. A, un tā kā tā tomēr ir romantiskā grāmata, sekss, protams, netiek aizmirsts.
January 15, 2022
Format: Audiobook
Source: Audible
Prompt: Romance Takeover Readathon
Rec: Jenn from The Book Refuge
Triggers: pandemic, death, apocalyptic circumstances, extreme sickness, murder, violence, survival
TL;DR Synopsis:
♡ Contemporary survival romance
♡ Alpha hero
♡ Global pandemic
I somehow blacked out and forgot that I am not a fan of survival stories, even if they are romances. This is what happens when Jenn talks about a book, I sometimes forget that I don’t like a certain trope or topic in a book, but I want to read it anyway. Survival stories give me way too much anxiety while I’m reading, it’s hard to enjoy the romance no matter how good it is. I will say, however, that this was a very unique romance if you’re willing to read a pandemic romance that hits really close to home (the timeline is eerie considering she wrote this in 2018 or 2019!), you’ll very likely enjoy this one.
The hero is the type that is kind of like, “I SHALL KIDNAP YOU FOR YOUR OWN GOOD” and “YOU WILL LOVE ME BECAUSE THERE IS NO ONE ELSE ALIVE TO LOVE” and at first I was a little put off by it, but he definitely grew on me.
All this to say that I’ll definitely be reading more Emma Castle books. Both books I’ve read by her so far have been refreshingly unique. I still prefer Love in the Wild (a Tarzan retelling and the first book in this series), but this one wasn’t bad at all.
Source: Audible
Prompt: Romance Takeover Readathon
Rec: Jenn from The Book Refuge
Triggers: pandemic, death, apocalyptic circumstances, extreme sickness, murder, violence, survival
TL;DR Synopsis:
♡ Contemporary survival romance
♡ Alpha hero
♡ Global pandemic
I somehow blacked out and forgot that I am not a fan of survival stories, even if they are romances. This is what happens when Jenn talks about a book, I sometimes forget that I don’t like a certain trope or topic in a book, but I want to read it anyway. Survival stories give me way too much anxiety while I’m reading, it’s hard to enjoy the romance no matter how good it is. I will say, however, that this was a very unique romance if you’re willing to read a pandemic romance that hits really close to home (the timeline is eerie considering she wrote this in 2018 or 2019!), you’ll very likely enjoy this one.
The hero is the type that is kind of like, “I SHALL KIDNAP YOU FOR YOUR OWN GOOD” and “YOU WILL LOVE ME BECAUSE THERE IS NO ONE ELSE ALIVE TO LOVE” and at first I was a little put off by it, but he definitely grew on me.
All this to say that I’ll definitely be reading more Emma Castle books. Both books I’ve read by her so far have been refreshingly unique. I still prefer Love in the Wild (a Tarzan retelling and the first book in this series), but this one wasn’t bad at all.
August 13, 2024
++ 2.5 ++
Be aware that this is freakin cheesefest through the whole book.
Started really good but then you realize that nothing will really happen and the book stops being interesting.
Heroine is portrayed as savior of the world, she is the Mary Sue of apocalypse .
And i wouldnt mind if she was some badass savior, nope, she is just so sweet, and so nice that she becomes the president of the new post-apocalypse US. *someone insert eye-roll*
Be aware that this is freakin cheesefest through the whole book.
Started really good but then you realize that nothing will really happen and the book stops being interesting.
Heroine is portrayed as savior of the world, she is the Mary Sue of apocalypse .
And i wouldnt mind if she was some badass savior, nope, she is just so sweet, and so nice that she becomes the president of the new post-apocalypse US. *someone insert eye-roll*
December 6, 2020
3 Stars / 1 Steam Fans
Video review available in Week 47: Nov 15 – Nov 21 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Video review available in Week 47: Nov 15 – Nov 21 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
December 22, 2024
Are you kidding me, Ms. Emma Castle? How did you know? Where did you get the idea for this story. The coincidence is too freaky to avoid conspiracy theory notions being made about it! In fact, I tried to post this review upon immediately finishing the book, and for the first time, received an error message to upload it here to Goodreads. I wasn't able to upload to Amazon, either. Sus-pi-cious!
This story, in the beginning, almost completely parallels our current virus crisis. But it had to have been written, at a minimum, 6 months ago. Similarities include the dates of the outbreaks (I'm talking fictional and real), the place of first occurrence and the supposition that it came from animals, the CDC protocols and emergency procedures. ALL THE SAME!!! Although, as Alan Turing, the father of modern computing, said, "With enough data, anyone can predict the future."
It's a fantastic read for all that! It combines my all time favorite genres: romance and plague/end of the world scenarios. Lincoln, the alpha, hunk, soldier guy is absolutely yum, and he finds his purpose in supporting our lady fair. (Awww!) Her purpose is greater. Together they struggle to make a better world. It really IS a quite romantic read. Loved it!
Second Review:
Romance reigns in the apocalypse. There are people still alive; and yes, at first, most of them are running around like demented chickens. However, the cataclysmic, coincidental contact of two very special people causes a turnaround in the hearts and actions of others. Lincoln and Caroline find each other after experiencing the worst moments in their lives. Thankfully, Lincoln isn't a brute and refuses to force Caroline into a relationship. From that level of authenticity, their love grows. Lincoln claims Caroline as his hope and purpose. It's a beautiful thing when a man does that. This is my second read of this story, and it is as beautiful now as the first time I read it!
This story, in the beginning, almost completely parallels our current virus crisis. But it had to have been written, at a minimum, 6 months ago. Similarities include the dates of the outbreaks (I'm talking fictional and real), the place of first occurrence and the supposition that it came from animals, the CDC protocols and emergency procedures. ALL THE SAME!!! Although, as Alan Turing, the father of modern computing, said, "With enough data, anyone can predict the future."
It's a fantastic read for all that! It combines my all time favorite genres: romance and plague/end of the world scenarios. Lincoln, the alpha, hunk, soldier guy is absolutely yum, and he finds his purpose in supporting our lady fair. (Awww!) Her purpose is greater. Together they struggle to make a better world. It really IS a quite romantic read. Loved it!
Second Review:
Romance reigns in the apocalypse. There are people still alive; and yes, at first, most of them are running around like demented chickens. However, the cataclysmic, coincidental contact of two very special people causes a turnaround in the hearts and actions of others. Lincoln and Caroline find each other after experiencing the worst moments in their lives. Thankfully, Lincoln isn't a brute and refuses to force Caroline into a relationship. From that level of authenticity, their love grows. Lincoln claims Caroline as his hope and purpose. It's a beautiful thing when a man does that. This is my second read of this story, and it is as beautiful now as the first time I read it!
July 6, 2019
For some reason, I've read quite a few the world is falling apart, dystopian future novels recently. This one is a little different, as society hasn't broken down simply because we're all greedy and evil and politicians are corrupt, but instead, an awful virus has wiped out a huge amount of people.
Our two heroes, Caroline and Lincoln, are survivors. Naturally immune to this hideous sickness and trying desperately to survive. While Lincoln has years of military training to fall back on and keep him alive, Caroline seems to have managed with little more than hope and the desire to stay alive. Once they meet, she gives Lincoln a reason to want to live and survive. She becomes his reason for keeping going.
While this is a romance in some ways it isn't a traditional romance. I don't think that is entirely down to the setting, although that plays a part. What makes a difference here is that it doesn't follow the well-trodden path of two people meet, something pulls them apart (often a misunderstanding) and then they get back together and live happily ever after. That's not to say that if romance is your thing you won't find plenty here to put a smile on your face, but rather that it's a refreshing change to have a romance where the love element is a major part of the story, but it isn't all to it. The relationship between the couple in many ways seems more natural and less contrived as can often happen in this kind of books.
I really enjoyed this book. The storyline was gripping and exciting as we followed Caroline and Lincoln in their attempts to survive and find their way to other survivors. While this is a book that tells the story of fear, the worst of human behaviour, loss and destruction it is also a book about hope, love and the best in humankind.
Our two heroes, Caroline and Lincoln, are survivors. Naturally immune to this hideous sickness and trying desperately to survive. While Lincoln has years of military training to fall back on and keep him alive, Caroline seems to have managed with little more than hope and the desire to stay alive. Once they meet, she gives Lincoln a reason to want to live and survive. She becomes his reason for keeping going.
While this is a romance in some ways it isn't a traditional romance. I don't think that is entirely down to the setting, although that plays a part. What makes a difference here is that it doesn't follow the well-trodden path of two people meet, something pulls them apart (often a misunderstanding) and then they get back together and live happily ever after. That's not to say that if romance is your thing you won't find plenty here to put a smile on your face, but rather that it's a refreshing change to have a romance where the love element is a major part of the story, but it isn't all to it. The relationship between the couple in many ways seems more natural and less contrived as can often happen in this kind of books.
I really enjoyed this book. The storyline was gripping and exciting as we followed Caroline and Lincoln in their attempts to survive and find their way to other survivors. While this is a book that tells the story of fear, the worst of human behaviour, loss and destruction it is also a book about hope, love and the best in humankind.
July 5, 2019
Emma Castle has blown my mind.... AGAIN!!! A love story set in the post apocalyptic stage after a pandemic, why ever not! I have read a ton of non fictional work on pandemics, being a microbiologist but this is the first time I’ve had two of my loves combined, microbiology and romance! This book managed, for me, to have an incredibly detailed and believable account of a pandemic and the world after it as well as weave through her usual magic of a HEA. Lincoln is the perfect hero for this book! A delta force Major, who is fully equipped for any kind of situation. Caroline is intelligent, and tough and has enough hope for humanity and a way out of these dark days to be able to bring people together and work towards a common good. Their physical attraction is explosive and their slow burning love, is a beautiful counterbalance to the heaviness of the pandemic. This story is now one of my all time favourites ❤️
August 20, 2024
rating: 3.5 ⭐️
August 31, 2019
A Wilderness Within by Emma Castle is the 2nd book in her Unlikely Heroes series. This story revolves around a contagion that kills the majority of the world. Only those immune to the disease have survived, and very few have any hope, as everyone is out for themselves.
We meet Lincoln Atwood, our hero and a Delta Force soldier, who protected the President, as well as other politicians and soldiers, in a bunker; until he was the last one left. Lincoln travels alone in this dark dystopian world, trusting no one; until he comes across a woman who is also surviving alone.
Caroline Kelly, our heroine, was the lone survivor at the first airport where the disease was rampant, unable to leave until everyone died, as she escaped. Caroline is desperate to travel to find her family and pray they survived. When a bearded hunk of man approaches her, Caroline tries to escape, but gets hurt and the man (Lincoln) carries her to safety. Caroline trusts no one, and fears for her life.
In a short time, Caroline will first become friends with Lincoln, and eventually an unlikely romance begins, with each now trusting each other and helping to find survivors who want to join and help find a cure. Lincoln recognizes that Caroline makes him believe there is hope out there, and together they will move forward in this bleak dark journey.
What follows is an intriguing and very well written storyline that was not only exciting, but also a story of tragedy and survival. Lincoln and Caroline were fantastic characters, and despite the circumstances, they managed to find a way to fall in love and give each other the inspiration that there is a future for them together. In a short time, we became invested in Lincoln and Caroline, their strength and determination and I loved them together. Along the way they will come across survivors both good and bad, but it will be Caroline’s persistence in using media to convince other survivors to come together and find the cure.
A Wilderness Within was an emotional and gripping journey in a world destroyed by a horrific pandemic. It is a story of survival, and the fears of family, loss, destruction and the ability to believe in hope for the future. It is also a story of love that will survive. I do not want to give spoilers, as you really need to read this fantastic story. Emma Castle has written a wonderful, intense and emotional story that is not only believable, but inspirational, with a nice HEA.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
We meet Lincoln Atwood, our hero and a Delta Force soldier, who protected the President, as well as other politicians and soldiers, in a bunker; until he was the last one left. Lincoln travels alone in this dark dystopian world, trusting no one; until he comes across a woman who is also surviving alone.
Caroline Kelly, our heroine, was the lone survivor at the first airport where the disease was rampant, unable to leave until everyone died, as she escaped. Caroline is desperate to travel to find her family and pray they survived. When a bearded hunk of man approaches her, Caroline tries to escape, but gets hurt and the man (Lincoln) carries her to safety. Caroline trusts no one, and fears for her life.
In a short time, Caroline will first become friends with Lincoln, and eventually an unlikely romance begins, with each now trusting each other and helping to find survivors who want to join and help find a cure. Lincoln recognizes that Caroline makes him believe there is hope out there, and together they will move forward in this bleak dark journey.
What follows is an intriguing and very well written storyline that was not only exciting, but also a story of tragedy and survival. Lincoln and Caroline were fantastic characters, and despite the circumstances, they managed to find a way to fall in love and give each other the inspiration that there is a future for them together. In a short time, we became invested in Lincoln and Caroline, their strength and determination and I loved them together. Along the way they will come across survivors both good and bad, but it will be Caroline’s persistence in using media to convince other survivors to come together and find the cure.
A Wilderness Within was an emotional and gripping journey in a world destroyed by a horrific pandemic. It is a story of survival, and the fears of family, loss, destruction and the ability to believe in hope for the future. It is also a story of love that will survive. I do not want to give spoilers, as you really need to read this fantastic story. Emma Castle has written a wonderful, intense and emotional story that is not only believable, but inspirational, with a nice HEA.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
May 27, 2021
**3.5**
This was a slow moving, no zombie, character driven post-apocalyptic, romance story. This is my favorite kind of apocalyptic book, no hordes of angry zombies to divert your attention. There are some frightening moments for sure, but the overall emotion in this story was hope.
Caroline is a bit too much to take at times with how overwhelmingly positive she is. But she is the perfect balance to Lincoln who is completely stuck in his head with depressive, end-of-the-world thoughts. Caroline never gives up hope that the world will be able to rebuild, that there are other survivors out there that want the same thing.
Lincoln is emotionally covered. From his years spent working covertly in the US military, and then in the hidden bunker with his best friend/superior and then president. It’s a bit of inst-lust when he first spots Caroline sneaking into that grocery store. It take awhile for her to warm up to him because he’s so damn bossy with all that alpha bs.
I really enjoyed this story until the last 25%. Caroline is like a rising star that everyone wants to praise and listen to. I get the juxtaposition with her and Lincoln's characters, but it was too overly sweet for me. She becomes It felt way to far fetched to me. What happened to all those groups of men raping and killing innocent people? What happened to all those cities filled with dead people? They just magically turn on power again and cell towers? I love a happy ending, but this ending made me roll my eyes rather than do a happy dance.
This was a slow moving, no zombie, character driven post-apocalyptic, romance story. This is my favorite kind of apocalyptic book, no hordes of angry zombies to divert your attention. There are some frightening moments for sure, but the overall emotion in this story was hope.
Caroline is a bit too much to take at times with how overwhelmingly positive she is. But she is the perfect balance to Lincoln who is completely stuck in his head with depressive, end-of-the-world thoughts. Caroline never gives up hope that the world will be able to rebuild, that there are other survivors out there that want the same thing.
Lincoln is emotionally covered. From his years spent working covertly in the US military, and then in the hidden bunker with his best friend/superior and then president. It’s a bit of inst-lust when he first spots Caroline sneaking into that grocery store. It take awhile for her to warm up to him because he’s so damn bossy with all that alpha bs.
I really enjoyed this story until the last 25%. Caroline is like a rising star that everyone wants to praise and listen to. I get the juxtaposition with her and Lincoln's characters, but it was too overly sweet for me. She becomes It felt way to far fetched to me. What happened to all those groups of men raping and killing innocent people? What happened to all those cities filled with dead people? They just magically turn on power again and cell towers? I love a happy ending, but this ending made me roll my eyes rather than do a happy dance.
July 26, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Not one of my usual Genres , but it will be going forward at least from this author.
A story of Hope , love and inspiration, one that gives you goosebumps, and a healthy fear of a future that is both terrifying and heartbreaking.
A book that I will read again for definite .
Emma has given me an insight into something that may be our destiny if not by this method ( plague) then maybe by another .
It’s frighteningly realistic.
Very addictive
Immensely enjoyable
And overwhelming emotional
Everything you need from a truly good book.
The characters are brilliant, so perfect together and their connection is so beautifully emotional and loving .
I received this Arc copy and chose to post this review
💋💋
Not one of my usual Genres , but it will be going forward at least from this author.
A story of Hope , love and inspiration, one that gives you goosebumps, and a healthy fear of a future that is both terrifying and heartbreaking.
A book that I will read again for definite .
Emma has given me an insight into something that may be our destiny if not by this method ( plague) then maybe by another .
It’s frighteningly realistic.
Very addictive
Immensely enjoyable
And overwhelming emotional
Everything you need from a truly good book.
The characters are brilliant, so perfect together and their connection is so beautifully emotional and loving .
I received this Arc copy and chose to post this review
June 27, 2022
After reading the first few pages of the book I was very intrigued. So what drew me to the book first? I would say it's a tie between the book cover and book excerpt. You see by just looking at the book cover, you can't guess what the book is about but that's OK but I found the book cover to be perfect because it's catches your interest and is a very intriguing book cover. The book excerpt is very intriguing and in my opinion, matches the book cover. Which rarely happens so when this author's book cover matched the excerpt I was thrilled.
Although being new to this author, I've enjoyed reading her books.
Do I recommend the book? YES!!
Will I read the book again? MOST LIKELY.
Although being new to this author, I've enjoyed reading her books.
Do I recommend the book? YES!!
Will I read the book again? MOST LIKELY.
April 28, 2020
Pandemic with hope
Read this in less than 24 hours....I don’t know if it’s because of our pandemic now but I accidentally pick this as my next read, ironic right. Follow Abe and Carolina on a journey of survival and hope. I have new hope in us beating this virus like they did in A Wilderness Within
Read this in less than 24 hours....I don’t know if it’s because of our pandemic now but I accidentally pick this as my next read, ironic right. Follow Abe and Carolina on a journey of survival and hope. I have new hope in us beating this virus like they did in A Wilderness Within
October 12, 2021
4 "There's always hope." Stars!
This was good. Eerie but good. I would have sworn this was a pandemic creation but this book was written pre-pandemic. Authors scare me sometimes. But maybe it's the predictably of human nature that is eerie.
Anywho, Lincoln and Caroline were definitely two people I cheered for hard. I really enjoyed this story. Happy reading!
This was good. Eerie but good. I would have sworn this was a pandemic creation but this book was written pre-pandemic. Authors scare me sometimes. But maybe it's the predictably of human nature that is eerie.
Anywho, Lincoln and Caroline were definitely two people I cheered for hard. I really enjoyed this story. Happy reading!
May 7, 2020
Average post-apocalyptic book where almost everyone is gone after a virus outbreak. The hero and the heroine are the few lucky ones who survived. They are immune to the virus. They encounter many other survivors, some are good and some are evil.
I liked the beginning of the book, but I also admit that I skimmed later on. It was interesting to read how they struggled against the backdrop of the virus-ridden world where few survivors exist. But compared to the other books I have read about apocalypse, this was dull.
Its strange that this book, published in 2019, states that the world is suffering by a global pandemic caused by a virus which began in China. And now in 2020 we are fighting the Covid-19 (which began in China), the global pandemic.
Coming to the book, It was okay. I felt the lack of chemistry between the main lead. This is a romantic sci-fi, so chemistry was expected.
I liked the beginning of the book, but I also admit that I skimmed later on. It was interesting to read how they struggled against the backdrop of the virus-ridden world where few survivors exist. But compared to the other books I have read about apocalypse, this was dull.
Its strange that this book, published in 2019, states that the world is suffering by a global pandemic caused by a virus which began in China. And now in 2020 we are fighting the Covid-19 (which began in China), the global pandemic.
Coming to the book, It was okay. I felt the lack of chemistry between the main lead. This is a romantic sci-fi, so chemistry was expected.
September 16, 2020
This was a page turner of a novel. Caroline Kelly was an idealistic survivor and Lincoln Atwood became a believer and her defender in an America devastated by a vicious deadly virus. Follow their story from the ruins to hope for a better future.
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August 25, 2019
Lincoln Atwood survived the contagion that wiped out the nine tenths of humanity. As the last survivor in a secret government bunker and a Delta Force soldier, he knows that the other survivors are scared, angry and dangerous, just like him. After weeks alone with the mummified bodies of his colleagues, he escapes the bunker. But the world outside has changed. When he sees Caroline, a fellow survivor, she is vision of light in a world gone dark. He wants to help her, but she won't trust him. Caroline Kelly survived hell when she escaped quarantined Chicago in search of her family after the outbreak.
This is not my usual genre of read by any means but I loved the author’s previous book & this also didn't disappoint & I’ll certainly be reading more from the author as they become available. The strength of the book is in the depth given to the characters & the description of a post apocalyptic. The attraction between the two of them sizzled & I loved how their relationship developed. I found it very hard to put down & read in two sittings
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is not my usual genre of read by any means but I loved the author’s previous book & this also didn't disappoint & I’ll certainly be reading more from the author as they become available. The strength of the book is in the depth given to the characters & the description of a post apocalyptic. The attraction between the two of them sizzled & I loved how their relationship developed. I found it very hard to put down & read in two sittings
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
July 27, 2019
This was an unexpected jewel. Truthfully, this was on my list of ARCs to read, and I didn't recognize the author's name until I got to the end and realized she wrote Midnight with the Devil. That is one of my favorite books! Then, it all clicked into place and I realized this is Lauren Smith’s pseudonym. I love her books too!
So if, unlike me, you remember who this is and like this author, it should come as no surprise that this is an awesome book. Lincoln and Carolyn are memorable, likable, inspirational characters. The connection they experienced initially and the love they felt for one another as they began to really know each other was conveyed through their words and actions (showing, not telling). The pacing was perfect, both as their relationship built and as they grew as individuals, bringing out the best in one another.
Final thought: Must we experience the virtual end of civilization before we get a damned woman president?
So if, unlike me, you remember who this is and like this author, it should come as no surprise that this is an awesome book. Lincoln and Carolyn are memorable, likable, inspirational characters. The connection they experienced initially and the love they felt for one another as they began to really know each other was conveyed through their words and actions (showing, not telling). The pacing was perfect, both as their relationship built and as they grew as individuals, bringing out the best in one another.
Final thought: Must we experience the virtual end of civilization before we get a damned woman president?
April 18, 2020
I really liked Lincoln’s character. That man was so sweet and protective. At the same time, being a Major in the Army’s Delta Force also taught him ways to survive the worst of scenarios. He was brave and determined to keep both he and Caroline safe.
I liked Caroline well enough. She was also brave and maintained hope that mankind could be great again. Her constant positivity was a little hard to believe at times, but I guess someone has to remain positive.
Although this book was written about ten months ago, the world is currently suffering from a widespread virus that has similar characteristics to the one described. It was easy to get a feel for what Lincoln and Caroline were going through.
The book has a happy ending, but I thought it was wrapped in too nice of a bow.
3.75 stars
I liked Caroline well enough. She was also brave and maintained hope that mankind could be great again. Her constant positivity was a little hard to believe at times, but I guess someone has to remain positive.
Although this book was written about ten months ago, the world is currently suffering from a widespread virus that has similar characteristics to the one described. It was easy to get a feel for what Lincoln and Caroline were going through.
The book has a happy ending, but I thought it was wrapped in too nice of a bow.
3.75 stars
April 13, 2020
Awesome!
I almost did not read this book. When I started it, I was freaked out. When the chapter header was February 2020, it was just a bit to parallel to what we are currently experiencing. I even went back to the front of the book to see when it was published. Spent about 3 minutes deciding if I was just going to delete it from my kindle. I did not and am so thankful for that decision. It was well written, and although the situation was more dire that where our nation is currently, it gave me hope. I would even implements some of the authors ideas if it comes to it. Really made me open my eyes that there is always hope!
I almost did not read this book. When I started it, I was freaked out. When the chapter header was February 2020, it was just a bit to parallel to what we are currently experiencing. I even went back to the front of the book to see when it was published. Spent about 3 minutes deciding if I was just going to delete it from my kindle. I did not and am so thankful for that decision. It was well written, and although the situation was more dire that where our nation is currently, it gave me hope. I would even implements some of the authors ideas if it comes to it. Really made me open my eyes that there is always hope!
April 12, 2020
Excellent and felt very relevant!
I love the authors writing style. Good flow and kept my interest very well. The characters were relatable and fresh. It's Covid time now and this felt so relevant even though it's not as bad as what goes on in the book. Very poignant sweet story! Definitely will read the other book and hope for more in the future!
I love the authors writing style. Good flow and kept my interest very well. The characters were relatable and fresh. It's Covid time now and this felt so relevant even though it's not as bad as what goes on in the book. Very poignant sweet story! Definitely will read the other book and hope for more in the future!
May 15, 2020
Seriously awesome book!!!
Wow, this was a seriously awesome book. I did without so much sleep while reading it. It pulled me in from page one all the way to the end. I kept trying to guess what was happening but kept getting surprises instead. Would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a pandemic romance to read.
Wow, this was a seriously awesome book. I did without so much sleep while reading it. It pulled me in from page one all the way to the end. I kept trying to guess what was happening but kept getting surprises instead. Would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a pandemic romance to read.
August 19, 2020
A Wilderness Within
Caroline becomes the only survivor of a new pandemic. Learning to survive on her own, until she meets Lincoln. A real tear-jerker.
Caroline becomes the only survivor of a new pandemic. Learning to survive on her own, until she meets Lincoln. A real tear-jerker.
April 4, 2020
Astoundingly wonderful. I loved this book. It was a little hard to read with the virus 🦠 going around now in 2020, but this book was soooo good. I liked the love story intertwined with the story of the world possibly ending. Emma continues to write great books!
April 28, 2020
So reminiscent of our present time, yet not. I really liked these characters and the plot of this book. Brought tears to my eyes. I am so looking forward to reading more from this author no matter what she writes.
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