After Today: An apocalyptic romance

Get ready for the action of The Walking Dead, the friendship of Stand By Me, and the sizzle of Outlander. ?? This taut romantic drama will have you on the edge of your seat! It jumps right into the action in chapter 1 with an out-of-control global virus and desperate fight for survival, but don't be fooled by the bleak canvas upon which the love story is painted–this is a character-driven romance full of yearning, struggle, and steamy scenes. After Today was executed with all the action, angst, twists and turns of a post-apocalyptic prestige-TV drama. The quick collapse of society into chaos is gripping, with some truly loathsome baddies who exploit the lawlessness to seize power. Sexist "councils" with their boots on everyone's necks! Vicious marauding biker gangs! Looting and raids! The tension is next level. But through it all is woven bright threads of hope for a better tomorrow and the triumph of true love. (There's even an adorable dog! Big points for that.) What a ride! I devoured this in one sitting. ?? ?? I loved this novel. I found the situation and the characters to be very realistic, so it was immersive to read; I didn't have to suspend disbelief – I believed! It was a very fast read with excellent pacing. There was quite a bit of action, which was very well written – clear but concisely described, so things moved along very quickly. There are some scorching hot sex scenes, but this is definitely much more story than erotica. I felt it added the right level of spice to the meat of the overall story. ?? ?? What do you get when you layer a hot, hot, hot romance with great characters and a fast-paced, end of the world plot? One fantastic book! After Today had my heart racing, and I couldn't put this book down till the last page. Can't wait for more of this series! ?? ?? I was hooked from the opening sentence. Jacqueline Hayley has created a world that descends into chaos and anarchy almost immediately. This book sets the stage for an epic series that tests the loyalty and mettle of every character. The story stayed with me long after I read the last page. Cannot wait for Book 2. ?? Can love survive an apocalypse? After a deadly virus ravages Chicago and destroys Mackenzie Lyons' carefully curated world, Mac escapes the devastation and horror to her childhood hometown with the help of her best-friend's little brother, Jake. But the small-minded community of Sanford isn't exactly welcoming, and the virus isn't the only battle brewing. Jake Brent has secretly loved Mac forever, and while this isn't the way he'd dreamed of their relationship beginning, with the uncertainty of the outbreak he'll take every opportunity with Mac he can and hope—pray—for a better future. But when Sanford's misogynistic council torment the survivors with horrifying demands and a lawless motorcycle gang threatens their fragile sanctuary, somehow Jake and Mackenzie must form new alliances and face down dangerous enemies in a struggle far worse than the outbreak. Surviving the virus was one thing, surviving humanity after is another. --- This is the first book in The After series of interconnected standalone post-apocalyptic romance novels. If you love reading stories by Kate L. Mary, Kate Morris, T.L. Payne and Kyla Stone, then you will love this series. After Today is a standalone story with no cliffhangers and a HEA, however will be enjoyed further by reading the other books in the series. Possible trigger warnings for violence against women; this is mature content written for 18+ readers ?