ARC #REVIEW North to Zombieville by Meg Bawden #RomHero #mmromance #scifi

Genre: M/M Romance, Science Fiction
Release Date: May 18, 2016
Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press
Length: 200 pages

Description: The year is 2028, and Dallas and Raleigh Jenson are torn apart when a worldwide zombie apocalypse ravages their home of Townsville, Australia. After a year of searching, Dallas, a former Australian Army rifleman, finally reunites with Raleigh, but it’s not like old times. Not only do they have zombies to contend with, but they also have to deal with other humans changed by desperation and willing to do anything to survive.

Dallas and Raleigh have changed too. So much so that Dallas struggles with the idea that Raleigh no longer needs or wants his protection. But they will have to rely on each other and find strength in their love as they are forced to evade zombies and watch their friends die. As they fight for their lives in a brutal landscape where every supply and every step toward a potential cure is a battle to the death, only their trust in each other can keep them from perishing.


Amazon US Amazon UK


OUR REVIEW

North to Zombieville opens with a bit of normalcy. Dallas and Raleigh Jenson are celebrating a wedding anniversary in style. They exchange words of affection...

Dallas stared into Raleigh's pretty blue eyes, his chest tightening at the thought of how much he loved this man in front of him. Raleigh was his world. Did that sound corny? "I love you, Leigh."

Raleigh swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing. "I love you too."

And then their world is torn apart. The two are separated for six months. Dallas who has military training soon finds himself in a leadership position, responsible for a group of survivors. But he never forgets, Raleigh, never betrays him, and never gives up on finding him. Raleigh is rescued by a friend of Dallas' and together they team up with a few others, scavenging and surviving as they can. 

Then one day, a miracle occurs; Raleigh and Dallas find each other. Great right? Not so great. Although their love for each other is as strong as it was, the apocalypse has changed them, made them stronger, different. Their roles have changed. Their relationship must adapt to their new situation. Can they make through as husband and husband? Or will the pressures prove to be too much? 

Being strong wasn't helping anymore, and he fell to the ground beside the bed where someone had already put his bags of belongings. With his back pressed against the frame of the bed and mattress, he buried his face into his knees and cried. He couldn't help it. He cried because there was no tomorrow. It didn't matter how long they lasted, they were going to die. If not physically, then mentally. Their personalities would die. Jesus, he'd already begun to dwindle internally. Not even Dallas being around him could help that. Having his husband there felt like a dream. 

The author did a very good job of world building and of putting her own spin on the zombie lore. As a fan of The Walking Dead, I enjoyed this story a lot, especially because it got into the sexual relationship side of things a little more than the show. :) Dallas and Raleigh are a loyal, loving couple, but their challenges are far from over. North of Zombieville ends on a Happy-For-Now note, as expected, and I'm hoping that there will be a sequel to their story!

OUR RATING: 4 stars!

(05/27/2016)