Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

When Dr. Elliott Drake and some friends go exploring caves in Sedona, they never expect the world as they know it to end.  But that is exactly what happens.  They heard what sounded like an earthquake, blacked out, and then woke up … fifty years later!

Most of the world has been destroyed and what is left is a desolate wasteland.  Elliott and his friends are trying to make sense of what has happened.  And, eventually find their way to a place called Envy (formerly known as Las Vegas) with the help of some adventurous teens that were at the wrong place at the wrong time that were in need of rescuing.

But there is evil lurking in this new world.  Zombie like monsters that feed on humans and anything else they can get hold of run free once darkness falls.  But even worse are the Strangers that control them.  They look human, but have crystals embedded in their skin, giving them immortality.  They pose as friends to the human race, but are their biggest threat to the very lives the people of Envy are trying to rebuild.

Jade can attest to the evil the Strangers pose as she was held captive by their leader, Preston, for three years before escaping and she will do anything to keep from going back.  But when lives are at stake will she sacrifice herself for the ones she loves?

At first glance, my vain judging a book by its cover side thought I’d really enjoy this book.  A hot sexy couple on the cover looking like they are in the middle of something steamy, sinful and delicious!  And, let’s face it, I like a little smut from time to time.  But I didn’t expect the post-apocalyptic story that was contained within this book’s pages.  I guess I really should have read the book’s synopsis first!  But I continued on hoping that the love story would make even the world has ended storyline be bearable.  Unfortunately, that just wasn’t the case.

For a paranormal romance, I found this book to really lack … romance, or even just some hot sweaty sex!  Yes, there are a few sex scenes, but they are minor in the grand scheme of this book.  And, I really just didn’t feel the love between the lead couple, Elliott and Jade.  I did like what I was seeing with Zoë  and Quent, however, and I am holding out hope that the next book in the series, Embrace the Night Eternal, will be better because honestly I’m not sure how much worse it can get.

There was a lot going on in the book, but I found myself pretty bored.  I need emotional attachments to stay interested and I really found this book to be lacking in that area.  I’m hoping my boredom stems from this being the first book in the series and having to digest so much information to understand this post-apocalyptic world and even the new powers that Elliott has acquired.  Only time will tell, but I’m going to read on to the next installment and hope for the best.