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Ever After EMP #1
Dark Ever After
In 1859, the world got its first taste of being in the direct path of a solar storm, affecting worldwide communications.
Today, we got our second taste.
Shelby Hughes' day is off to a rough start and it doesn't seem like it will improve anytime soon.
Sitting at work, in a nearly dark cube and hearing the panicked voices of her co-workers, Shelby wants to bang her head on her desk - her father has finally been proven right. Grabbing the go-bag from the bottom drawer of her file cabinet, she crosses to the windows, looking out across Seattle's 5th Avenue. With the city at a standstill, she takes a moment to make a quick
Find a bike.
Find her son.
Get on the road.
Prepare to eat crow when she gets to her father's house.
And pray like hell that her daughter makes it there.
In a world without electricity, Shelby is determined to do what she's always done - make the best life for her children, no matter what stands in her way.
Today, we got our second taste.
Shelby Hughes' day is off to a rough start and it doesn't seem like it will improve anytime soon.
Sitting at work, in a nearly dark cube and hearing the panicked voices of her co-workers, Shelby wants to bang her head on her desk - her father has finally been proven right. Grabbing the go-bag from the bottom drawer of her file cabinet, she crosses to the windows, looking out across Seattle's 5th Avenue. With the city at a standstill, she takes a moment to make a quick
Find a bike.
Find her son.
Get on the road.
Prepare to eat crow when she gets to her father's house.
And pray like hell that her daughter makes it there.
In a world without electricity, Shelby is determined to do what she's always done - make the best life for her children, no matter what stands in her way.
150 pages, Paperback
Published July 28, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 5, 2019
I loved the catnip in this one. My only complaint is I want more.
June 14, 2024
I’m sitting here wondering how this book has an overall rating of 4.32… all I can think is this author has a big family and lots of friends 😂 or everyone else read a different story to me, my first thought was to rate this 2 stars but I did read it all, and because it was fairly short and on ku I then read the other 2 books in the series, and I will say overall I enjoyed the 3rd book the most but there was so so much missing from this series, there was a lot of characters and none of them had personalities, half the time I didn’t know whose point of view I was reading it was that bad, the conversations were so hard to follow, also if you’re looking for romance this is the opposite of slow burn, there’s zero build up, all the couples just start shagging 😂
August 7, 2023
3.5
This story almost moved too fast. At some points it jumped from night to mid next day without much of a transition. Merin could have done a bit more with transitions.
Overall, I liked the story and was sucked into the fast paced action of Shelby and the group fleeing the city. It did get a bit cheesy at parts towards the end.
This story almost moved too fast. At some points it jumped from night to mid next day without much of a transition. Merin could have done a bit more with transitions.
Overall, I liked the story and was sucked into the fast paced action of Shelby and the group fleeing the city. It did get a bit cheesy at parts towards the end.
August 13, 2019
This book makes me want to pack a survival kit now!
Merin always does such a good job with her books and this one is no different, my only complaint is that I wish it was longer because I definitely want more! I’m excited she already has the other books in the series planned because I’m so intrigued on where this series is going to take us.
This book is really about survival of the fittest after all electricity goes completely out. Shelby was lucky enough to grow up with a father who planned for something like this one day so she knows right from the get go what to do and where to go. Her journey, as she suspects, is not an easy one. Especially having her 15 year old son and 2 tag alongs with her as they travel a fortnight by bike, foot, and car to get to a safe destination. With one thing after another happening to them on the way it really just makes you think about 1.) how lucky we are are in life to have everything we need at our fingertips and 2.) if something like an apocalypse did happen most of us *me* would be completely scr*wed.
I can’t wait to see where Merin takes us in this new world.
I definitely feel like I need to be prepared for an apocalypse now though! Hahaha
Merin always does such a good job with her books and this one is no different, my only complaint is that I wish it was longer because I definitely want more! I’m excited she already has the other books in the series planned because I’m so intrigued on where this series is going to take us.
This book is really about survival of the fittest after all electricity goes completely out. Shelby was lucky enough to grow up with a father who planned for something like this one day so she knows right from the get go what to do and where to go. Her journey, as she suspects, is not an easy one. Especially having her 15 year old son and 2 tag alongs with her as they travel a fortnight by bike, foot, and car to get to a safe destination. With one thing after another happening to them on the way it really just makes you think about 1.) how lucky we are are in life to have everything we need at our fingertips and 2.) if something like an apocalypse did happen most of us *me* would be completely scr*wed.
I can’t wait to see where Merin takes us in this new world.
I definitely feel like I need to be prepared for an apocalypse now though! Hahaha
September 3, 2019
Love!
I loved Dark Ever After! Shelby is a strong woman and knows what to do when the world goes dark. She was prepared for this and I loved how bad@$$ she is! She didn't need a man to coddle her. Though she doesn't turn Aiden down when he shows up. I loved the journey and the love that is building between these two. I can't imagine having to trek across the state with two teenagers while worried about your other child. Shelby does it like a boss though!
I need more now!! The writing kept me on the edge of my seat and the characters were inspiring as well as funny!
I loved Dark Ever After! Shelby is a strong woman and knows what to do when the world goes dark. She was prepared for this and I loved how bad@$$ she is! She didn't need a man to coddle her. Though she doesn't turn Aiden down when he shows up. I loved the journey and the love that is building between these two. I can't imagine having to trek across the state with two teenagers while worried about your other child. Shelby does it like a boss though!
I need more now!! The writing kept me on the edge of my seat and the characters were inspiring as well as funny!
July 22, 2019
This book was so so so good and now I have to wait… I'm not known fir my patience so I hope this author writes fast, LOL. Seriously though, this was like a Hollywood apocalyptic movie in book for. It has action, romance, family drama, tense moments, wonderful one liners, great characters, steamy moments and a plot that pulls you in… and this is only book one of three. I cannot wait for more! Well done M. Merin, you conquer anything you write!! 🖤
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July 17, 2020
Loved this!
This is my first book by this author. I met her at a book convention and she was so nice. I always said I was going to read her books one day. Well now I have and I Loved it! I wonder what happened to Eddie. I'm going to read book 2. I quite appreciate her writing post apocalyptic romance. There are too few books like this out there.
This is my first book by this author. I met her at a book convention and she was so nice. I always said I was going to read her books one day. Well now I have and I Loved it! I wonder what happened to Eddie. I'm going to read book 2. I quite appreciate her writing post apocalyptic romance. There are too few books like this out there.
September 23, 2019
Good Story
I would have liked more romance leading up to the the big deal but that is the way of things now. The story is well done with good characterisation. I want the next book!!!
I would have liked more romance leading up to the the big deal but that is the way of things now. The story is well done with good characterisation. I want the next book!!!
November 13, 2020
Wow what a choice
I totally related to Shelby and her dilemma. She was trying to keep her child safe while worrying about her other child is very difficult. I can’t wait to read Julia’s story.
I totally related to Shelby and her dilemma. She was trying to keep her child safe while worrying about her other child is very difficult. I can’t wait to read Julia’s story.
February 9, 2020
Not the norm...
I’ve read nearly everything that M. Merin has published and let me say I wasn’t disappointed in this book. I am usually apprehensive about authors switching genres but this book is beautifully written. Yes, it’s about a time in which I pray never happens but it illustrates the desperation that many humans face during a time that most of us couldn’t survive.
While most of us wouldn’t even think to prepare for an event like this Shelby’s father has been preparing his children for this event all of their lives. Shelby grabs her son and fully intends on sticking to her master plan, but gets derailed when Aiden and his niece suddenly show up on their path needing help. Alone, fearful of the unknown and unprepared for two additional people everyone slowly makes their way to Shelby’s father’s homestead; where safety is promised. Through the treacherous journey Aiden and Shelby grow very close. Stolen kisses and promises of future dates is all Shelby needs to finally let herself be happy. But what happens when they arrive at her dad’s only to find her ex-husband waiting on their arrival?
I’ve read nearly everything that M. Merin has published and let me say I wasn’t disappointed in this book. I am usually apprehensive about authors switching genres but this book is beautifully written. Yes, it’s about a time in which I pray never happens but it illustrates the desperation that many humans face during a time that most of us couldn’t survive.
While most of us wouldn’t even think to prepare for an event like this Shelby’s father has been preparing his children for this event all of their lives. Shelby grabs her son and fully intends on sticking to her master plan, but gets derailed when Aiden and his niece suddenly show up on their path needing help. Alone, fearful of the unknown and unprepared for two additional people everyone slowly makes their way to Shelby’s father’s homestead; where safety is promised. Through the treacherous journey Aiden and Shelby grow very close. Stolen kisses and promises of future dates is all Shelby needs to finally let herself be happy. But what happens when they arrive at her dad’s only to find her ex-husband waiting on their arrival?
November 16, 2019
Good book
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Storyline continues to grow and develop. Characters are realistic and get better and better.
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Storyline continues to grow and develop. Characters are realistic and get better and better.
November 9, 2019
Great book
This is a really good book I want to read # 2 the characters seemed like real people. You must read it
This is a really good book I want to read # 2 the characters seemed like real people. You must read it
November 4, 2019
Good story line, a little light on details.
Recommended for entertainment, not useful info. Nice characters, though a little expected. Still looking forward to the next book. How soon?
Recommended for entertainment, not useful info. Nice characters, though a little expected. Still looking forward to the next book. How soon?
September 2, 2023
I read the blurb and it sounded intriguing, but I wasn't prepared for how the story sucked me in and I couldn't put it down. This book isn't compared in story line to the Hunger Games, but it's in the same category as futuristic (or is it?) and survival. This book should make each reader stop and ask themselves the question; how prepared am I for an immediate emergency? fire? natural disaster? and the list goes on. The story line was well thought out. Wonderful characters with interesting strengths and personalities. As much as this story had me on the edge of my seat, there were some times I had to laugh too. As soon as I finished reading DARK EVER AFTER, I instantly downloaded and read JULIA'S JOURNEY. I broke my own rule of reviewing a book before starting another! DARK EVER AFTER is that good!
September 24, 2019
This was a fantastic start into a post apocalyptic world. Shelby's day starts of rough and honestly.. it ain't improving anytime soon!. The world is going to hell in a handbasket. All Technology is gone and human nature seems to bring out the worst in people. Luckily her father is a prepper/ survivalist and has ingrained this into Shelby.
Determined to make it in a world thrown into turmoil She undertakes a trek with her son across the state to get to her father. Thrown in a spoilt teen (not her son) and an ex military man and an attraction to each other you have a brilliant start to a new book. M Merin keeps you riveted to the story and leaves you at the end hanging out for the next book.
So worth the read!
Determined to make it in a world thrown into turmoil She undertakes a trek with her son across the state to get to her father. Thrown in a spoilt teen (not her son) and an ex military man and an attraction to each other you have a brilliant start to a new book. M Merin keeps you riveted to the story and leaves you at the end hanging out for the next book.
So worth the read!
July 18, 2019
Mind. Blown.
Holy mind blowing, amazing read, book hangover inducing goodness! I looooove post apocalyptic dystopian romance reads. I love M. Merin’s writing. The combination of them both? I more than love!
I devoured this in one sitting. I was completely hooked almost immediately and didn’t even put it down for a second until I reached the end. Not only is Dark Ever After an unputdownable read it’s a completely fresh take on a dystopian world. I’m already desperate for the next in this series!
Holy mind blowing, amazing read, book hangover inducing goodness! I looooove post apocalyptic dystopian romance reads. I love M. Merin’s writing. The combination of them both? I more than love!
I devoured this in one sitting. I was completely hooked almost immediately and didn’t even put it down for a second until I reached the end. Not only is Dark Ever After an unputdownable read it’s a completely fresh take on a dystopian world. I’m already desperate for the next in this series!
July 30, 2019
Love this new series!
This is usually not my troupe/genre, but I’ll try anything that M. Merin writes. I have to say, I loved it! I got so invested in Shelby & Aiden’s journey as they travel together to reach safety, I couldn’t put it down! I can’t wait to read Julia’s story next!!
Great storytelling once again, M. Merin! Bravo!!
This is usually not my troupe/genre, but I’ll try anything that M. Merin writes. I have to say, I loved it! I got so invested in Shelby & Aiden’s journey as they travel together to reach safety, I couldn’t put it down! I can’t wait to read Julia’s story next!!
Great storytelling once again, M. Merin! Bravo!!
August 10, 2019
Good story
I like the story and characters. Shelby is a strong and capable women. Aiden is a good match. Dylan is strong like his mom. I know Rachel was a true to life acting teenager, so was a good addition to the story. It's a different storyline than usual for M Merin, and a good book. I look forward to reading more.
I like the story and characters. Shelby is a strong and capable women. Aiden is a good match. Dylan is strong like his mom. I know Rachel was a true to life acting teenager, so was a good addition to the story. It's a different storyline than usual for M Merin, and a good book. I look forward to reading more.
November 1, 2019
Great
Loved it! A fast-moving action packed read. Great characters. Well developed story line. I can not wait for book 2!
Loved it! A fast-moving action packed read. Great characters. Well developed story line. I can not wait for book 2!
July 12, 2019
Omg!! EPic
Seriously this authors mind is epic. This is the first of three stories. I am so in awe of the first one, I wish the rest where out. The world building, the situations..... The intensity is awesome. I was sucked and and couldn't put it down. Great job!!!!!
Seriously this authors mind is epic. This is the first of three stories. I am so in awe of the first one, I wish the rest where out. The world building, the situations..... The intensity is awesome. I was sucked and and couldn't put it down. Great job!!!!!
July 12, 2019
Love it!!
This book was awesome!! It was so different but so the same. It about love fight and strength of a mom to take control and lead to them to safety. Makes you think what if and could I be that tuff. Can't wait for the next book
This book was awesome!! It was so different but so the same. It about love fight and strength of a mom to take control and lead to them to safety. Makes you think what if and could I be that tuff. Can't wait for the next book
August 26, 2019
Fantastic
Not my usual reading but I loved this book. Can't wait for the next one. Although I want to slap Jace. All good strong characters in this book. Definitely recommend even if it does end on cliffhangers.
Not my usual reading but I loved this book. Can't wait for the next one. Although I want to slap Jace. All good strong characters in this book. Definitely recommend even if it does end on cliffhangers.
September 4, 2019
It Will be hard to wait for the second book.
The book kePt my intrest! Not an easy thing to do.. I did not like the explicit sex. leave that to my imagination please.However I liked the story well enough to keep reading and I really enjoyed the rest of your book
The book kePt my intrest! Not an easy thing to do.. I did not like the explicit sex. leave that to my imagination please.However I liked the story well enough to keep reading and I really enjoyed the rest of your book
July 14, 2019
Good start
I enjoyed the book but it was too short. I loved the strong female character but felt Aiden needed further development
I enjoyed the book but it was too short. I loved the strong female character but felt Aiden needed further development
July 16, 2019
Enjoyed it
Quick read, enjoyed it. Would have liked have more back story of Aiden though. Other than that it was good.
Quick read, enjoyed it. Would have liked have more back story of Aiden though. Other than that it was good.
September 4, 2019
Great Read!
I loved the characters and their matter of fact attitudes. I loved their relationships. I especially loved the lack of gratuitous violence and bloodshed.
I loved the characters and their matter of fact attitudes. I loved their relationships. I especially loved the lack of gratuitous violence and bloodshed.
September 8, 2019
Ready for book 2
This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it, a lot! Can't wait for the second book.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it, a lot! Can't wait for the second book.
September 18, 2019
Dark Ever After review
Dark Ever After is the first post apocalyptic survival book in the Ever After EMP series written by author M. Merin.
Dark Ever After is the first post apocalyptic survival book in the Ever After EMP series written by author M. Merin.
September 20, 2019
Sex please
Oh my goodness, this is the first ever TEOTWAWKI I've read that contains adult scenes and THANK YOU Merin for that!
Oh my goodness, this is the first ever TEOTWAWKI I've read that contains adult scenes and THANK YOU Merin for that!
October 27, 2019
Great book, well written and definitely held my interest. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews