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When the zombie apocalypse comes to town, Remi is lucky to find shelter to wait out the storm.

Unfortunately, the storm never ceases, and her situation grows dire.

Out of food and desperate to survive, she reaches out over a CB radio for help. But the man on the other end of the line isn't helping for free, and his demands are shocking.

Will she accept his Brutal Bargain?

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 19, 2022

95 people are currently reading
116 people want to read

About the author

L.J. Anderson

17 books4 followers

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5 stars
84 (26%)
4 stars
82 (25%)
3 stars
82 (25%)
2 stars
54 (16%)
1 star
21 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Pene|ope • Reading Slump, Send Help.
1,480 reviews195 followers
August 6, 2023
If you like naive, freshly 18 year olds, going for asshole 35 year olds (why can't people write age gaps with FMCs at least in their 20s?) who scoffs at being asked to give an orgasm when he takes her virginity per their deal (that is, until he sees how hot she is, then an orgasm is suddenly on the table), and who will look past being lured out of hiding, lied to multiple times, tested without understanding what's being tested, attempted stealth impregnation (although the stealth part is only because she's too ridiculous to believe that him coming inside her over and over for a week is him trying to get her pregnant and is shocked when he tells her that's his plan), and who instantly forgives all of it, including being drugged and waking up in a strange place after she thought he had fully come clean with her, all because it could be explained away for the sake of the future of mankind, oh, and because no one else is big and strong enough to protect her--then boy do I have a book for you.

If you like your assholes explaining away their reason for making the FMC hate them by a mere thought that her hate for him would produce a stronger child (this is the level of intelligence we're dealing with, folks), so that when it comes time for him to flip the switch and suddenly be loving and attentive, then here's your book!

The smut wasn't even worth dealing with the Stockholm syndrome.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nessa.
3,950 reviews74 followers
May 15, 2024
A SOLID 2.5 AGE GAP STARS!

I was so curious about the negative reviews, and I found the blurb interesting. Low, and behold, here's my verdict :-

THIS HAD POTENTIAL, BUT IT WAS PURE SHALLOW SMUT. I DIDN'T BUY INTO THE ROMANCE AT ALL - not enough relationship building and it certainly didn't give me butterflies. Even the ending made me still question if Gage truly did love Remi, because his emotions and loyalty seemed fleeting. A new flavour come along, and he might just go with it kinda guy.

As usual, novellas are disappointing because they aren't enough pages to fully build a solid world, plot or character development. And it didn't help that I cringed every time REMI opened her mouth, and I don't want to stereotype teenagers but damn...she really acted like her 18 year old self that I know, if it wasn't for the apocalypse, a virile mid-30s guy like Gage wouldn't even look her way.

OVERALL smutty, but shallow.
Profile Image for aãmmÿ.
108 reviews
March 2, 2023
If you’re into abrupt endings, velvet wrapped steel members, lady parts and men having their own testicles shoved in their mouths for daring to throw a bottle at your sex slave… sorry, lady love, then this is the book for you!

This gave off major Omegaverse Stockholm Syndrome vibes. Because what girl wouldn’t just shrug off being drugged for the greater good.

Remi has to be the stupidest character I have read in a long time.

Not a lot of zombies but if you’re into age-gap, serial killer, breeding kink, a hole alpha types and their naive 18 year old victims then I say go for it.

2 stars…. barely.
Profile Image for Tabatha Reed.
1,687 reviews202 followers
January 29, 2024
I saw this mentioned in a Facebook reader group and was intrigued. I wasn’t expecting much. Indeed, it doesn’t deliver much. I would drop the series here if it weren’t for the multiple reviews proclaiming this is the worst book of the series.

I’m not sure why the authors thought here is the starting point. The H is needlessly assholish for about 85%. Seriously, what was the purpose? He was unnecessarily unlikable ON PURPOSE UNTIL his personality flips on a dime and he’s telling her she’s it for him, he’ll never take another and eventually dropping love bombs. What was the point of him being captain asshole in the beginning?? What was the reason? It didn’t make him hot. I wasn’t creaming my pants for him. I was baffled about why he was such a raging douchecanoe. Whatever the authors hoped to achieve they failed miserably as evidenced by the reviews noting that this book is the worst of the seven. Ouch.

It made the heroine look terrible. She comes across as weak and pathetic and honestly stupid. She’s having tons of UNPROTECTED sex and it never occurs to her that she’s going to get pregnant?? There’s 0 discussion of the consequences of the unprotected sex before he drops the news he’s trying to get her pregnant. What was she thinking?? Some lame excuses are tossed in the book but that’s just what they are. Lame excuses to cover a glaring plot hole. Lame. Excuses.

Medium burn
Coerced consent
No push away but h constantly proclaims she hates him with cause
Virgin h
No condoms
Breeding
No OW/OM drama
No separation
HFN

Safety - there’s no cheating or anything. He does torture and kill a guy who tried to harm h. He also kills a “honeypot” who tried to seduce him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Catheryn.
1,361 reviews27 followers
December 9, 2022
I went into this not expecting much and was pleasantly surprised. It is a bit ridiculous at times and I don't really get WHY he has to be such an ass. But I guess it will be the theme of the series. I didn't find the spice to be overly dark or his treatment. This book definitely spends more time setting up the world and the Keep.

Overall, I like the world and I'm interested to see more characters.
3 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2022
This apocalyptic romance was compelling and the heroine and hero had quick chemistry and I was pleasantly surprised by the happy ending. This book was suspenseful and scary without the violence being too graphic.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Velinda haywood.
78 reviews3 followers
April 19, 2023
Quick Read

Love anything apocalyptic, and
anything L.J Anderson has written. Wish there more interaction with the zombies and how things kicked off.
Profile Image for Anij.
1,334 reviews12 followers
September 23, 2022
"I’ll be the monster she desperately needs to survive in this cruel world."

This book is so not what I expected. It's a wonderful, original story of two very different people who meet in the worst possible conditions. I really enjoyed it with only a few complaints. First, it's way too short. Everything that happens after they meet is compressed, summarized or briefly mentioned. Not enough time is given to seeing their relationship evolve and grow. We don't really get to see them fall in love. On top of it, the end is packed into one short chapter which, while providing the needed HEA, is still less than satisfying, in many ways because we were cheated out of seeing them grow together, but also because we are given but a glimpse of their happiness.

This was all the more disappointing as the main characters are wonderful. I adore Gage. Such a deep, complex man so filled with inner conflict. The very last thing he ever expected was to find her. Remi. What a fun, feisty, strong young women. I love her so much. She is exactly what Gage needs and more than up to being his equal partner. I truly wish we had been allowed to see their story in full instead of this almost summary. Perhaps one day the authors will go back and revise their story, fill it out and give it the depth and detail it deserves.

This book is first in a series that I am very excited to say I plan to follow. The world they have created has such potential and I can't wait to see what they do with it. Both authors are new to me and I am going to see what else they have written. Hopefully I will see plenty more of Gage and Remi in future books.

4 1/2 stars
Profile Image for MJ.
114 reviews4 followers
September 23, 2023
I get the premise of this and that it is inherently dark. However, it is not the trope or darkness I have a problem with, it is with the lack of story and the characters having no personality beyond MMC=@sshole and FMC=horny. Seriously. Claire Kent's After the Fall series or Wren Cartwright's A River of Ash and Bone are much better takes on this.

Manipulative, agressive, controlling MMC, weak FMC who suddenly is just fine with whatever is happening including being drugged and moved to a new location without her consent. Story just stops. They go from indifference and hatred to love all bc of sex. No other character attributes. It reads like a weekly serial and not a coherent story.

I read the second one to see if there was any change. It was worse. Again the story just ends. From a climatic moment to an epilogue. A terrible woman is brought to the Keep and the FMC is told to just get over it. IDK I just really hate how all the women are written in this series. The only FC with any "power" is written as a total b*tch. I wanted to like it bc I like dystopian and I do enjoy savior tropes, but this just missed the mark for me.

CW: zombies, on page violence, dystopian elements, controlling and manipulative MMC, breeding without full consent or discussion
67 reviews5 followers
June 27, 2022
Short, very hot novella. I'm not much of a zombie fan, but thankfully, the focus was on the H & h. Gage is a total anti-hero, you kind of have to hate him at first. Remi is really naive initially, but proceeds to show she has plenty of moxie. The chemistry (STEAMY!) and humor keep the pace moving. As per the authors' warning, some parts are dark and yes, there are triggers. If it's not your thing, don't whine (or slam with a bad review) & say you weren't warned.

It really is a novella. I wanted it to keep going - wanted more. (Big surprise to me since I'm not an apocalypse fan!) I am interested in reading more of the series and would recommend. I believe this is my first read by the authors, but I will be looking forward to more.

Read it - and enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mrs A.
1,399 reviews29 followers
June 14, 2022
Wow! I couldn’t put this down. I was totally sucked in from the first few pages. Really well written, set in a zombie apocalypse era. Remi has been hiding in a storage room since the world went to chaos and is running out of food. She makes contact with Gage via radio and he offers her protection and food if she is able to offer him favours of the indecent variety. Love their interactions. A fair few triggers so heed the authors warning.

I would definitely read more by this duo.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,161 reviews14 followers
June 19, 2022
It’s a miracle Remi managed to stay alive after the zombie apocalypse. But now Remi is running low on food and reaches out for help. Gage is willing to negotiate but tells Remi “You should know the monster you’re getting into bed with”. If you like stories with snarky heroines and heroes who are possessive AF with lots of action, twists and steam, then you need to read Brutal Bargain!
2,511 reviews13 followers
July 30, 2022
Very interesting!

A zombie apocalypse, a young girl is stuck in a closet running out of food and a man making a deal with her and in exchange he will keep her safe. A well written twist on a apocalypse ta!e. I really enjoyed reading it and am looking forward to reading the book in this series.
Profile Image for Lauren EA.
50 reviews5 followers
March 18, 2023
This was a short novella so I didn’t expect an entire book’s worth of story, but man. I expected SOME world building instead of some poorly written dub-con followed by insta-love and then over the top violence for absolutely no reason.

The backdrop of the zombie apocalypse leaves so much room for world building and this was honestly a missed opportunity.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,383 reviews8 followers
June 24, 2022
All I can say is wow! This book had a little bit of darcy coates mixed with i am legend with steamy passion mixed together. The things she thinks up is what will keep me coming back, it's a definite must read.
2,030 reviews9 followers
June 27, 2022
A fantastic, riveting read. Deliciously dark and dangerous. Great characters, and a well written storyline. Would recommend. Cannot wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
467 reviews7 followers
August 26, 2023
nasty in a good way. brutal as the title claims …

It’s a yes from me. Honestly I was not sure about this one at first. Super sketchy. But it all fell into place and gained traction. He’s mean. He’s trying to be very emotionally detached. He’s riding her hard trying to get her to quit, he’s like the meanest apocalypse coach ever.
She’s sweet, dirty, smart(passes the apocalypse tests I failed I tip my hat to her.) her negotiation skills were on point, she came ready for a world gone mad max. What made this great was the thoughts running though his head. Absolute filth, but a really good description also. So many people forget this when writing!!! The authors aren’t saying what’s happening- they are putting us right in the midst of it- it’s also happening to the reader. Well done on that.
At first, some of the dialogue felt sensationalized- but either it began to make sense, or I got used to it/ I’ve got a little of the Stockholm syndromes myself reading this magnificent beast.
It was a great read. Toodles.
Profile Image for SBee Reviews.
2,681 reviews80 followers
July 5, 2022
★ “He’s the monster I never knew I’d crave” ★

—>>> Remi’s new reality for chances of survival will take a major hit, but survive she does when she accepts the offer made by a mysterious male named Gage, who claims to have everything she needs if they could just make a bargain for it. This post-apocalyptic world features hungry zombies and lawless people capitalizing on their wants, needs, and greed. Strangely enough, Gage is a man of his word, though they are few and far from illuminating when he demonstrates Remi’s new role in his life. Enjoyed their Q&A’s and their chemistry together. Left wanting more to their story, but perhaps this will be expanded upon in the next books of this series. There is a glimpse offered for the next story which is intriguing, so I will definitely follow the authors’ offerings in the future!
4,145 reviews25 followers
June 15, 2022
Good but not always easy to read
I really like the romantic and often funny stories of Lark Anderson, so I wanted to try her post apocalyptic story with a bit of romanticism. The turn is like the title, brutal. The story is good, but sometimes it made me feel uncomfortable by the starting point: what are we ready to concede when we want to survive? How something that is forbidden in an ordinary world becomes acceptable in a lawless world? The relationship between Remi and Gage is torrid but definitely brutal by the psychological and physical game sometimes, but sometimes also by what Remi must accept to move forward in her acceptance. The story is seriously twisted, but successful if we accept the starting point.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
2,725 reviews33 followers
July 4, 2022
Remi is on her own in a zombie apocalypse and running out of food. On the cb, she gets a call from a man, Gage and decides to go to him.
This is very different, and I really wasn't terribly interested in this genre, I was really surprised how good it was.
I really liked the writing and how good the story was. Gage was as brutal and arrogant as he professed himself to be, but I loved how he changed. They both did, and the romance of your could call it that, grew with it.
I really did enjoy this book and would like to read more in future. Great work!
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.
33 reviews
July 10, 2022
I really enjoyed this, reading it in a few hours as I couldn't put it down, I had to know where it was going.

I liked the main characters and the steamy scenes between them, which were delectably dark.

It was an enjoyable short read that was a good length for its narrative. It only really faltered at the end where the mysterious build up was kind of anticlimactic and a little rushed.

But if you are in the market for a quick zombie themed, insufferable Alpha , dark steamy romance that focuses on the relationship not the action, then give this a look.

Review copy provided by the publisher
Profile Image for Leigh.
1,402 reviews325 followers
August 18, 2022
3.5 stars

Brutal Bargain is book 1 in The Kings and Queens of the Apocalypse series from this new to me author. Remi is a naive young woman hiding out in a storage closet after Zombies started eating citizens. While calling out on her radio looking for other survivors a man named Gage answers and proposes a deal. So, we all know what Gage wants in exchange for food and protection and Remi needs to decide whether or not it's something she's willing to give. For starters this book is way too short and would have made an awesome book especially in this genre by just expanding on the story and characters. Basically, this book is full of smut, and I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
6,168 reviews58 followers
June 30, 2022
Remi is running out of option as her food dwindles and she's getting desperate to survive. She contacts someone over her CB for help and the man on the other end will help but he wants something in return. The situation they are in brings out their despair. The characters were steaming hot together and the post-apocalyptic violence is harsh. There was action, twists/turns and steam. I'll check out the next book. This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
505 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2023
A bargain for survival

So... I had an idea of what I was going to get from this book, and it definitely delivered on that. I liked that the author did explain the setup of the situation so we aren't left guessing what has happened.

Remi is just trying to survive in the aftermath of a world gone to hell. Gage is more of a jerk but a jerk who has to ensure the safety of those he protects. He pushes Remi to test if she'll be a true survivor or if she's just happened to have had some blind luck. But whatever the outcome, their paths crossing will change both of them forever.

Definitely will check out the next book.
Profile Image for NoodleSkadoodle.
120 reviews
April 1, 2023
EDIT: Having read all 6 books now I can say overall I enjoyed this series, but I really just don't like Gage, lol. The other heroes in the series are a lot better. Really unfortunate this book is the series opener cause the other books are much better.

My rankings of this series so far:
1. Desperate Bargain (book 3)
2. Cruel Bargain (book 7, read on Kindle Vella)
3. Fierce Bargain (book 6)
4. Savage Bargain (book 2)
5. Vicious Bargain (book 5)
6. Sinful Bargain (book 4)
7. Brutal Bargain (book 1)

Original Post 03/17/2023
Pretty much my entire reaction to this book:


Can we take the "romance" out of "dark romance" already and just call it what it really is; dark smut? Whole point of romance is there to be some kind of emotional connection, which these characters did not have. I'm not shaming people who like this kind of stuff, there's nothing wrong with it, i just don't like the false advertising that there is romance in it. Dark smut/erotica is a way more accurate description of what this is.



Even though these books seem to be stand alone, it seems you benefit reading them in order since the books later in the series reference some of the stuff that happened in previous books which is why I read this one.
Profile Image for JP.
1,834 reviews14 followers
June 25, 2023
TOTALLY AWESOME 😁

Well, if it comes down to surviving a apocalypse with an Monster of a guy OR trying to survive by myself, I'll take the Monster 😃. It's amazing how much we've been thinking about what would happen if a apocalypse happened, so many different scenarios to wonder about 🤔. Thanks L.J. & Ashlyn, I've truly enjoyed reading this story and look forward to reading more 🤓.
267 reviews2 followers
February 8, 2024
Gage and Remi

This was an interesting read,but Gage didn't become likeable until like 80 %.He was a manipulative,rude, emotionless a- hole for most of the book.He was trying to toughen up Remi and make sure she was strong enough to handle him and survive in the devastated new world.Secrets upon lies.This is the start of this series and I bought 6 of the books.Hopefully the others keep my interest like this one did.
Profile Image for Daenerys Targaryen.
940 reviews6 followers
February 22, 2025
Another zombie book without much of a plot or character development. By the author's description the hero is the largest man you have ever seen. The heroine is about 18 or 19 and the hero is 35 so major age gap and grooming happening here. Well it is not as bad as the Hudson - Belichick (I can't say romance, sorry) as posted in the news media. But hey anything goes when you are in apocalypse, and you have all the weapons and the power, right?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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