Title: A Not So Hollow Heart
Author: Sharon Maria Bidwell
Genre: Romance in the middle of a zombie apocalypse
Length: Novella (78 pages)
Publisher: Loose ID (October 1st 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts
Blurb: Mason’s facing more than one apocalypse. The darkest hours are those spent alone when memories surface and the touch of his lost love can make the most erotic of dreams horrifying. He’d rather face danger than recollect how he loved Antonio, and what he was prepared to give up for him. He’s never going to fall in love again…
That vow wavers when he rescues Kyle, although he’s certain luck had more to do with saving Kyle than anything he did. Now Mason fears something more than the walking dead. He’s afraid giving in to lust may lead to love, if the walking dead and homophobic hatred don’t murder them first.
Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/a-not-so-hollow-heart.html
Reviewer: Tams
Review: Just because the world is overrun with flesh-eating zombies that can infect you with a bite, doesn’t mean you can’t find love in the middle of all the madness and mayhem!
Mason along with a small group of survivors have found a safe place to call home, protecting themselves from the zombie hordes that have infested the planet and infected the majority of the populace. Mason is a loner, though he’s a key member of the group and definitely pulls his own weight. But the loss of his lover when the attacks first started has left him alone and bitter.
Out on a supply run the group comes across what they at first assume is a zombie locked in a cage. But soon, two words convince them otherwise. “Water… Please.” Zombies don’t talk. They don’t ask for water. They don’t NEED water. They take the young man back to their compound for treatment. Soon enough he and Mason are exchanged heated glances and wanton stares. Mason doesn’t want to want Kyle; want leads to need and need will lead to love. Mason is perfectly happy wallowing in his misery since Antonio’s death. But the deliriously skinny Kyle won’t be ignored.
The story was a little disjointed in a couple of places and overall felt crammed. I think this would have been an eerily beautiful full length novel. That being said, I still enjoyed the concept of what seemed to be the only two gay men left finding each other at the end of the world. Kyle breaking down the walls Mason has surrounded himself with, while Mason is continually trying to convince Kyle that he is still attractive.
If you’re a fan of zombies, dystopian and m/m genres then this book is a safe bet for a fast, fun read! I’ll definitely be looking for more from this author.