Dear Cozy Bookworm,
The world may have ended, but this book gave me so much life.
Jeneva Rose takes a premise that could have easily leaned dark and grim, a viral outbreak turning people into zombie-like creatures, and somehow makes it both hilarious and heart-squeezing. Dating After the End of the World perfectly blends chaos, chemistry, and charm in a way that only Jeneva Rose can pull off. It’s equal parts rom-com and survival story, sprinkled with just enough emotional depth to keep you invested in more than just the banter.
At the heart of this story is Casey Pearson, a woman who grew up with a doomsday-prepping father and swore she’d never live that kind of life again. When the world collapses, she’s forced to return home — and straight into the orbit of her former high-school tormentor, Blake Morrison. From the moment these two share the page, the tension is palpable. Their antagonistic banter is razor-sharp, hilarious, and brimming with chemistry. Every argument feels like foreplay, every moment of reluctant teamwork deepens the connection neither of them is ready to admit.
Blake’s redemption arc is surprisingly touching. He’s not just the reformed bad boy trope, he’s layered, vulnerable, and genuinely trying to make amends. Casey, on the other hand, is fierce and funny, the kind of heroine who doesn’t wait to be saved but still allows herself to soften in unexpected moments. Together, they make the perfect reluctant duo: she challenges him, he grounds her, and somehow, amid chaos, they find a rhythm that feels almost... hopeful.
The setting itself adds to the fun, her dad’s prepper compound becomes this weirdly cozy apocalypse micro-community full of eccentric characters and unexpected found-family moments. Between the zombie threats, power struggles, and survival antics, you get glimpses of tenderness, laughter, and even joy. I loved that Jeneva Rose didn’t shy away from the absurdity of it all; instead, she leaned into it with humor and heart.
By the end, I wasn’t just rooting for Casey and Blake to survive, I was rooting for them to thrive. This story reminded me that love, in all its messy glory, doesn’t wait for perfect timing or peaceful conditions. Sometimes, it shows up right in the middle of disaster and dares you to believe in something good again.
If you love enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and romantic chaos wrapped in heartwarming moments, Dating After the End of the World belongs on your TBR. It’s The Walking Dead meets The Hating Game - funny, flirty, and full of feels. The apocalypse has never looked this romantic. 💀❤️