Praying for Rain by BB Easton

Category: ​Contemporary romance
Publication date: 04/11/2019
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Cliffhanger: Yes

There were a few things here that could’ve horribly ruined the whole story for me, but...it all ended up OK.  

Plot overview: Everyone in the world starts having nightmares about the world ending on April 23. With the apocalypse pending, the worst of humanity is on display. In the middle of the mess, 19-year-old Rain, who is basically waiting around to die, is kidnapped by Wes, a survivor in every sense of the word. Stockholm Syndrome (and a little instalove) ensues.

I’ll start off by saying all the things I loved about the book:

1. It’s really well-written. You feel like you’re right in the middle of the apocalypse while reading. The descriptions are that good. 
2. The storyline is really original. It’s hard to find apocalypse stories that don’t have zombies or killer viruses. 
3. I like Wes’s will to survive. He’s had a horrible childhood and the world’s about to end, but he’s determined to survive and pretty much refuses to give up, no matter what happens. 

Now, for the not so glowy stuff: 

1. Rain is a SUPER immature 19 year old. I cut her some slack because she is very young, the apocalypse is pending, and she is a little drugged out while trying to dull her pain (and she’s in pain for some BIG reasons that we find out later in the story), so I don’t expect really great decision making skills from her. But still...the number of times Rain almost got herself and Wes killed and required rescuing was kind of ridiculous. And who notices how hot a guy who just kidnapped you at gunpoint is? Would anyone REALLY care how they looked while getting kidnapped at gunpoint and wish they looked better for their kidnapper? Rain does. It annoyed me. 
2. I get that Wes had a crappy childhood and has some pretty serious abandonment issues as a result. But I had a hard time getting over him calling Rain a “bitch” so much in his inner dialogue. And I genuinely have no idea what he found so appealing about her by the end of the story. Wes is a young guy too, but he’s incredibly worldly when compared to Rain. I found it hard to believe that a worldly, older-than-his-years guy like Wes would fall so easily for the super immature Rain. 
3. It is an instalove story. It didn’t annoy me as much as it would have in a regular contemporary romance (you know, because of the apocalypse and all), but if you’re really strongly anti-instalove, this one would annoy you. 
4. And did no one learn from Lori on The Walking Dead? Unprotected sex in the apocalypse is a bad idea, folks! It’s not like antibiotics to treat STDs and UTIs are going to be plentiful--and what happens if you get pregnant? I’m sorry, but even if my travel companion in the apocalypse turns out to be Chris Hemsworth, I plan to be a born-again virgin until the day I die. It’s just safer that way. 

But, all minor quibbles notwithstanding, this was still a pretty interesting read. If you’re into apocalypse romance, this one will probably really appeal to you.  

Does this book contribute to or help crush the romance stigma?
Nothing stigma-y about it.

Other reading suggestions

The BEST reads for lovers of romance and the zombie apocalypse

Gritty romances that will keep you on the edge of your seat

Angsty, tortured, scarred romance heroes who will melt your heart (and panties)