I feel so conflicted. I wanted to DNF more than once because I didn’t want to give a low rating or write a bad review. But somehow, I also wanted to read on and on, so here I am, in doubt because this story could have been so much better.

When I found out about this title, I immediately thought of All That’s Left in the World, one of my favorite YA books. And this one is definitely for ATLITW lovers. And for those who worry, it’s similar but different enough to stand out.

When I saw the cover, I almost screamed with joy. Because this is what we call an amazing cover.

When I started reading, I shifted around in my chair. I wanted to love this book so much! Even more, because some friends told me they loved it and were sure I’d adore it too.

Yeah … I hoped that too …

Just hear me out. I don’t think this book is terrible. I read it with a smile on my face, and I rooted for Zack and Aiden so much. They were both great guys. The story is fast-paced and held my attention. But …

I think this could be a great story. But it isn’t right now (my opinion, others could think differently!). It just needs far more editing. The writing was too clunky and too telling for my liking, sometimes even information dumping . And some things were really cringy. When Aiden said in a few sentences that he was once taking care of a ten-year-old who died because he got stung by a hornet, I was , WTF am I reading now? Why put this in the story?

And when Zach and Aiden met Jo, they thought that she was autistic because she was wicked smart and living her dream???? Really?

Or when the boys found a pharmacy, and there suddenly was a passage about safe sex and the apocalypse?

So yeah, I read the book and d most of its content, but I am also sad because, in my opinion, it could have been so much better. And, I said, I am conflicted, and I have no clue how to rate it.

I’m rating the cover five stars, though!

Thank you so much, Paul Michael Winters, for the ARC. I’m so sorry I didn’t this as much as I hoped to. I will definitely check out your future books, though.

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29 s4 comments Jason Conrad192 22

Wow, wow, wow. This book had a chokehold on me from the very start and up until the final page. I am in awe that this is a debut.

The magic of Together in a Broken World lies within the two protagonists, Zach and Aiden. They are well-developed and lovable, and both of them have such emotional depth. They're human, they're flawed, they're kind-hearted, and they feel 3-dimensional. You become so invested in them that you take things personal when they hit a roadblock.

The plot is thrilling and exciting, but not at the expense of beautiful, romantic, touching moments that surround Zach and Aiden's slow-burn feelings for one another. The adventure aspects are balanced with the romance aspect of the book, and those two elements work so well together.

I laughed. I cried. I was on the edge of my seat. I could not put this book down, and read it in 2 or 3 sittings simply because I was in love with these characters and I needed to know what would happen to them.

For fans of All That's Left in the World or The Last of Us, this book was written just for you.

I cannot recommend Together in a Broken World enough. I can find no faults in it. You will love it.

A huge thank you to Paul Michael Winters for being kind enough to give me an ARC of this absolutely incredible book. I cannot wait for the rest of the world to meet Zach and Aiden so I can fan-girl over this story with other people.did-i-cry28 s Drakoulis256 24

A captivating, emotional and adorable post-apocalyptic story!

Blending YA gay romance with the adventure, danger and mental toll of a road trip in a world where civilization has collapsed, Paul Michael Winters delivers an excellent debut novel which will keep your eyes on the page from start to finish!

A lot of people will compare it with All That's Left in the World, and fairly so since there aren't many gay YA post-apocalyptic books out there, and I do think that if you loved the one, you will love the other too - but the books aren't similar apart from the general concept, don't expect a copy!

Aiden and Zach had great chemistry from the start, and their interactions are adorable. The attraction is there in every smile and every thought, sometimes subtle sometimes on the forefront. They're quite open about it which moves the romance quite a bit - the big obstacles are the mental struggles they need to overcome.

The states of Montana, Idaho and Washington are not your usual setting for a road trip so the worldbuilding is refreshing and the author has paid a lot of attention to getting the locations, roads and landscape correct.

The danger chasing after Aiden ups the stakes of his relationship with Zach, since it brings him against the dilemma of listening to his heart but putting him in danger, or respecting his right to make his own choices and losing him forever.

I devoured this book in less than 2 days, enthralled with the characters, their relationship and their journey - don't sleep on this book in May!

Edit: The book is out now!

Thank you Paul Michael Winters for the ARC!favorites gay m-m-romance ...more20 s1 comment Aaron 137 305

This was a fast paced post apocalyptic story that gave me exactly what I was looking for.
Action
Romance
Smooches
GAY PANIC

If that’s also what you’re looking for then BAM.

My only criticism was that the dual pov was a tad messy but for a debut I’m willing to overlook that. 19 s1 comment Kalob DànielAuthor 7 books170

absolutely LOVED!! and now that i’ve had time to sit on this i just gotta say that it’s bloody brilliant!! paul michael winters truly crafted the perfect essence of a post-apocalyptic world and the way two teenagers would navigate it. the pacing of their travels and the high stakes of the chase to complete the secret mission mixed with the secrets being kept and romance of falling in love despite the madness was truly GIVING! i was so tuned from start to end and i couldn’t help but want to scream more more more! winters did his boys justice and really gave us readers exactly what we needed. thank you! i truly had such a great time; it was an easy 5 stars for me! i HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone wanting the perfect post-apocalyptic gay book ‘round these parts!004-april-tbr17 s CoffeeandInk249 12

This post-apocalyptic novel is well written, and the world Zach and Aiden inhabit is very well developed. I especially d the realistic scenario that caused the collapse of civilization—believable and well thought out. I do love a society’s-collapse-is-right-around-the-corner story, and this one had me at page one.
Two first person point of view novels are sometimes hard to pull off, but Zach and Aiden have very different voices, which is one of the things I love about the novel. There are a lot of emotional mysteries to unravel while they evade the Infected, the FLA, and scrounge for food and other supplies. Aiden is on a mission he cannot tell Zach about and this causes quite a bit of trouble for them throughout.
I highly recommend this action-packed, road trip style story about two teenagers trying to fix their broken world, and their broken selves, with love and humor.
15 s Zak F39 12

Paul Michael Winters' 'Together in a Broken World' is hands down one of the best reads I've read this year so far.

From the get-go, I was completely engrossed, especially by the dynamic duo of Aiden and Zach, whose characters stole my heart from the outset and only deepened their hold on me as the story unfolded. Their chemistry throughout the book was simply magical, seamlessly intertwining to craft a story that's as enchanting as it is poignant.

The characters they meet along the way are just brilliantly thought out, making Zach and Aiden's journey even more thrilling and engaging. I felt a real connection with them, especially with Curtis and Jo. They're not just side characters; they're so vivid and interesting, seamlessly woven into the storyline. Curtis's kindness and compassion and Jo's endearing charm added such richness to the journey of Zach and Aiden, making every encounter with them a highlight of the journey. Their presence enhanced the story, making it even harder to put the book down.

Each chapter left me hungry for more, eagerly turning pages as the suspense mounted, my anticipation reaching fever pitch by the story's climax end chapters. I found myself on an emotional rollercoaster, experiencing moments of pure joy, heart-wrenching sadness, ‘infectious’ laughter (get it), and breathless awe throughout. 'Together in a Broken World' wasn’t just a book - it was an absolute adventure.14 s Rod Lujano47 9

Get your tissues ready because your feelings are gonna be felt.

I don’t think I´ve ever wanted someone to succeed on their mission more than I did for Zach and Aiden and the author didn’t make it easy for them.

The stakes keep getting higher, and when you thought they were gonna have a moment to rest another twist was revealed.
This book grabbed me and didn’t let me go until the last page, honestly there were times I couldn’t breathe anticipating what’s next.

Zach and Aiden´s sweet relationship is everything that’s right in YA, it was so beautiful to see them overcome their own issues and get out of their heads.
Did I want to knock some sense into Aiden at times? Absolutely, but I understood his hesitation and the decisions he made.

Zach is such a sweet character, I just wanted to hug him the entire book and never leave him alone, Zach thrived under pressure and made "The Great Collapse" his bitch, honestly.

I also really enjoyed the love scenes, this being YA they are not overly explicit, but I could feel the author´s passion and romance behind the words.

The Great Collapse is such a cool concept, the mission they guys gad always felt fresh and never repetitive which can happen very quickly in dystopian books.

I would love to read more about this world.

PS, Curtis will forever be In my heart ??

All the start for this book, I’m gonna recommend it forever.12 s Jared (jareadforfilth)81 80

All I can say is WOW. I just finished this book and it has left me a complete and utter puddle. No notes, pure glorious storytelling.

When I first heard of this book, I was wary that it would be a very similar of All That’s Left in the World, one of my absolute faves. I’m thrilled to say that this book is very singular and stands strongly in its own right, telling a very different post-apocalyptic tale that is uniquely its own and utterly enticing. Zach needs to be protected at all costs, he is such a great character and so well-written! Aiden also has my heart, and the two of them together?! *melts* they’re blossoming relationship is an incredible one to read through and while it can be a bit frustrating at times *cough Aiden cough* it is superb and totally feasible in its trajectory and intensity.

Speaking of intensity, the feelings in here are VISCERAL, I found myself constantly on the edge of my seat clutching for dear life as I was reading. The stakes are high and feel high in the absolute best way. I have to commend the storytelling here, it is enrapturing, feels fresh and utterly captivating. Very seamlessly executed and smooth from start to end. The characters are all complex and consistent as well.

Lastly: CURTISSSSSS
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