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4.3 AVERAGE
4.3 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
If we’re going on the plot alone I’d have to give it 3 stars but I had to add an extra star for the beautiful love story between Saff and Maddie. As soon as I heard this was a zombie novel I was intrigued and the added lesbian love story was a plus. I adore zombie media and sapphics so this is like the perfect combo for me. I just wish the plot was more captivating, the lack of action for a zombie novel was kind of disappointing and just felt like the action was missing, don’t get me wrong there was action but not enough for a zombie novel in my opinion. That being said I adored the love story and their dynamic, I also loved all of Maddie’s family making it to the end and practically caring for Saff like their new daughter, and Maddie’s dad being the caring dad that Saff never had at the end was beautiful.
Mi ha fatto molta compagnia e mi metteva curiosità, ma ha molti problemi di credibilità nella mia testa e tante cose non sono state mai risolte: tipo, ero interessata a capire bene la situazione dei raid e cosa stessero facendo al muro, ma non lo sapremo mai. O il bunker abbandonato per sempre???
E il finale sembra un altro libro gay che abbiamo letto io e Vic questo anno (non che voglia dire che si siano copiati, solo che è un finale banale). Idk.
What set Hearing Red apart for me wasn’t just the post-apocalyptic world or the slow-burn romance — it was Saff herself.
Nicole Maser wrote her character with such raw honesty and complexity. Saff isn’t a character who just “softens” over time. Instead, we see her slowly unravel and reveal layers of pain and trauma and everything she’s been carrying. She felt so real… and seeing her navigate survival and vulnerability stuck with me in a way I didn’t expect.
Maddie balances her out perfectly — tender without being cheesy, and never over the top. But Maddie’s also confident and independent, with her own strength and quiet determination. She pushes and supports Saff in all the right ways, and Saff does the same for her. Their connection feels natural and believable, and every interaction between them is charged and meaningful.
The world they live in is rough and authentic without drowning you in details. It’s clear this is a hard place to survive, but it never takes over the story. It just makes the characters’ struggles and connection feel even more real.
I’m definitely a crier when it comes to media, but even so, there was one scene in particular that absolutely WRECKED me. The writing pulled me in so deep, I felt like I was right there with them. Nicole Maser has a way with words that just makes every moment hit harder (right in my chest, to be exact).
To me, this book wasn’t just a romance set in a post-apocalyptic world. It’s a story about survival, trauma, and healing with love woven through every part of it. And I’m pretty sure I’ll be emotionally recovering from this one for a while.
Nicole Maser wrote her character with such raw honesty and complexity. Saff isn’t a character who just “softens” over time. Instead, we see her slowly unravel and reveal layers of pain and trauma and everything she’s been carrying. She felt so real… and seeing her navigate survival and vulnerability stuck with me in a way I didn’t expect.
Maddie balances her out perfectly — tender without being cheesy, and never over the top. But Maddie’s also confident and independent, with her own strength and quiet determination. She pushes and supports Saff in all the right ways, and Saff does the same for her. Their connection feels natural and believable, and every interaction between them is charged and meaningful.
The world they live in is rough and authentic without drowning you in details. It’s clear this is a hard place to survive, but it never takes over the story. It just makes the characters’ struggles and connection feel even more real.
I’m definitely a crier when it comes to media, but even so, there was one scene in particular that absolutely WRECKED me. The writing pulled me in so deep, I felt like I was right there with them. Nicole Maser has a way with words that just makes every moment hit harder (right in my chest, to be exact).
To me, this book wasn’t just a romance set in a post-apocalyptic world. It’s a story about survival, trauma, and healing with love woven through every part of it. And I’m pretty sure I’ll be emotionally recovering from this one for a while.
So, honestly book was a good read but I also feel like it fell a bit flat for me. I honestly lean towards 3.5 stars as the rating.
Let's start with the good stuff: The slow burn was done pretty good. The romance moments had me kicking my feet. Saff and Maddie's relationship was super cute and I loved their adventures together. The ending really captured my interest and I was stressed cause even if I knew everything was going to be okay, watching them get hurt was still stressful. I even shed a few tears at the end with how sweet their love was and how much they cared about each other. That last chapter with the popcorn really sealed the book with a kiss, it was just too cute.
Now the bad: I feel like it was a little slow and boring at times. It took me a while to get through the beginning and the middle felt a little boring. I was especially dreading the third act break up and when I finally got to that part I was rolling my eyes. I was honestly super confused on why it was such an issue. It just felt like Maddie kinda overreacted but at least it got resolved kinda quick (not quick enough tho). I just feel like this book was a tad bit long and even though I don't have much to complain about, I am just not in love with this book as much as I hoped to be unfortunately. Something is missing and I can't put my finger on what it could be.
Anyways, I need more sapphic books to make my little gay heart happy.
"Time seemed to slow, and with each passing moment, it felt as if the wounds deep in their souls were tangling together, healing each other with every touch."
Let's start with the good stuff: The slow burn was done pretty good. The romance moments had me kicking my feet. Saff and Maddie's relationship was super cute and I loved their adventures together. The ending really captured my interest and I was stressed cause even if I knew everything was going to be okay, watching them get hurt was still stressful. I even shed a few tears at the end with how sweet their love was and how much they cared about each other. That last chapter with the popcorn really sealed the book with a kiss, it was just too cute.
Now the bad: I feel like it was a little slow and boring at times. It took me a while to get through the beginning and the middle felt a little boring. I was especially dreading the third act break up and when I finally got to that part I was rolling my eyes. I was honestly super confused on why it was such an issue. It just felt like Maddie kinda overreacted but at least it got resolved kinda quick (not quick enough tho). I just feel like this book was a tad bit long and even though I don't have much to complain about, I am just not in love with this book as much as I hoped to be unfortunately. Something is missing and I can't put my finger on what it could be.
Anyways, I need more sapphic books to make my little gay heart happy.
"Time seemed to slow, and with each passing moment, it felt as if the wounds deep in their souls were tangling together, healing each other with every touch."
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Where do I begin? I found this book on booktok and recognized the author. Immediately downloaded and devoured easily. There’s so many things I love about this book. The story. The descriptions. The characters. I mean, a visually impaired love interest that’s forced to use physical touch ?! *slams fists on the table* I ATE THAT SHIT UP. Let’s not forget the moody brunette that can’t share her feelings and hates everyone EXCEPT for the overly-generous blonde that she’s forced to spend time with. Ugh. Chefs kiss.
*SPOILER COMING UP*
I was hooked throughout this entire story but towards the end, after Saff and Maddie’s run in with Mike, I was literally at the edge of my seat. I was sweating, I couldn’t read fast enough. And not to mention the “you have to get up, okay, baby” *flips a chair* I LOVE IT. I WAS KICKING MY FEET AND GIGGLING. SHE SAID BABY. SHE CALLED HER BABY.
Overall, I loved this and I need so much more of their story. I’m about to write my own fanfiction just to continuing obsessing over them.
*SPOILER COMING UP*
I was hooked throughout this entire story but towards the end, after Saff and Maddie’s run in with Mike, I was literally at the edge of my seat. I was sweating, I couldn’t read fast enough. And not to mention the “you have to get up, okay, baby” *flips a chair* I LOVE IT. I WAS KICKING MY FEET AND GIGGLING. SHE SAID BABY. SHE CALLED HER BABY.
Overall, I loved this and I need so much more of their story. I’m about to write my own fanfiction just to continuing obsessing over them.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes