“None of this matters, and we’re all going to die.”With only three days left until the predicted apocalypse, the small town of Franklin Springs, Georgia, has become a wasteland of abandoned cars, abandoned homes, abandoned businesses, and abandoned people. People like Rainbow Williams.Rain isn’t afraid of dying. In fact, she’s looking forward to it. If she can just outrun her pain until April 23, … outrun her pain until April 23, she’ll never have to feel it at all.
“Supplies. Shelter. Self-defense.”
Wes Parker has survived every horrible thing this life has thrown at him with nothing more than his resourcefulness and disarming good looks. Why should the end of the world be any different? All he needs are some basic supplies, shelter, and a sucker willing to help him out, which is exactly what he finds when he returns to his hometown of Franklin Springs.
As society crumbles, dangers mount, and secrets refuse to stay buried, two lost souls are thrust together in a twist of fate—one who will do anything to survive and one who can’t wait to die.
Perhaps, together, they can learn how to live.
Before their time runs out.
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BB Easton just blew up my expectations for this book with the snap of her magic-wielding word-typing fingers. I seriously don’t know how she does it, transitioning effortlessly into a full-length fiction book that deviates quite far in genre from her previous novels. I guess it comes down to hard work and sheer talent. Praying for Rain is a rough apocalyptic romance where hope seems…well…hopeless. The darker theme opens our eyes to just how much society as a whole could go downhill if everyone thought the world was going to end. It’s frightening but realistic to think that morals would be so easily tossed aside for self-preservation. Though, even with the grit and darkness, we still get BB’s shining wit and intelligence as a beacon throughout—immersed within the storyline itself, and absolutely occupied within the characters. Wes and Rain are some of my favorite characters to date. Period. Wes is a true survivor, having had to claw his way to survive every day of his life. He’s hardened yet optimistic (way deep down!), albeit in a very rough around the edges kind of way! And my Rain is a survivor too, even though she’s doing everything she can to pretend…or rather forget, this trait. Wes and Rain and their short but impactful introduction to each other days away from the end of the world will make you FEEL. The storyline and theme and inevitable questions of “what if” will make you FEEL. BB has weaponized her background in psychology to stealthily dive into our psyches to blow ish up—in the absolute best way! Three words: THE DREAM SCENES! I’m in awe. And I’ll be impatiently waiting for book 2. Can I give this book more than 5 stars?
Praying for Rain will knock your world off its axis!
This all-new apocalyptic romance from author BB Easton is so much more than I was expecting. This genre is new to BB and she knocked it out of the park! Once again, she has reminded me of what a brilliant talent she is, with no constraints, and the power to wield her unicorn writing magic in any direction.
This is a dark, twisted, apocalyptic romance! It is not for the faint of heart. It will make you feel anxious, scared, and dejected. The realities of what would probably happen to our society and its morals when the end of the world is approaching is truly eye opening! But fret not, because this story is also infused with BB’s signature wit and humour. It is this combination of dark and light that equals a story like you’ve never read before!
The writing in Praying for Rain is so skillful that you feel every interaction, every situation, ever character trauma as if you are right there in the story. When Rain feels discarded, you feel it in your soul. When Wes feels angry, you too see red. BB’s carefully crafted words are pulled together throughout the book with seemingly inconsequential symbols or words that give you ALL THE FEELS! (i.e. the pillow Wes finds; if you have read the book you know what I’m talking about!).
Wes Parker is a survivor! He has been through so much in his 22 years that when the end of the world is approaching he is determined to live through it. But, when Wes meets Rainbow Williams all his carefully crafted plans go out the window and instead he begins to fumble through a mass of foreign feelings and emotions. His self-realization and growth in this book is heart-wrenching, but also so very beautiful.
Rainbow Williams has given up on life! With only 3 days left until the world ends, she has accepted her fate. Her only wish is to live through the next 3 days with as little emotion, memories, and feelings as possible. With a bottle of meds in hand she is ready to die. That is until she meets Wes and a new hope begins to bloom within her. I feel like there is so much more to Rain then we have seen! I cannot wait to know more about her past and what makes her tick.
This book is dark. This book is thrilling. This book is filled with the unexpected and its characters are extremely DAMAGED. BB has taken her past studies/employment as a Psychologist and completely mind f**ked me, but in the best possible way! It literally took me over 30 minutes to come down from the adrenaline rush I got at the end when I realized where the story was going. It was absolutely amazing!
There are not enough stars to rate this book! BRAV-F**KING-O BB! I cannot wait for Fighting for Rain!
*** ARC Received for Honest Review ***
5 stars
Whoa! This book is AMAZING. What an original story and intense relationship. I can’t even remember when I read something so unique. The world that B.B. created alone is worth the read. Then you get into the relationship that develops between Wes and Rain and I simply have no words. I love how you begin to understand Wes and the why’s and how’s of his feelings for Rain all throughout the book, but it is not until the end that you get a good grasp on where Rain is coming from.
Beware this is not a standalone, you will be left wanting more. And on that note, if B.B. has it somewhere, I would LOVE a prequel novella giving us Rain’s backstory. I can’t even begin to describe how much I want to see where Rain came from and the girl she was before the horsemen begin to enter everyone’s dreams. I can’t wait for the next one! I just know that this is going to be on a lot of “Best of 2019” lists. (Review by Terri “Jane”)
It’s been a few years since I read a dystopian novel, but when BB Easton said her new book was an apocalypse romance I couldn’t sign up fast enough.
When reading one of BB Easton’s books, I cannot put them down. I devour Praying for Rain just like I do all her books. I needed to know about these dreams everyone was having, who Wes was and what Rain was hiding.
In the middle of the darkest time of their lives, Wes and Rain find each other and a flicker of hope surfaces. A glimmer of light that’s enough to sprout the tiniest seed of hope. Where there’s hope there’s a reason to live and they need it for their upcoming battle.
The world may be ending but there was still time for two lost souls to fall in love.
I hope fall comes soon because I can’t wait for Fighting for Rain. I love everything BB. After reading her 44 Chapters series, I feel like I know her and want to be her best friend. Her style and words spoke to me in a way not many have. Not only that but she’s the sweetest person in the world when you talk to her on social media. She’s got a fan for life.
A few years ago, dystopian novels were my jam. If I saw a book description with that word in it, it had to be mine immediately.
Then the real world started to feel a little too dystopian for me. I eased away from the genre, needing more escapism in my books.
But a few months ago, I discovered BB Easton’s books and became an immediate fan…seriously, I have never fangirled over an author like I have her. I love her words and her style and the feelings she is able to evoke.
When I got the chance to read Praying for Rain, I couldn’t help being excited, even though the topic still freaks me out, since I often still feel like I’m living in a hellscape.
I devoured Praying for Rain just as I did her other books. I was fascinated to learn more about Wes and Rain. Why was Wes so determined to survive? Why is Rain popping hydrocodone like candy? What’s the deal with her parents?
The world BB created was dark and hopeless, as are Wes and Rain in the beginning. But somewhere in that darkness, they find each other, and a flicker of light appears. A tiny flame against a sea of black. But it’s enough. Because where there’s light, there’s hope. And where there’s hope, there’s a reason to live.
I was expecting grittiness in this book, but the sweetness took me by surprise. Wes and Rain were so tender with each other. BB made me believe that although the world had gone mad, these two people would be able to carry each other through.
Although this is the first in a planned trilogy, I was satisfied with the ending. That’s not to say I won’t be chomping at the bit for the next one, but I’m happy for now.
Wow, I am speechless…or typeless…just wow…trying to come up with the words to explain this phenomenal story is going to be a challenge!
Praying for Rain is a true testament to the writing genius that is BB Easton. While her previous books were semi-autographical and amazing in themselves, she really expands her repertoire with this story. She spreads her writing wings and takes us readers on a flight of fancy and frenzy.
The world she creates in this story is brutal and raw and amazingly vivid. The apocalyptic landscape she describes is scary and believable.
Wes and Rain are two souls at different ends of the emotional spectrum, one’s a survivor and one just wants their soul to fly free. The chemistry between them is fragile yet strong, fickle yet steadfast. When the end of the world is coming, Wes and Rain run the gamut of emotions and its beautiful disaster to read.
The twists and turns and surprises in this book is going to keep you turning the pages until it’s over and then promises more! (Which I cannot wait for!) There are points in this story where I gasped out loud, when I got teary eyed for the loss and devastation, and angry as hell. You are going to get the all the feelings in this story.
If you have never read BB Easton before, pick up this story. Immerse yourself in the world she creates. You will not be sorry!! This story is going to be in the running for my “Best Reads of 2019”. It’s that good!
While I sometimes read books about the end of the world as we know it…I don’t often and I didn’t read the blurb on this one. I knew I wanted to read the author before meeting her at a signing and chose this book to read. I was not for one second sorry I read it. It truly kept me glued to the pages wondering what would happen when my birthday hit (lol — April 23). Rain may have grown up a bit pampered but she is now one tough cookie and I loved everything about her. Wes had to grow on me a bit but in the end, he was everything a superhero should be (and I don’t mean in a Spiderman kind of way lol). All he wants is to survive…all she wants is to die quickly. Together they find a way to survive the last few days before the dreams truths come to light. Does it end on a cliffhanger? I have to say yes and I can’t wait to read what BB Easton has for us next.
This review is on the entire trilogy.
I am so glad I was able to buy this trilogy so I could avoid the cliffhangers. Rain and Wes’s stories were tragic. The world that BB Easton builds here does give you vibes of Hunger Games and even the Walking Dead minus the zombies. I thought it was great and well written. It will keep your attention throughout and have you cheering the characters to include side ones to a HEA. There is sadness, spicy and humor throughout the entire trilogy. I am so glad it came across my TikTok to remind me I haven’t listened to it yet. Madeleine and Alex do an amazing job. Highly recommend especially for YA.
Listened on Audible. Enjoyed the listening experience. The female narrator did a good job, and fit the characters well. She gave a quality performance. Not a huge fan of the male narrator; his voice is an interesting one, but not quite my favorite. He makes Rain sound extra annoying; he kind of made me chuckle some though, so that’s something. His voice grew on me. Overall, a good listening experience.
Interesting story with annoying characters. I love apocalypse type stories; this story starts a few days before a supposed apocalypse. All the people are having the same dream that April 23 the horsemen of the apocalypse are going to come and kill everyone, so without knowing for sure what will actually happen, most people start freaking out and going crazy. Rain and Wes are the POV’s we get during this time; they end up meeting when Wes “saves” Rain after she makes a stupid mistake. Both characters have issues, but they work together in hopes of surviving. Rain is a bit too pathetic for me; there’s some reasons why, but not enough for me to like her. She’s the needy sort that gloms onto people; she doesn’t really handle things well, she’s a tough character to root for at times. Wes has his douche moments; he has a everyone leaves, so I’ll leave first mentality. He thinks the worse of everyone, so he’s rude at times and thinks derogatory things about Rain. He’s mostly lying to himself and he has had a tough life, so I get where he’s coming from. There is some hot times between Rain and Wes; very much instalust, but their personalities do work together. Lots of steam between these two! Overall, the story is different and kept me interested despite not loving the characters. I’m interested in continuing on with the series.
I can’t believe I waited this long to start
this series!!! It’s so freaking good!!
It’s pure chaos and in the middle of it
Rain and Wes find each other, not knowing
how much they needed to. The build up is freaking
good. As the author slowly gives you crumbs and clues,
she leaves you still wanting and needing more.
It was very addictive, especially after that cliffy.
It was definitely a shocker.
Do you like apocalyptic romance? I didn’t think I’d be in the mood for one. Considering the current world events, reading about a fictional apocalypse hits too close to home. It doesn’t really fall under the definition of “escapist fiction” anymore, does it? 🙂
I confess, I picked up this book because it was free (even though I have about 100 of free books on my Kindle waiting to be read). This one happened to be one of those that once I’ve started reading, I couldn’t stop. Don’t you love that feeling when the book just takes over whatever you’ve planned for the day?
Love this author’s writing style. This was my first book by BB Easton, but it wouldn’t be the last.
I went into this book not knowing exactly what to expect, I just knew a friend of mine loved the series, so I wanted to experience her same enthusiasm. I’m so happy I jumped in because I loved every moment of this book. This book hooked me enough that I bough the next two and loved them as well!
” This book is dedicated to anyone who needs a reminder that none of this matters, and we’re all going to die.”
I wasn’t sure which genre this book belongs to, but was informed though reviews, that’s called distopian romantic suspense story.
This book was not what I expected although I saw it all over bookstagram some time ago.
Romantic yes, but only at the end of this book.
The remaining time it’s dark, disturbing, creepy and a very raw story.
A roller-coaster of action, excitement and real emotions filled with terror and suspense.
I loved every second of it
It’s definitely something else.
It’s gripping, exciting and unique.
I’ve never read a book like this one before.
The topic is even more interesting, because we’re living in strange pandemic times.
No, it’s not about diseases or anything along those lines, but you get a completely different perspective on a lot of things as you read it.
Apokalypse and the last 3 days left is the main topic of this book, but this book also addresses many complex topics and is so damn good written, I read it in one go.
The main characters are not perfect, they have many flaws and traumas that it’s sometimes hard to read about.
They are young and trying to survive in their own ways.
But they are so damn lovable and heartbreaking broken, that I had the strong desire to hug them, hold them or take care of them
Don’t think for a moment that they are weak.
Wes may have a broken soul and had experienced more cruel things in his short life that someone should, but that was exactly what made him strong and driven.
“Supplies. Shelter. Self-defense.”
Rainbow or Rain is a badass girl that struggles with her life or “living conditions” and the horror consequences of the predicted apocalypse.
She made peace with the thought that she will die.
She even wants to die.
She is smart, strong and funny, but tired of the mayhem in the world.
“Three more days. I only have to do this shit for three more days.”
Gosh! I’m an emotional wreck.
This book is…I don’t even know how to describe my feelings right now
This was my first book by this author though I’ve 5 of her books on my kindle
I’ll definitely read all of them now.
This book is the first book in a 3 books series and ends with a cliffhanger.
I’m jumping right into the second book now I hope I’ll survive it without heart attack so the review will be continued…
I still have no idea how I feel about this book, but I can definitively say that I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this trilogy. Rain and West were damaged in their own ways trying to cope with the apocalypse slowing approaching. Praying for Rain has romance, survival, violence, and tons of emotion. That ending was superb and I can’t wait for the next book.
I loved this book. BB Easton is such a talented writer and this book, being her first completely fictional one does not disappoint. Wes and rain gave me all the feels and I can’t wait for the next book to come out.
5 f*ck ’em stars
Wow! I adored this book. B.B. Easton is such a talented, awesome writer. Everything about this book is so, so good. The dialogue is perfection. Loved Rain and Wes (he’s my favorite kinda hero, damaged and anti-love until his heart is ripped from his chest). And the story and setting make for a wonderfully original take on a steamy romance. And I loved the Tom Hanks joke – my thoughts exactly Wes. 😉 Highly recommended.
Okay… Okay. I don’t even know where to start with this. And I genuinely don’t understand my feelings about it, but am attempting to write a review anyway. The cover of this book randomly popped up on my Pinterest feed one day and I was so intrigued, I looked it up. When it comes to pretty covers, I’m powerless, and there’s no denying that this one is kinda awesome. The goodreads page is chock-full of five star reviews (which I seriously don’t understand now????) and the ebook was only $1, so I went for it.
When I started reading this I immediately thought “Man, this is pretty messed up.”
Then I read a few more pages and thought again “Seriously, this is MESSED UP.”
And I did that repeatedly until I finished reading the entire friggin’ thing. Now I’m helpless against it’s pull because I’m absolutely 100% going to read the next one and I NEED to find out how this ends. But would I call this book “good” and recommend it to loved ones?? Heck no.
I’m trying to pinpoint what it was about this that pulled me in because despite all my smack talk, I read this thing lightening fast in one sitting and couldn’t put it down. And I think it was the premise. In this universe, everyone starts having nightmares about the four horsemen of the apocalypse on the same day with the date April 23 ominously shown in the background of every dream. The pressure of the upcoming armageddon eventually unravels society and everyone loses their flipping minds.
Now is the time for **trigger warnings** because when I say everyone loses their flipping minds, I mean it. They LOSE THEIR FLIPPING MINDS. Gangs run the streets and the local stores, there’s a rave/orgy in one of the local libraries, rape is an accepted risk of stepping out in public, guns are shot off willy nilly, and our protagonist gets beaten by a mob for trying to take a pill in a fast food restaurant. It was like watching a train wreck or the Kardashians and I couldn’t look away.
But despite all of… THAT… I was super intrigued by the dreams and the four horsemen. I kept reading to find out what would happen on April 23 and then was pleasantly surprised at the twist that happens at the end. The cliffy-ish ending has ensnared me, so hats off to the author for writing this bear trap of a novel and guaranteeing my money for the sequels.
One thing is for certain, I DEFINITELY didn’t keep reading for the awkward romance between these two very dysfunctional people. This book literally takes place over the span of three days and they act like they’ll be together for eternity.
~FINAL WORD~
I cannot in good faith recommend this book to anyone. Proceed with EXTREME caution because if you’re like me, you won’t be able to stop once you start. Then again, I kind of need someone to commiserate with. PLEASE SAVE ME.
A gritty dystopian novel with a lot of heart. The first part in a three part series. Its premise and protagonists are utterly fascinating. And BB Easton does not shy away from weightier topics like suicide and abuse, so be warned if said topics are triggering for you.
Rain and Wes are absolute fire together. Their chemistry and their bond is quite compelling. I can’t wait to read the next two novels to see how it all ends.
Four apocalyptic stars
I’m a fan of this author’s 44 Chapters series and she pulled off the dystopian genre flawlessly. This was a great start to an amazing series. Looking forward to the next book!
Romance Rehab: book recs, author services, general badassery: https://www.romancerehab.com/
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.