Ash on the Tongue

A Mayhem Manuscripts Season One: 1nf3ction Standalone

De: Lee McCormick

Narrado por: Liam DiCosimo, Jameson Adams

Humans were always monsters; the rain just gave them an excuse.

Aubrey

The infected didn't break me. They didn't capture me for experiments and use me like an object. Humanity made me into the monster I am.

I'm reckless because it makes me feel alive, careless because I'm addicted to pain. And I'm dangerous because I've got nothing left to live for.

Nothing, until I meet a raider who seems to see right through me…who demands I do the one thing I said I'd never do again.

Let him in.

Phoenix

My mother left me to die on streets flooded with crimson rain. From the time I was born, all I've known is betrayal.

Now all I know is my pack. We take what we want when we want. We survive, and we thrive because we know humans are as bad as the infected, and in this world, you eat or get eaten.

When I find a man who seems like he's got a death wish… I know he's mine. His reluctance makes me crave him. His defiance makes me burn like the fire in his eyes.

I've never wanted anything the way I want him. I need to know if his blood runs as red as the rain.

Ash on the Tongue is a dual POV MM dystopian dark romance, and part of the 1nf3ction multi-author series. It features a man broken by the world around him and a raider who thrives on his chaos. Expect dark situations, high heat, and two men willing to burn down the world to keep what's theirs.

Contains mature content. A complete list of content warnings can be found on the author's website.

©2025 Lee McCormick (P)2026 Podium Audio

Another incredible work from Lee

Lee kills it as always. Their characters always resonate with you no matter what universe they’re in, and Aubrey and Phoenix are no exception. 10/10

Dark, brutal and scorching hot

I've been waiting for this one to be released as audiobook since I first came across an Instagram post about an upcoming multi author series, set in a dark, post apocalyptic world. If I remember correctly, it was once again the cover that caught my attention (that was how I ended up buying Under Your Skin, also by Lee McCormick). 🤪

In Ash on the Tongue the world as we know it is long gone. 75 years earlier scientists released some sort of virus by rain. Infected humans and animals turned rabid but some were only carriers who could live normally as long as they stayed out of the rain

Kill or be killed, that was the world both Aubrey (Liam DiCosimo) and Phoenix (Jameson Adams) had been born into. A dark and evil place where survival of the fittest also meant surviving by cannibalism. It definitely was a brutal world and I enjoyed the world-building.

Phoenix, who had his fair share of crap happening to him, was this feral, vicious guy how ruled over his little found family, or pack. He was strong and th tough and I was really surprised when I understood how young he was, he certainly carried himself as someone much older.

Aubrey had experienced loss and betrayal which had hardened his heart and made him a tough and reckless seemingly untouchable guy. They only feelings he allowed himself to feel was anger and physical pain.

When they both got together is was primal and painful. Phoenix was extremely possessive from the start. Because they were shit at using their words, sex was one way they used to express themselves. And boy, oh boy, did they have much to express. 🌶️🔥 It was pretty quickly obvious that both of them were much more than their tough and hardened personas. Aubrey hadn't managed to erase his compassionate nature completely and Phoenix showed a softer side every time he took care of Aubrey. In a world full of darkness and pain they did find their own fucked up brand of love.

I loved the idea of framing the story with Lyra and Iris's letters. That was such a sweet touch, I actually had goosebumps when Phoenix found them! And a shout-out to the narrators who both did an amazing job!

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CAWPILE-inspired rating system (original CAWPILE system by Book Roast on YouTube).

Characters 8/10
Relationships 8/10
Plot & Structure 9/10
Atmosphere & Setting (Worldbuilding) 9/10
Writing Style & Language 9/10
Intrigue & Interest 8/10
Logic & Conclusion 8/10
Enjoyment & Experience 9/10

Average Score 8.5/10
The StoryGraph Rating ☆ 4.5/5

Narration 4/5
Cover 5/5
Amount of Steam 5/5
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