Small Game: A Novel

Survival is supposed to be a game, but in the heart of the deep woods, the line between reality and television begins to blur. Laura is a wilderness survival expert who joins a group of strangers for a high-stakes competition show, expecting only the challenges of the elements. Instead, she finds herself drawn to Eden, a fellow contestant whose quiet strength and unexpected vulnerability cut through the isolation of the forest. As the cameras stop rolling and the production team fails to check in, the game transforms into a desperate test of endurance and trust. What begins as a tense, atmospheric thriller evolves into an intimate exploration of human connection under pressure. Surrounded by the brutal beauty of the wild, Laura and Eden must rely on each other to navigate the rising stakes and the psychological toll of their environment. This story captures the raw, gritty reality of backpacking and hunting while weaving in a tender, slow-burn romance that flourishes in the most unlikely of places. It is a haunting, compelling look at what happens when the world falls away, leaving only the people who truly matter. Perfect for fans of survivalist narratives looking for a deeply human, heartfelt core.