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Love and Decay 1 #2
Love and Decay, Episode Two
Zombies- as if that wasn’t enough to ruin any girl’s dream of a happily ever after.
Reagan and Haley thought they had life figured out. Kill a few Zombies in the morning, scavenge for food, kill some more Zombies, find a place to take cover for the night. Life was simple and relatively routine. Well, until they met the Parker brothers.
Now, they’re road-tripping south together, in the hopes of escaping the Apocalypse riddled world they live in and finding some peace on the other side of the equator. Hendrix and Vaughan make some things easier with their ample supply of weapons and ability to scout out safe places and travel unharmed. But then some things are more difficult with two gorgeous, protective boys working hard to convince Reagan she needs them.
But who has time for feelings when there are scarier things to worry about? When they run into an outpost of militia, their futures might be decided for them. Now they don’t only have to dodge Zombies, but figure out a way to escape a settlement full of men intent on making the Parker brothers soldiers and Haley and Reagan join their brothel of women.
Survival at the end of the world is a costly thing, and Reagan can only take it one day at a time. With the Parker brothers and their precious sister Page now in the mix, survival is even more imperative and this day, more than any other, might be the most dangerous of them all.
Love and Decay, Episode Two, the second in a novella series in a Dystopian Romance about Zombies, the end of the world and finding someone to share it with.
This story takes place over multiple episodes, with a release date every two weeks. Approximately 20,000 words.(less)
Reagan and Haley thought they had life figured out. Kill a few Zombies in the morning, scavenge for food, kill some more Zombies, find a place to take cover for the night. Life was simple and relatively routine. Well, until they met the Parker brothers.
Now, they’re road-tripping south together, in the hopes of escaping the Apocalypse riddled world they live in and finding some peace on the other side of the equator. Hendrix and Vaughan make some things easier with their ample supply of weapons and ability to scout out safe places and travel unharmed. But then some things are more difficult with two gorgeous, protective boys working hard to convince Reagan she needs them.
But who has time for feelings when there are scarier things to worry about? When they run into an outpost of militia, their futures might be decided for them. Now they don’t only have to dodge Zombies, but figure out a way to escape a settlement full of men intent on making the Parker brothers soldiers and Haley and Reagan join their brothel of women.
Survival at the end of the world is a costly thing, and Reagan can only take it one day at a time. With the Parker brothers and their precious sister Page now in the mix, survival is even more imperative and this day, more than any other, might be the most dangerous of them all.
Love and Decay, Episode Two, the second in a novella series in a Dystopian Romance about Zombies, the end of the world and finding someone to share it with.
This story takes place over multiple episodes, with a release date every two weeks. Approximately 20,000 words.(less)
ebook
First published July 25, 2013
3 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Higginson
120 books3,491 followersRachel Higginson is the best-selling author of The Five Stages of Falling in Love, Every Wrong Reason, Bet on Us and The Star-Crossed Series.
She was born and raised in Nebraska, and spent her college years traveling the world. She fell in love with Eastern Europe, Paris, Indian Food and the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka, but came back home to marry her high school sweetheart. Now she spends her days writing stories and raising five amazing kids.
She was born and raised in Nebraska, and spent her college years traveling the world. She fell in love with Eastern Europe, Paris, Indian Food and the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka, but came back home to marry her high school sweetheart. Now she spends her days writing stories and raising five amazing kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
April 30, 2015
**4 Parker Stars**
OK...so now we add into the mix a bunch of brothers who are all smokin hot with 6 pack abs and can hit a zombie between the eyes each and every time!
And then add in a love triangle where Raegan will eventually have to choose between brothers.
Reading on.....
OK...so now we add into the mix a bunch of brothers who are all smokin hot with 6 pack abs and can hit a zombie between the eyes each and every time!
And then add in a love triangle where Raegan will eventually have to choose between brothers.
Reading on.....
March 1, 2019
🔆Kindle Unlimited🔆
February 17, 2018
Ugh. I picked this up after a pretty abysmal first book, because I was hoping for improvement. Nope. The two major problems with book 1 got worse (spelling / grammar problems and weak storytelling), and a third problem entered --- the main character spends more than 50% of the pages musing on her feelings and waxing philosophical. Like, in the middle of a zombie fight, she's going on and on in her head about the strength of love and her fear of falling dependent on a boy. I skimmed most of this book, but it only got worse.
Nope.
Nope.
January 9, 2023
This is an interesting series.
It has humour so things don't get too heavy but at the same time they do loose people and there is violence and killing.
The series is a long one and these main characters stories continue for 3 seasons.
There is also a spin off series that deals with the sister later.
There is little intimacy. There is touching, hugging and a few kisses but no sex until much later in the last season.
The main 2 characters have love interests but due to the nature of the start of the virus and the constant threat there are no intimate scenes until the end of season 3.
Each season ends on a HFN with an enemy thread running through the whole series.
Each episode either ends as HFN with a goal set for the next or at times an immediate threat will run across several episodes.
At the time I read these the whole series was on Amazon KU so it was possible to read one after the other or complete in a box set.
If you start reading and want to get to a HEA you will need to read the entire 3 seasons.
There is the immediate zombie threat which is constant but also the series deals with humanities reaction to survival.
Often a bigger threat is the desire for power between the surviving groups and these at times use lack of resources and scientific experimentation to control the main threats.
Later in the series there is a love triangle situation of sorts for the heroine.
It's not exactly a love triangle but there is a dividing force between the main couple due to the interest from another man.
There are no intimate details but there is a kissing scene with the other man, but at the time the main couple are not together.
The characters are all very different, they have their flaws but they are college age so when they make mistakes and sometimes they are stupid ones I put it down to youth and although they have learnt survival through experience the threat is constant so it's not easy for them to be sensible all the time.
There is a good bit of banter between the group and a great deal of humour.
There are some serious issues dealt with too and the main human enemy threat is pretty evil.
It has humour so things don't get too heavy but at the same time they do loose people and there is violence and killing.
The series is a long one and these main characters stories continue for 3 seasons.
There is also a spin off series that deals with the sister later.
There is little intimacy. There is touching, hugging and a few kisses but no sex until much later in the last season.
The main 2 characters have love interests but due to the nature of the start of the virus and the constant threat there are no intimate scenes until the end of season 3.
Each season ends on a HFN with an enemy thread running through the whole series.
Each episode either ends as HFN with a goal set for the next or at times an immediate threat will run across several episodes.
At the time I read these the whole series was on Amazon KU so it was possible to read one after the other or complete in a box set.
If you start reading and want to get to a HEA you will need to read the entire 3 seasons.
There is the immediate zombie threat which is constant but also the series deals with humanities reaction to survival.
Often a bigger threat is the desire for power between the surviving groups and these at times use lack of resources and scientific experimentation to control the main threats.
Later in the series there is a love triangle situation of sorts for the heroine.
It's not exactly a love triangle but there is a dividing force between the main couple due to the interest from another man.
There are no intimate details but there is a kissing scene with the other man, but at the time the main couple are not together.
The characters are all very different, they have their flaws but they are college age so when they make mistakes and sometimes they are stupid ones I put it down to youth and although they have learnt survival through experience the threat is constant so it's not easy for them to be sensible all the time.
There is a good bit of banter between the group and a great deal of humour.
There are some serious issues dealt with too and the main human enemy threat is pretty evil.
July 26, 2013
Raegan and Haley were lucky when they ran in to the Parker brothers. In their world nobody can be trusted. There are people out there that want to use you for what little you have and cause harm. But when they crashed in on the Parker's humble abode, they actually lucked out. They are the good guys. And good guys are rare.
Heading south to South America with hope of finding family that may still be alive and surviving, the group sets out. A week into the trip, they have a run in with some zombies and a group of survivors. And something is not right about them. (The survivors…of course there is something not right with the zombies…they eat flesh.) But if they plan to make it out alive, they have to do what these crazies want.Surviving comes at a cost, a cost that none of them can afford.
I was super stoked that Higginson released episode 2 a day early. So much in fact, I dropped yet another book I was reading and ran to buy it. And under an hour I had that puppy read. But then I realized I have to wait another 2 weeks for #3. What started out as excitement soon turned to depression. Higginson is feeding us her book crack one episode at a time and us zombie junkies sit back and let her. What else can we do? Cause an uprising? Turn MISERY on her and tie her to a bed with a block of wood between her feet demanding more zombies...more Parker brothers...more zombies? Hey, yeah. I kinda like that idea. Who's with me?
This short story series is a must read and I am loving it so far. So, so much. I love all the tension that is filling up within its pages and cannot get enough of these characters. I am seriously needing more of it by the time I am finished and wish Higginson would get a move on already and release the episodes faster. ;)
Have you read epi #1 yet? What did you think of it? I would love to know!
Heading south to South America with hope of finding family that may still be alive and surviving, the group sets out. A week into the trip, they have a run in with some zombies and a group of survivors. And something is not right about them. (The survivors…of course there is something not right with the zombies…they eat flesh.) But if they plan to make it out alive, they have to do what these crazies want.Surviving comes at a cost, a cost that none of them can afford.
I was super stoked that Higginson released episode 2 a day early. So much in fact, I dropped yet another book I was reading and ran to buy it. And under an hour I had that puppy read. But then I realized I have to wait another 2 weeks for #3. What started out as excitement soon turned to depression. Higginson is feeding us her book crack one episode at a time and us zombie junkies sit back and let her. What else can we do? Cause an uprising? Turn MISERY on her and tie her to a bed with a block of wood between her feet demanding more zombies...more Parker brothers...more zombies? Hey, yeah. I kinda like that idea. Who's with me?
This short story series is a must read and I am loving it so far. So, so much. I love all the tension that is filling up within its pages and cannot get enough of these characters. I am seriously needing more of it by the time I am finished and wish Higginson would get a move on already and release the episodes faster. ;)
Have you read epi #1 yet? What did you think of it? I would love to know!
July 24, 2015
Okay. So the boys are hot and even that even the youngest will be the subject of my drool.
This episode is a good sequel and gives a nice flow to the story. It also had me giggling shamelessly in public, which I don't usually do.
However, there are bore-spots in it and the thrill is somehow less focused. I started the story high with action but now it's turning to a romance novel.
This episode is a good sequel and gives a nice flow to the story. It also had me giggling shamelessly in public, which I don't usually do.
However, there are bore-spots in it and the thrill is somehow less focused. I started the story high with action but now it's turning to a romance novel.
June 4, 2015
They just keep getting better and better!!!
Read
September 7, 2017This episode of L&D was strange. But a good horrible time for our crew and then some cheesecake lovesickness in the making. I'm looking forward to the next episode.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2018
It's basically the same as book one. Needs editing, the characters don't draw me in or make me feel connected to them, and it's fairly predictable.
January 6, 2019
Need serious editing.
May 2, 2023
Language
October 14, 2013
This is a spoiler free review on Love & Decay Episodes 1-7
(Giveaway at the end of the review...Giveaway if for the entire first season of Love & Decay, some are not yet released but will be sent to the winner upon release.)
This has been such a great, fun, and exciting read. I am a huge fan of zombies. Have been for as long as I can remember. Now, it is so easy to get your zombie fix so easy...we have The Walking Dead, the millions of movies out there, from World War Z, Zombieland and the classics like Night of the Living Dead but when it comes to getting a zombie fix in a book with the added bonus of a romance...Love & Decay is PERFECT.
Let me start by telling you that while Love & Decay is in fact a series of Novella's, it is also a lot like a show. Every two weeks a new episode is released. They are short quick reads but a packed full of action, romance and lots of gross gooey zombie blood.
Love & Decay reflects around a tight knit family, The Parker's and 2 young ladies. The Parker's are from oldest to youngest, Vaughan, Hendrix, Nelson, Harrison, King and the 8 year old little sister Page. They have survived the past two years by being careful of their surroundings, untrustworthy of others and relying on their awesome survival skills.
Reagan and Haley are two 20 year old girls who seriously kick ass...figuratively and literally. They lost everyone the cared for right in the beginning of the spreading zombie virus (which has a pretty funny start btw). They were not always the zombie ass kicking, bad ass girls they are now. They were the popular cheerleaders, into boys, nice clothes, girly girls. It is seriously pretty damn impressive that they have survived this long.
This whole series or I should probably should say season has been about two groups joining together and forming a bond that is a force to be reckoned with. During a zombie apocalypse, the last thing on anyone's mind is love. Finding the one, living a normal life for a girl right out of high school, well almost out of high school (damn zombies).
Reagan is the main story teller. We got one episode in Haley's POV which was nice, got to get inside her head a bit and learn more about her take on the whole zombie thing and a bit of how she feels about a certain Parker Brother. There is also a couple added members in the later episodes, brother and sister Tyler and Miller. I am now reading episode 8 which happens to be Tyler's POV so I'm hoping that I start to like her more and understand her more.
I really enjoy reading these novella's. They are super fun and you actually picture the scene in front of you. While, yes, there are a bit of editing problems here and there, I don't really pay much attention to it since the author has to be pretty darn busy to be releasing them every 2 weeks. Editing take some time and well, I'd rather have the book instead of waiting.
This book has everything. I mean everything...there is blood, guns, action, HUMOR, love, kissing, drama, fighting...I can't think of anymore to type but its all there. Rachel Higginson has a true talent. This has a mix of your zombieland humor, your walking dead action and seriousness and MORE...
I highly recommend this series to everyone. Even if your not a zombie fan you will definitely not care after this, its just so much fun to read and am so happy I found this series.
There will be 12 total episodes is this season and the author has said there is 3 seasons planned so far. The first season should end in November. We should expect Episode 9 October 25th.
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July 24, 2013
**I received this as an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
Willingness to Put Down
This one feels a lot shorter than the last one. I don’t know if it’s because the story moves quickly. Or with the last, it was setting up the story, and it was just longer because of that. But this was a super quick read.
It was so face paced though. You couldn’t put it down, because there was no good spot to stop! Between zombie fighting action, then getting stuck with a bunch of whacks… you just couldn’t put it down.
Editing/Story/Plot/Characters
Crapola… Zombies that have a leader of sorts? Who knew zombies could have any sort of rational thought – where they would just stand there, taunting you? Well… unless you’ve watched ‘Warm Bodies’, in which case, those zombies do have thoughts… but that is a different story.
Then enter a bunch of crazy whacks, that you really don’t know what to make of. I mean, you know their intentions aren’t good. You just know that something… something bad is about to happen.
It takes a bit, you know, not until the next morning, when you find out what kind of trouble they are now in, because of said whacks.
This is such a freaking intense novella. Like, biting your nails, “What the heck is going to happen?!” tense.
Heart Fluttering/School Girl Giggling/Tears
Oh my goodness, you guys. It started off so funny ! A whole exchange about Orphan Annie and Jay-Z… I was seriously laughing out loud. My girl Haley (the character… not Hales, the ‘H’ in H&C Reads, who NEVER reviews anymore… cough.) said it best, “No, I will not tell you about Jay-Z, ever. And thanks to the Apocalypse you might never, ever have to hear about that entire genre of music for your entire life.”
Bahahahaha… Rachel, you are my hero.
Leading Man’s Boyfriend Potential (if acceptable)
Um…. Now I’m confused. I thought it was Hendrix. But it could be Vaughan? Wait… WHAT?!
V: “Plus, there’s me to worry about.”
R: “You’d be heartbroken?”
V: “Not yet… But I’m working on it.”
WHAT?!?! Don’t you be stepping in on Hendrix’s girl, Vaughan. Don’t do it!!
On the other hand, you have Hendrix… who has his quirky way of showing his ‘feelings’ toward Reagan. But the scenes with them… Oh my… those scenes… They made me hold my breath, begging, pleading for something to happen.
Seriously, if I was Reagan… I’d be all sorts of messed up by those two boys.
Favorite Scene (without giving anything away… just to get you to really want to read)
When Hendrix is getting into the crazies vehicle, and Reagan grabs his pinky to talk to him.
When they are leaving the crazies, and Hendrix and Reagan are chatting, and Hendrix brings up their ‘secret’.. bahaha.
At the end, when Reagan and Hendrix are lying next to each other.
Favorite Quotes
“He shrugged, nodded and smirked at the same time. It was like a trifecta of sexiness. Damn him.”
“Good work, captain, my captain.” (Dead Poets Society for the win!!!)
“Love is the strongest motivator of all, Reagan. Stronger than fear, stronger than hate, stronger than whatever else is out there. Love is more than enough to survive with; it’s enough to live with.”
Willingness to Put Down
This one feels a lot shorter than the last one. I don’t know if it’s because the story moves quickly. Or with the last, it was setting up the story, and it was just longer because of that. But this was a super quick read.
It was so face paced though. You couldn’t put it down, because there was no good spot to stop! Between zombie fighting action, then getting stuck with a bunch of whacks… you just couldn’t put it down.
Editing/Story/Plot/Characters
Crapola… Zombies that have a leader of sorts? Who knew zombies could have any sort of rational thought – where they would just stand there, taunting you? Well… unless you’ve watched ‘Warm Bodies’, in which case, those zombies do have thoughts… but that is a different story.
Then enter a bunch of crazy whacks, that you really don’t know what to make of. I mean, you know their intentions aren’t good. You just know that something… something bad is about to happen.
It takes a bit, you know, not until the next morning, when you find out what kind of trouble they are now in, because of said whacks.
This is such a freaking intense novella. Like, biting your nails, “What the heck is going to happen?!” tense.
Heart Fluttering/School Girl Giggling/Tears
Oh my goodness, you guys. It started off so funny ! A whole exchange about Orphan Annie and Jay-Z… I was seriously laughing out loud. My girl Haley (the character… not Hales, the ‘H’ in H&C Reads, who NEVER reviews anymore… cough.) said it best, “No, I will not tell you about Jay-Z, ever. And thanks to the Apocalypse you might never, ever have to hear about that entire genre of music for your entire life.”
Bahahahaha… Rachel, you are my hero.
Leading Man’s Boyfriend Potential (if acceptable)
Um…. Now I’m confused. I thought it was Hendrix. But it could be Vaughan? Wait… WHAT?!
V: “Plus, there’s me to worry about.”
R: “You’d be heartbroken?”
V: “Not yet… But I’m working on it.”
WHAT?!?! Don’t you be stepping in on Hendrix’s girl, Vaughan. Don’t do it!!
On the other hand, you have Hendrix… who has his quirky way of showing his ‘feelings’ toward Reagan. But the scenes with them… Oh my… those scenes… They made me hold my breath, begging, pleading for something to happen.
Seriously, if I was Reagan… I’d be all sorts of messed up by those two boys.
Favorite Scene (without giving anything away… just to get you to really want to read)
When Hendrix is getting into the crazies vehicle, and Reagan grabs his pinky to talk to him.
When they are leaving the crazies, and Hendrix and Reagan are chatting, and Hendrix brings up their ‘secret’.. bahaha.
At the end, when Reagan and Hendrix are lying next to each other.
Favorite Quotes
“He shrugged, nodded and smirked at the same time. It was like a trifecta of sexiness. Damn him.”
“Good work, captain, my captain.” (Dead Poets Society for the win!!!)
“Love is the strongest motivator of all, Reagan. Stronger than fear, stronger than hate, stronger than whatever else is out there. Love is more than enough to survive with; it’s enough to live with.”
July 24, 2013
Thanks to Rachel for an ARC of this book!
You guys, this second installment was amazing! Yet again. Like really, there's no surprise that it was awesome and I loved it. Right? How could I not?
We met the gorgeous Parker brothers last time. (And may I mention that I love that last name? It's adorable!) It was clear to me that there was going to be something brewing between Reagan and one of the Parker boys. Both Vaughan and Hendrix showed up on my radar in that first installment and I could feel some brotherly competition was on its way.
Now, I'm not saying that anything happened yet, but there could be a storm in the future (I hope). As messed up as it sounds, I love a little battle for the girl between two brothers - when it ends well, that is. That kind of drama is my guilty pleasure.
So in this chapter of the story, Reagan and Haley have been with the Parker family for about a week when they run into a little zombie mess on the road. But it turns out that zombies aren't always the worst thing to fear in this world. Humans can be even scarier than zombies running after you to eat your flesh and munch on your juicy brain.
Good thing Reagan and Haley have hunky boys that want to protect them.
And flirt with them.
Nelson goes for the teasing approach with Haley, kneeing her in the back of the car like he's a little kid. I love Reagan's response because it is exactly what I was thinking. Dear grown men everywhere, your elementary school bully tactics pissed us off back then, why are you still convinced they will ever work? Though, in Nelson and Haley's case it's kinda cute.
Um...I don't want to spoil anything for anyone, but Reagan and Vaughan may or may not pretend to be husband and wife for part of this episode...just sayin'.
But I'm shooting for Hendrix and Reagan. He's got the broody/intense thing going on.
On a slightly related note having to do with the day Hendrix and Reagan first met...
So excited for more! And I hope there's some extra zombie killing coming up. I'm ready for it!
You guys, this second installment was amazing! Yet again. Like really, there's no surprise that it was awesome and I loved it. Right? How could I not?
We met the gorgeous Parker brothers last time. (And may I mention that I love that last name? It's adorable!) It was clear to me that there was going to be something brewing between Reagan and one of the Parker boys. Both Vaughan and Hendrix showed up on my radar in that first installment and I could feel some brotherly competition was on its way.
Now, I'm not saying that anything happened yet, but there could be a storm in the future (I hope). As messed up as it sounds, I love a little battle for the girl between two brothers - when it ends well, that is. That kind of drama is my guilty pleasure.
So in this chapter of the story, Reagan and Haley have been with the Parker family for about a week when they run into a little zombie mess on the road. But it turns out that zombies aren't always the worst thing to fear in this world. Humans can be even scarier than zombies running after you to eat your flesh and munch on your juicy brain.
Good thing Reagan and Haley have hunky boys that want to protect them.
And flirt with them.
Nelson goes for the teasing approach with Haley, kneeing her in the back of the car like he's a little kid. I love Reagan's response because it is exactly what I was thinking. Dear grown men everywhere, your elementary school bully tactics pissed us off back then, why are you still convinced they will ever work? Though, in Nelson and Haley's case it's kinda cute.
Um...I don't want to spoil anything for anyone, but Reagan and Vaughan may or may not pretend to be husband and wife for part of this episode...just sayin'.
But I'm shooting for Hendrix and Reagan. He's got the broody/intense thing going on.
On a slightly related note having to do with the day Hendrix and Reagan first met...
So excited for more! And I hope there's some extra zombie killing coming up. I'm ready for it!
September 9, 2013
I love this series. It's refreshing and hilarious, and I want to quote like the whole thing!
"Oh my god," Haley grumbled. "I'm in a Zombie musical."
In this book, there are lighter moments. It's nice to have the reprieve from the Zombies at times, and when the boys are all singing in the car, it's nice to see them just being kids (or young adults - some of the boys were in college) again.
But, you never forget that you are in another world with lines like this - "The soothing sound of magazines clicking into place filled the silence of the interior of the car [...]"
And, the girls stay true to their cheerleader/debate team/high school roots, even though they have come so far from that! That is what I like to call A+ realistic characterization. I've read way too many books where the characters travel from point A to point B and have zero remnants/reminders of point A, I guess it's possible, but I really like having those flash back points.
"They were playing defense, forcing us to make the first move. Also, apparently all that cheerleading finally paid off - basketball taught me something useful. Go Team."
This one also coins the phrase "post-slay-guilt." I though this was good because though they have all become quite adept killers, they are not reveling in it, it's just something that has to be done to survive and they do think twice about it, they wish they didn't have to kill people who essentially used to be them. Sometimes with zombie movies/comics/etc., they start to feel like an entirely different species. I think this holds a lot of emotion when they think of it like that, that they are essentially the same, minus the thirst for flesh and all.
And again I was reminded of how much I love the family aspect to this series. Vaughan sums it up well with his lines about being motivated by love.
"Love," he said simply. "I love my family. I would do anything for them - anything to keep them safe."
"Love is the strongest motivator of all, Reagan. Stronger than fear, stronger than hate, stronger than whatever else is out there. Love is more than enough to survive with; it's enough to live with."
And that's where you want the story to go, to a place where they can truly live again. <3
"First degree murder was not being a good role model." - Reagan thinking about Page. They meet up with some less than savory humans in this book, ones that have set up a military like base, and boy is it creepy!! It's like the town with the Governor from Walking Dead ratcheted up to a whole new level of ick!
And holy love triangle alert for this one! I didn't see that coming.
"Oh, I didn't mean with him," Nelson mumbled, sounding smug. "He wouldn't know how to flirt with a hooker."
and one of my favorite lines from this one, because I am such a total girl...
"Yes, Reagan, that's like a metaphor." AWW! Just wait!
"Oh my god," Haley grumbled. "I'm in a Zombie musical."
In this book, there are lighter moments. It's nice to have the reprieve from the Zombies at times, and when the boys are all singing in the car, it's nice to see them just being kids (or young adults - some of the boys were in college) again.
But, you never forget that you are in another world with lines like this - "The soothing sound of magazines clicking into place filled the silence of the interior of the car [...]"
And, the girls stay true to their cheerleader/debate team/high school roots, even though they have come so far from that! That is what I like to call A+ realistic characterization. I've read way too many books where the characters travel from point A to point B and have zero remnants/reminders of point A, I guess it's possible, but I really like having those flash back points.
"They were playing defense, forcing us to make the first move. Also, apparently all that cheerleading finally paid off - basketball taught me something useful. Go Team."
This one also coins the phrase "post-slay-guilt." I though this was good because though they have all become quite adept killers, they are not reveling in it, it's just something that has to be done to survive and they do think twice about it, they wish they didn't have to kill people who essentially used to be them. Sometimes with zombie movies/comics/etc., they start to feel like an entirely different species. I think this holds a lot of emotion when they think of it like that, that they are essentially the same, minus the thirst for flesh and all.
And again I was reminded of how much I love the family aspect to this series. Vaughan sums it up well with his lines about being motivated by love.
"Love," he said simply. "I love my family. I would do anything for them - anything to keep them safe."
"Love is the strongest motivator of all, Reagan. Stronger than fear, stronger than hate, stronger than whatever else is out there. Love is more than enough to survive with; it's enough to live with."
And that's where you want the story to go, to a place where they can truly live again. <3
"First degree murder was not being a good role model." - Reagan thinking about Page. They meet up with some less than savory humans in this book, ones that have set up a military like base, and boy is it creepy!! It's like the town with the Governor from Walking Dead ratcheted up to a whole new level of ick!
And holy love triangle alert for this one! I didn't see that coming.
"Oh, I didn't mean with him," Nelson mumbled, sounding smug. "He wouldn't know how to flirt with a hooker."
and one of my favorite lines from this one, because I am such a total girl...
"Yes, Reagan, that's like a metaphor." AWW! Just wait!
July 29, 2013
Well my girl Rachel hits the road running with her second installment of the exciting "Love & Decay" series. We pick up right where she left us, the Parker brothers Lead by Vaughn *sigh* & Hendrix *sigh again* Reagan & Haley barreling down a deserted highway keeping an eye out for zombies. Of course it doesn't take long to find a herd of hungry almost "organized" *shiver* (I think this is foreshadowing??) zombies looking for flesh however, the group soon discovers that feeders aren't the only threat in this Apocalyptic dangerous new world.......Gary, a tyrant with malicious intentions forcefully insists that Hendrix & Vaughn bring their group back to his compound. Once there, Reagan begins to see the seedy underbelly of society is still alive & well......
Amongst all the blood, rank smelling zombies & over zealous army wannabes Reagan realizes that maybe life isn't JUST about surviving maybe there is room for love. She grows much closer to one of the Parker boys (you'll have to read to find out who!) Let the deep, smoldering, sexy across the room staring commence! *sigh* Let me tell you my Rachel girl KNOWS how to write about sexy & a bit cheeky book boys! No but seriously, this book is a turning point for Reagan in that she now understands she's not in this hell hole all alone she has a "family" who truly cares about her well-being. She let the hard exterior around her broken heart crack just a bit to let some light shine in.
Of course I LOVED this book! I was literally chomping at the bit to have this next segment of "Love & Decay" in my greedy little hands. These books are so addicting!! It's not just because I'm obsessed with zombies, no it's because you'll become so enraptured with this book you'll feel an emotional connection to each of these characters. I was literally gripping my iPad & holding my breath through most of this book. When I wasn't doing that, I was laughing at some sarcastic comment or sighing at something sweet Hendrix or Vaughn said. This is truly a must read series!!
July 25, 2013
"Love wasn’t what motivated me yet. But I could feel it coming, feel it rolling into my life slowly, securely, in a way that wouldn’t get erased or replaced. And while I waited for love, I would fight this decay and live with hope. Because if it was all I had, hope when everything was hopeless, wasn’t so bad."
Reagan and Haley have set out toward Peru with The Parker family. As they travel, Reagan and Haley are taught how to protect themselves and find themselves wanting to protect the others as well. But just when they seem to be getting on, trouble hits. Not only in the form of Zombies but also humans, humans that aren’t friendly and refuse to take NO as an answer.
With no other option, they follow the mad men to their compound.
During their time there Reagan realizes that not one but two Parker men are possibly interested in her. There is Vaughn, their leader and the oldest, who is sweet and protective of everyone he loves. And then there is Hendrix, who is like his older brother but different in a serious way. Vaughn is pretty subtle with his intent but Hendrix has never been subtle and he stirs feelings in Reagan that she has never felt.
But in a world of decay they live in, Love is hard for Reagan to believe in. The only thing she has is hope. Hope that they all make it out alive, that there is a possibility of reclaiming humanity and that maybe Peru isn’t a hopeless goal.
Hope is the only thing she has left; but love isn’t too far off…
Episode two will take you on the next step of this adventure! You will be so infuriated at times, laugh your head off at others, and swoon over the overly protective brothers!
Continue this wonderful novella series! Pick up Episode #2 on July 26th! Don’t miss out!
HAPPY READING!
July 26, 2013
Never in a million years would I have thought I would actually anticipate a book about a zombie apocalypse, but Rachel Higginson has managed to pull it off the impossible. I went into the first episode of Love & Decay with massive reservations and to be honest the ONLY reason I read it was because I am a huge fan of every other book that Higginson has written and thought what the heck, each episode is only .99 cents. All I can say is that as long as Higginson is the one writing about the zombies, then bring on the apocalypse.
Love and Decay is written like a tv series, with a new ‘episode’ coming out every 2 weeks, which is awesome since we won’t have to wait a year or more to find out what happens next like you would in many book series. (I have been waiting almost 20 years for the final book of the Night World series by LJ Smith…) In Episode 2 we find Regan and Hayley traveling south to Peru with the Parkers in tow. Now of course, in this zombie infested dystopian world things can’t be too easy and we learn that not only do you have to watch out for the legions of brain eating undead but you need to watch out for the rest of the living humanity as well. Will this band of merry wanderers make it intact to Peru? Which love will Regan decide to motivate her? Well I guess we will have to wait and find out. There is more strong language then my conservativeness prefers, and I would love to share Page’s 'cuss jar'. I would not recommend this book for children under the age of 13.
Pickup Love and Decay Episodes 1 & 2, now available at Amazon for .99 each
Love and Decay is written like a tv series, with a new ‘episode’ coming out every 2 weeks, which is awesome since we won’t have to wait a year or more to find out what happens next like you would in many book series. (I have been waiting almost 20 years for the final book of the Night World series by LJ Smith…) In Episode 2 we find Regan and Hayley traveling south to Peru with the Parkers in tow. Now of course, in this zombie infested dystopian world things can’t be too easy and we learn that not only do you have to watch out for the legions of brain eating undead but you need to watch out for the rest of the living humanity as well. Will this band of merry wanderers make it intact to Peru? Which love will Regan decide to motivate her? Well I guess we will have to wait and find out. There is more strong language then my conservativeness prefers, and I would love to share Page’s 'cuss jar'. I would not recommend this book for children under the age of 13.
Pickup Love and Decay Episodes 1 & 2, now available at Amazon for .99 each
July 26, 2013
This weeks installment of Rachel Higginson's new zombie series takes place one week after the events in Episode 1, and our crew has settled into a (somewhat) comfortable routine of southward migration. Comfortable, that is, until they come across a road block of zombies... Of course, they're used to zombies.
What they aren't used to are settlements that use zombies as a blockade AND test for would-be visitors (or passers-through). Settlers that have very particular ideas on the role that a women should play in this new world. And it's not a role that sits right with Reagan, Haley, OR the Parker brothers.
It especially doesn't sit well with Hendrix. He of the smoldering eyes and not-so-subtle hints of feelings that are far too inappropriate for an apocalyptic setting. While his brother may be fine with elementary-style flirting his way into the heart of Haley, Hendrix is willing to wait for Reagan to realize, what in his mind, is inevitable...
But, while Reagan in unequivocally drawn to Hendrix despite his infuriating attitude and over-evolved sense of protection, his older brother Vaughan is making a confusing situation even more difficult with his easy jokes and genuine good-guy attitude...
Who knew that the end of the world would have so many hunky bachelors to choose from?
What they aren't used to are settlements that use zombies as a blockade AND test for would-be visitors (or passers-through). Settlers that have very particular ideas on the role that a women should play in this new world. And it's not a role that sits right with Reagan, Haley, OR the Parker brothers.
It especially doesn't sit well with Hendrix. He of the smoldering eyes and not-so-subtle hints of feelings that are far too inappropriate for an apocalyptic setting. While his brother may be fine with elementary-style flirting his way into the heart of Haley, Hendrix is willing to wait for Reagan to realize, what in his mind, is inevitable...
But, while Reagan in unequivocally drawn to Hendrix despite his infuriating attitude and over-evolved sense of protection, his older brother Vaughan is making a confusing situation even more difficult with his easy jokes and genuine good-guy attitude...
Who knew that the end of the world would have so many hunky bachelors to choose from?
April 1, 2015
Received an advance copy from the author!
Wow, just when you didn't think it could get any better, it does. LOVE LOVE LOVE this series. It reminds me of a tv series so much...the pilot hooked you in, and the next episode (ie this one) just sinks those hooks in even further! The characters get a little more development and we learn a bit more about them...which just endears us to them further. The witty dialogue (even internal dialogue) is seriously a trademark of Ms. Higginson, and it really makes *anything* she writes just a pleasure to read. You'll be laughing one moment, and then on the edge of your seat the next. This is not just some fluffy read, the action can be nailbiting at times! OMG I hated Gary and his band of merry men so much....it's so bizarre to think of all the additional threats that would exist in a world where you're already fighting for your lives against zombies.
Fell a bit more in love with Vaughan in this ep....still totally salivating over the chemistry between Hendrix and Reagan and feel they are the right match, but that just makes me want someone for Vaughan even more....even if it's me. I'm sure my husband would be ok with a polygamous marriage...*cough cough*
Seriously though, who needs tv??? I just found my "must watch" of the year....
Wow, just when you didn't think it could get any better, it does. LOVE LOVE LOVE this series. It reminds me of a tv series so much...the pilot hooked you in, and the next episode (ie this one) just sinks those hooks in even further! The characters get a little more development and we learn a bit more about them...which just endears us to them further. The witty dialogue (even internal dialogue) is seriously a trademark of Ms. Higginson, and it really makes *anything* she writes just a pleasure to read. You'll be laughing one moment, and then on the edge of your seat the next. This is not just some fluffy read, the action can be nailbiting at times! OMG I hated Gary and his band of merry men so much....it's so bizarre to think of all the additional threats that would exist in a world where you're already fighting for your lives against zombies.
Fell a bit more in love with Vaughan in this ep....still totally salivating over the chemistry between Hendrix and Reagan and feel they are the right match, but that just makes me want someone for Vaughan even more....even if it's me. I'm sure my husband would be ok with a polygamous marriage...*cough cough*
Seriously though, who needs tv??? I just found my "must watch" of the year....
July 26, 2013
Episode 2 of Love and Decay picks up a week or so after Episode 1 ends. There's lots of great elements in this book:
- zombies (duh)
- humor & sarcasm; to break up all the monotony of the apocalypse
- romance, including some nice love-triangle-y moments. I honestly want there to be more drama (WOW isn't that terrible of me?! Honesty is the best policy and all that, right?).
- strong female lead(s); I think of both Reagan and Haley as being pretty kick ass.
- great male characters. This group of brothers look out for each other, especially their younger sister. They all get along, for the most part, but there's some great "brother" moments. Did I mention they all sound incredibly dream? I don't have to smell them so I don't have the same issues as Reagan and Haley.
- (what I think of as) a realistic setting and peripheral characters. Villains aren't just zombies - they're also other survivors.
The only reason I took a star away, even though I loved this book, was because I thought it was a little cheesy...and I thought there would have been more action...BUT I do think the story made good progress so it was really the former reason.
So without giving anything away - please go read this! It's a short story and completely worth the time!
- zombies (duh)
- humor & sarcasm; to break up all the monotony of the apocalypse
- romance, including some nice love-triangle-y moments. I honestly want there to be more drama (WOW isn't that terrible of me?! Honesty is the best policy and all that, right?).
- strong female lead(s); I think of both Reagan and Haley as being pretty kick ass.
- great male characters. This group of brothers look out for each other, especially their younger sister. They all get along, for the most part, but there's some great "brother" moments. Did I mention they all sound incredibly dream? I don't have to smell them so I don't have the same issues as Reagan and Haley.
- (what I think of as) a realistic setting and peripheral characters. Villains aren't just zombies - they're also other survivors.
The only reason I took a star away, even though I loved this book, was because I thought it was a little cheesy...and I thought there would have been more action...BUT I do think the story made good progress so it was really the former reason.
So without giving anything away - please go read this! It's a short story and completely worth the time!
July 25, 2013
Rachel Higginson is amazing! I was so excited when she released her secret project, Love and Decay Episode One, two weeks ago. Since I am both a huge fan of The Walking Dead and Rachel’s stories the concept of a zombie Apocalypse novella series was extremely appealing! The first episode was great and I was super excited for episode two. All I can say is the second episode of Love and Decay cemented my love for the whole Parker family! This episode had so much going for it. To start, it begins with witty banter between the characters about JayZ ‘s version of It’s a Hard Knock Life. Really it might be hard to top such an opening. This episode has Reagan, Haley, and the Parker family dealing not only with zombies but humans as well. It was great to see how the whole gang worked together in times of stress. I loved the swoon worthy interchanges between Hendrix and Reagan. I can’t wait for the next installment. I am secretly hoping for an episode that features a Parker family back story in some way. I want to know everything about these fantastic boys!
I received a free ARC for the author in exchange for my honest review.
I received a free ARC for the author in exchange for my honest review.
July 30, 2013
This book is already one of my new I LOVE IT! Books. I was happily surprised by this read, because honestly I've never caught onto the whole zombie craze. I'm glad that this book is my first "zombie" love!
Higginson never fails to impress me with her writing. I have read every book she has written, and there were one or two that I was like...."hmmmm....I don't know if that sounds like my thing." Well I will say this...this lady does not disappoint!
You will fall head over heals for the characters in this book. One of the main reasons I love her books are the female characters. They are witty, sarcastic, funny, & tough, but they still have an innocence or vulnerability that makes you wish they were your new BFF! And the smokin hot males, well they are quite a bonus!
I soooooo hope that this book becomes part of a new series from Rachel!
You must read this book! You won't be disappointed!
Higginson never fails to impress me with her writing. I have read every book she has written, and there were one or two that I was like...."hmmmm....I don't know if that sounds like my thing." Well I will say this...this lady does not disappoint!
You will fall head over heals for the characters in this book. One of the main reasons I love her books are the female characters. They are witty, sarcastic, funny, & tough, but they still have an innocence or vulnerability that makes you wish they were your new BFF! And the smokin hot males, well they are quite a bonus!
I soooooo hope that this book becomes part of a new series from Rachel!
You must read this book! You won't be disappointed!
October 13, 2013
Episode Two of Love and Decay finds Reagan on the road with Haley and The Nelsons. Things heat up between Hendrix and Haley as they continue to fight not only zombies, but their growing feelings for each other. Trouble is destined to follow them though, right into a zombie road block perpetrated by a nefarious militia. Things are not quite as they seem among the militia and their fort and the group can't leave soon enough; however the militia's hold on them clings even after they leave the compound and trouble ensues.
This books has plenty of teenage angst among a zombie infested world. Reagan, Haley, Hendrix, Vaughan and even little Page seem to have some developed characterisation, but the verdict is out on the rest of the group. I continue to be intrigued regarding this journey to Peru and the likely perils they will encounter, thus on to Episode Three.
This books has plenty of teenage angst among a zombie infested world. Reagan, Haley, Hendrix, Vaughan and even little Page seem to have some developed characterisation, but the verdict is out on the rest of the group. I continue to be intrigued regarding this journey to Peru and the likely perils they will encounter, thus on to Episode Three.
August 9, 2013
Absolutely Addicting! Leave's you eagerly anticipating the next episode.
The bonds are growing between all the characters as they continue to travel through zombie infested lands. I love their interactions, their witty combacks, their insinuations casual and flirty. And I see a triangle forming. Could more than one brother be interested or falling for Reagan? From what I read it seems another brother besides Hendrix could be in competition for Reagans heart.
Zombies are definetly not the most dangerous thing in this story, but Love!
The bonds are growing between all the characters as they continue to travel through zombie infested lands. I love their interactions, their witty combacks, their insinuations casual and flirty. And I see a triangle forming. Could more than one brother be interested or falling for Reagan? From what I read it seems another brother besides Hendrix could be in competition for Reagans heart.
Zombies are definetly not the most dangerous thing in this story, but Love!
July 24, 2013
I now have my replacement series for my decline in tv watching since switching to books. Love the premise of a novella series. Instead of getting a big chunk and then having to wait a year for another big chunk, we get little bits every two weeks. Awesome!
This may have gotten a higher rating but zombies freak me out. other than that, the relationship development and chemistry that is brewing is great.
Can't wait for episode 3!
This may have gotten a higher rating but zombies freak me out. other than that, the relationship development and chemistry that is brewing is great.
Can't wait for episode 3!
July 25, 2013
If I had to pick one emotion I feel after having read this book it would be... frustration. Frustration, that I have to wait another two weeks for the next installment of this book. Frustration, because I desperately want to get in that book and kick some serious feeder butt! And, frustration, with the intense chemistry going on between the characters of this book. I have no idea who Reagan will end up with and it's killing me!
This is a must read!!
This is a must read!!
July 27, 2013
I loved it. Felt the storyline, while short, was better constructed. I love the Parker brothers. I can add them to my list of who to take along during the zombie apocalypse. My list is now Daryl Dixon from the Walking Dead and those Parker boys!
Ohhh Vaughn and Hendrix. The author does a great job of creating love triangle characters that you love so much that you almost have no choice but to wish they could all be together forever.
Ohhh Vaughn and Hendrix. The author does a great job of creating love triangle characters that you love so much that you almost have no choice but to wish they could all be together forever.
September 12, 2013
still good but im getting tired of the female characters always asking for love and then being divided. I already know who I want her to be with but it seems another triangle between the brothers is here. I like the stories I want to read more but if she cant pick one soon and stick with it im going to get bored really fast. The action is great and im pretty sure the characters care about one another and it shows.
July 25, 2013
The next installment of the Love and Decay serial was just as good as the first. The action was a little more subtle in this one, instead it's focused on the developing dynamic between Reagan and the Parker brothers. The addition of the "other humans" element was great and added a new level of conflict in the dark and disturbing world the author creates.
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