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End of Days Love #1
Waking Up Dead
You know your life has hit rock bottom when you’re living off cooked rats and showering once every few months—if you’re lucky. But for Jackson Hart things are about to get a whole lot worse. When her best friend, Tye, disappears hunting for food, kick-ass Jackson’s ‘head south to safety’ plan looks like it’s dead before it’s even begun. But then she meets ex-mechanic Luke Granger, who takes her to his bunker, feeds her with non-rat based food, and offers her protection against the zombie hordes—not that she needs it. She knows how to use a machete and isn’t afraid to.
Jackson was tempted to stay in the city with her rescuer. Food, shampoo and the possibility of finally getting laid, what more could she ask for? But the flesh eaters are getting smarter and the bunker is compromised, so Jackson and Luke have no choice but to make the journey south.
Luke and Jackson team up to find other humans in a road-trip romance for the ages. They travel for thousands of miles with zombies shadowing their every move. They must utilize every resource at their disposal…and then some. On the way, they discover that even if flesh eating zombies are knocking down their door, there’s always time for sex and even love.
Jackson was tempted to stay in the city with her rescuer. Food, shampoo and the possibility of finally getting laid, what more could she ask for? But the flesh eaters are getting smarter and the bunker is compromised, so Jackson and Luke have no choice but to make the journey south.
Luke and Jackson team up to find other humans in a road-trip romance for the ages. They travel for thousands of miles with zombies shadowing their every move. They must utilize every resource at their disposal…and then some. On the way, they discover that even if flesh eating zombies are knocking down their door, there’s always time for sex and even love.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2013
7 people are currently reading
890 people want to read
About the author
Emma Shortt
26 books145 followersAs a kid Emma wanted to be an astronaut, or maybe Captain Janeway. Because she didn't really think her career choices through very well she ended up in an everyday geek job, crunching numbers and sighing over syntax. It seemed a long way from the stars and in an effort to escape Emma decided to get serious about her other passion. Writing.
Several years later and Emma has yet to walk on the moon or sit in the Captain's chair, but she is still writing. She scribbles stories in all sorts of genres, contemporary, paranormal, post-apocalyptic, historical, sci-fi...if she hasn't tried it yet she will before long.
The only common theme is the romance. A hopeless romantic everything Emma writes has a love story in there somewhere.
Several years later and Emma has yet to walk on the moon or sit in the Captain's chair, but she is still writing. She scribbles stories in all sorts of genres, contemporary, paranormal, post-apocalyptic, historical, sci-fi...if she hasn't tried it yet she will before long.
The only common theme is the romance. A hopeless romantic everything Emma writes has a love story in there somewhere.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 22, 2013
Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance
Story Rating ~ 5 Stars
Hero Rating ~ 5 Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 5 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 5 Stars
Heat Level ~ 2.5 Stars
End Rating ~ 5 Stars, but to be continued!
Overall ~ 5 GIGANTIC STARS!!!
WOWEEEEE!!! Now that was one exciting, nonstop, exhilarating read. This book grabbed me right from the get go and did not even let up when the ending came. I still can't believe what I just read, it totally AMAZED me. Now I'm sitting here wanting the next book so bad, and the next and the one after that one too. Yep, lucky me, because there are going to be at least 3 more books to come in this series and I for one plan on reading each and every one.
This book starts out 2 years after the zombies have starting taking over the world.The heroine Jackson, and her friend Tye, who is like a brother to her, are out searching for food when they get separated. The zombies are out in full force, hunting for food too, so that means it's time to kill or be killed. Jackson, she was one kick-ass heroine. Her, and her machete that she named Mandy, are a force to be reckoned with. As she runs and plots her way out of a bad situation, she meets the hero, Luke and from first sight, he is attracted to Jackson. He can hardly believe how tough she is, and even though he knows she can take care of herself, he still feels very protective of her. They set off to Texas to look for survivors, and also hoping to find Tye. Everything they go through is so crazy. These zombies are very gruesome and relentless, they are fast and they have no fear, and are driven by hunger and stop for nothing. The really bad thing is, they are getting smarter and are starting to plot how to trap their food. I loved how the author put her own spin on the zombies. She made them so unique, used her imagination, and made them truly her own creation.
As the book moves along, Luke and Jackson are growing closer. I liked the fact that they did not just give in to their sexual needs and waited until it really meant something to each other. There were not a lot of heated scenes, but the ones we got made it so much more gratifying because they waited until the time was right. I definitely felt the feelings they had for each other, even though they were not said until much later in the book.
Do they make it to Texas? Do they find Tye or anymore survivors? I'm not going to tell you, you’re just going to have to find out for yourselves.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to those of you who are fans of the TV show, The Walking Dead.
Warning…this book is NOT for the faint of heart. Lots of violence and pus-filled, vicious, human eating zombies!!!
Story Rating ~ 5 Stars
Hero Rating ~ 5 Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 5 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 5 Stars
Heat Level ~ 2.5 Stars
End Rating ~ 5 Stars, but to be continued!
Overall ~ 5 GIGANTIC STARS!!!
WOWEEEEE!!! Now that was one exciting, nonstop, exhilarating read. This book grabbed me right from the get go and did not even let up when the ending came. I still can't believe what I just read, it totally AMAZED me. Now I'm sitting here wanting the next book so bad, and the next and the one after that one too. Yep, lucky me, because there are going to be at least 3 more books to come in this series and I for one plan on reading each and every one.
This book starts out 2 years after the zombies have starting taking over the world.The heroine Jackson, and her friend Tye, who is like a brother to her, are out searching for food when they get separated. The zombies are out in full force, hunting for food too, so that means it's time to kill or be killed. Jackson, she was one kick-ass heroine. Her, and her machete that she named Mandy, are a force to be reckoned with. As she runs and plots her way out of a bad situation, she meets the hero, Luke and from first sight, he is attracted to Jackson. He can hardly believe how tough she is, and even though he knows she can take care of herself, he still feels very protective of her. They set off to Texas to look for survivors, and also hoping to find Tye. Everything they go through is so crazy. These zombies are very gruesome and relentless, they are fast and they have no fear, and are driven by hunger and stop for nothing. The really bad thing is, they are getting smarter and are starting to plot how to trap their food. I loved how the author put her own spin on the zombies. She made them so unique, used her imagination, and made them truly her own creation.
As the book moves along, Luke and Jackson are growing closer. I liked the fact that they did not just give in to their sexual needs and waited until it really meant something to each other. There were not a lot of heated scenes, but the ones we got made it so much more gratifying because they waited until the time was right. I definitely felt the feelings they had for each other, even though they were not said until much later in the book.
Do they make it to Texas? Do they find Tye or anymore survivors? I'm not going to tell you, you’re just going to have to find out for yourselves.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to those of you who are fans of the TV show, The Walking Dead.
Warning…this book is NOT for the faint of heart. Lots of violence and pus-filled, vicious, human eating zombies!!!
October 22, 2013
All the best kinds of tensions rolled into one great story.
Can there still be romance after zombies overrun the world? If you want the answer to be yes then don't hesitate to grab a copy of WAKING UP DEAD. I've been dying (no pun intended) for this book to come out and since I first saw Shortt share the cover months ago. Sometimes you just know a book is going to be your thing and if you like your romance novels to have heroines who aren't shrinking violets in the face of life-or-death danger as much as I do this book is for you.
Jackson could be any girl. She's been through hell and in the two years since the end of the world began she's become the girl no one wants to be, yet hopes they could if they had to. She's a fighter. When she and her traveling companion get separated and she crosses paths with Luke she's tearing through town without her pants. I wish I could say I'd be as much of a warrior in my undies while running from zombies. Luke's had it a lot easier holed up in someone's bunker but they've both discovered that something new is happening with the zombies. Their only chance is to head South in search of a rumored stronghold of survivors. Along the way they face more horrors and find that maybe the best part about the old world isn't gone for good.
If you hate summer because you need your weekly dose of The Walking Dead you will love the constant tension and fear that Jackson and Luke must survive in. I absolutely loved that she was the more experienced of the two when it came to dealing with the zombies. It's a great change of pace from the Alpha-male-saves-the-day-like-a-bulldozer stuff. That Luke was never threatened by it made him especially cool in my eyes. That Shortt addresses the idea that they might be interested in one another because they have no other option is important and she does it in an organic way that makes it good. The sexual tension is great and the added tension of the setting makes this a delicious read on so many levels.
The only thing holding me back from a full five stars was that it didn't end anywhere near when I expected it to. I don't want to spoil anything but there's a lot more story than I anticipated—and it's GOOD—but it also puts Jackson into a place where she's a little tough to like for a while. If you ever want to bonk a character in the noggin for being stupid about something you'll get what bugged me when you read it. By no means a deal breaker, just hit one of my peeves as a reader.
From start to finish this is one heck of an adventure with a great romance element that is sure to delight urban fantasy, and horror fans who also dig romances. Love paranormal romances but in need of something a bit meatier? I definitely recommend this one if you enjoy Lisa Kessler or Devon Monk's work. That this is just the first in a series delights me to no end, enjoy!
Notes: ARC received via publisher.
Can there still be romance after zombies overrun the world? If you want the answer to be yes then don't hesitate to grab a copy of WAKING UP DEAD. I've been dying (no pun intended) for this book to come out and since I first saw Shortt share the cover months ago. Sometimes you just know a book is going to be your thing and if you like your romance novels to have heroines who aren't shrinking violets in the face of life-or-death danger as much as I do this book is for you.
Jackson could be any girl. She's been through hell and in the two years since the end of the world began she's become the girl no one wants to be, yet hopes they could if they had to. She's a fighter. When she and her traveling companion get separated and she crosses paths with Luke she's tearing through town without her pants. I wish I could say I'd be as much of a warrior in my undies while running from zombies. Luke's had it a lot easier holed up in someone's bunker but they've both discovered that something new is happening with the zombies. Their only chance is to head South in search of a rumored stronghold of survivors. Along the way they face more horrors and find that maybe the best part about the old world isn't gone for good.
If you hate summer because you need your weekly dose of The Walking Dead you will love the constant tension and fear that Jackson and Luke must survive in. I absolutely loved that she was the more experienced of the two when it came to dealing with the zombies. It's a great change of pace from the Alpha-male-saves-the-day-like-a-bulldozer stuff. That Luke was never threatened by it made him especially cool in my eyes. That Shortt addresses the idea that they might be interested in one another because they have no other option is important and she does it in an organic way that makes it good. The sexual tension is great and the added tension of the setting makes this a delicious read on so many levels.
The only thing holding me back from a full five stars was that it didn't end anywhere near when I expected it to. I don't want to spoil anything but there's a lot more story than I anticipated—and it's GOOD—but it also puts Jackson into a place where she's a little tough to like for a while. If you ever want to bonk a character in the noggin for being stupid about something you'll get what bugged me when you read it. By no means a deal breaker, just hit one of my peeves as a reader.
From start to finish this is one heck of an adventure with a great romance element that is sure to delight urban fantasy, and horror fans who also dig romances. Love paranormal romances but in need of something a bit meatier? I definitely recommend this one if you enjoy Lisa Kessler or Devon Monk's work. That this is just the first in a series delights me to no end, enjoy!
Notes: ARC received via publisher.
May 5, 2015
Full review to come
********************
And here it is!
This review also appears on my blog All The Bookish Love
Disclaimer: I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Wow. That was the word that went through my mind with every word that I read. I love all things zombie, and this book did not disappoint. To tell you the truth, I actually kicked myself when I finished reading it, because I was so convinced this was going to be a rip-off of The Walking Dead that I had convinced myself it won’t be as good as The Walking Dead before I even started reading it. But boy was I wrong.
Emma Shortt amazes us with her writing style and plot twists. She manages to create a heroine that I am not ashamed to admire. Sure, it’s the zombie apocalypse, if you don’t learn to kick-ass, you die, but she makes Jackson (the heroine) so awesome at kicking zombie butt, it makes the guys in every zombie movie look like a bunch of wimps.
Jackson has been travelling on foot for the past two years, to makes it to what she hopes is a camp of survivors in Texas. She loses her friend Tye along the way, but it’s okay, because we are introduced to the lust-worthy, Luke Granger.
These two characters provide enough sexual tension to make any normal person combust, as they journey toward Texas together and when they finally come together, zombies be damned. The characters are fresh and fun, providing a read filled with everything you would expect from a budding romance in the post-apocalyptic world.
Emma Shortt gives the typical zombie a twist. She provides the theory that zombies are becoming more intelligent with each passing day. They are plotting and planning, working in packs and forming hordes, to satisfy their hunger. Something which I am sure will be the topic of many debates to come.
Waking Up Dead was the source of some pretty weird dreams for me the past week, and it gave me chills as I sat reading it. It definitely had me gasping out loud at some pus-filled zombie scenes, but reading Luke’s POV when he first sees Jackson, more than makes up for it.
“Jesus Christ it was a woman, her ass outlined in flimsy purple panties, running almost as fast as he, straight into the local rec center.”
I’m pretty sure the purple panty revolution will be starting one of these days. Because we wouldn’t want to be caught wearing ratty, off-white panties when a bunch of zombies are chasing us, now would we?
All in all, Emma Shortt amazed me, not only with her story, but with her way with words. This book is wonderfully written and kept me in suspense. In fact, I am still in suspense, because I NEED to know what happens next. I’ll be waiting patiently for the next book, but until then, from one zombie-freak to the rest of the world, you do not want to miss this!
********************
And here it is!
This review also appears on my blog All The Bookish Love
Disclaimer: I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Wow. That was the word that went through my mind with every word that I read. I love all things zombie, and this book did not disappoint. To tell you the truth, I actually kicked myself when I finished reading it, because I was so convinced this was going to be a rip-off of The Walking Dead that I had convinced myself it won’t be as good as The Walking Dead before I even started reading it. But boy was I wrong.
Emma Shortt amazes us with her writing style and plot twists. She manages to create a heroine that I am not ashamed to admire. Sure, it’s the zombie apocalypse, if you don’t learn to kick-ass, you die, but she makes Jackson (the heroine) so awesome at kicking zombie butt, it makes the guys in every zombie movie look like a bunch of wimps.
Jackson has been travelling on foot for the past two years, to makes it to what she hopes is a camp of survivors in Texas. She loses her friend Tye along the way, but it’s okay, because we are introduced to the lust-worthy, Luke Granger.
These two characters provide enough sexual tension to make any normal person combust, as they journey toward Texas together and when they finally come together, zombies be damned. The characters are fresh and fun, providing a read filled with everything you would expect from a budding romance in the post-apocalyptic world.
Emma Shortt gives the typical zombie a twist. She provides the theory that zombies are becoming more intelligent with each passing day. They are plotting and planning, working in packs and forming hordes, to satisfy their hunger. Something which I am sure will be the topic of many debates to come.
Waking Up Dead was the source of some pretty weird dreams for me the past week, and it gave me chills as I sat reading it. It definitely had me gasping out loud at some pus-filled zombie scenes, but reading Luke’s POV when he first sees Jackson, more than makes up for it.
“Jesus Christ it was a woman, her ass outlined in flimsy purple panties, running almost as fast as he, straight into the local rec center.”
I’m pretty sure the purple panty revolution will be starting one of these days. Because we wouldn’t want to be caught wearing ratty, off-white panties when a bunch of zombies are chasing us, now would we?
All in all, Emma Shortt amazed me, not only with her story, but with her way with words. This book is wonderfully written and kept me in suspense. In fact, I am still in suspense, because I NEED to know what happens next. I’ll be waiting patiently for the next book, but until then, from one zombie-freak to the rest of the world, you do not want to miss this!
May 28, 2019
4.5 Stars
Wow! If you’re looking for a vivid and pulse pounding Zombie Apocalypse romance, look no further. Waking Up Dead by Emma Shortt fits the bill to a “T”. It’s an exciting, edge of your seat book that grabs hold of you from the very beginning. All you can do is hang on and hope for the best, as you zip your way through action, danger, romance, and zombie’s galore.
It’s certainly not for the squeamish. There is blood and pus aplenty but that’s to be expected when ones battling against the walking dead. It fits and added a sense of horror and realism to the story. In fact, it’s the details and depth to this story that help to make it great.
The characters are interesting and the romance proceeds at a believable pace. Jackson in particular is an intricate and compelling character. I loved both her and Luke. They were perfect for each other. And the ending… talk about intense! I don’t think I blinked the entire last chapter. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed Waking Up Dead and I eagerly await the next book in the series.
Waking Up Dead is highly recommended for fans of Zombie Post-Apocalyptic romance.
Wow! If you’re looking for a vivid and pulse pounding Zombie Apocalypse romance, look no further. Waking Up Dead by Emma Shortt fits the bill to a “T”. It’s an exciting, edge of your seat book that grabs hold of you from the very beginning. All you can do is hang on and hope for the best, as you zip your way through action, danger, romance, and zombie’s galore.
It’s certainly not for the squeamish. There is blood and pus aplenty but that’s to be expected when ones battling against the walking dead. It fits and added a sense of horror and realism to the story. In fact, it’s the details and depth to this story that help to make it great.
The characters are interesting and the romance proceeds at a believable pace. Jackson in particular is an intricate and compelling character. I loved both her and Luke. They were perfect for each other. And the ending… talk about intense! I don’t think I blinked the entire last chapter. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed Waking Up Dead and I eagerly await the next book in the series.
Waking Up Dead is highly recommended for fans of Zombie Post-Apocalyptic romance.
February 1, 2016
I really liked this one. It's more sci-fi/horror than romance. The world building was good and the zombies were scary. I'm reading the next one. Tye!
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Heroine:
Romance:
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Hero:
Heroine:
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September 11, 2017
I received this book from Entangled Publishing in exchange of an honest review!
Welp, this was just amazing. Dual POV. Kick-ass girl. Some steamy scenes. And of course zombies! Zombies! Smart Zombies (welp, don't like the idea of zombies climbing things or opening locks). *shakes fist at the cliffhanger ending* Arghhh.
I actually wanted to save this one until October, when Halloween is closer by, but I just couldn't hold my curiosity and decided to read a bit... and then I was hooked. :P I just couldn't stop reading it. Whenever I had time I read and read and read.
I was curious about the combination of romance/sex with zombies. Would it fit? Would it still hold the excitement or would they just forget about everything and get eaten. (Hey, it can happen!) I have read other zombiexromance books, but it was a bit hit and miss if it fitted. I was hoping to find another book in which it did fit!
The book is written in dual POV. We see Jack and we see Luke. I am quite delighted that the author decided to go for both POVs, it just made the book a bit more balanced, plus both characters are so much fun and deserve to shine in the spotlight. Both of them are also different. Yes, they are both kick-ass, know how to survive in this deadly new world, but whereas Luke would accept normality if that was offered and would love to just chill and not think about weapons, death and pain, Jackson would stay focussed, would never rest. She is too far gone to accept normality now. It is a cruel thing, but it is the truth. Jackson fought for 2 years to survive, never able to rest or take a breather. Luke had the luck of a good shelter, good food, and other things. He had to go outside of course, and he knows how to defend himself, but he still had a pretty good 2 years in comparison with Jackson.
I don't really have a favourite character, though I have to say that Luke was more likeable than Jackson. I am not sure how to explain, yes, he was a bit of a dick at times and a bit old-fashioned, but I also thought it was very sweet of Luke to be so protective. Yes, he knows Jackson can protect herself, but he also wants to make sure she is safe. Also, I loved that he could also enjoy normality. Plus, in a world gone bonkers, he stayed pretty sane/didn't go craycray. Really, I read enough books were 99% of the men were creepy dudes who, when seeing a rare, random girl in her underwear, wouldn't be so chivalrous to help her out and drink a soda with her. :P
Jackson, what a name, I was instantly taken by her. She was fun, sweet, kick-ass, and I just loved how dedicated she was. How hard she fought, and how hard she worked. But, I was also heartbroken. This poor girl had seen so much, had done so much, it almost broke her. I felt sorry that she would never be able to relax, that she would always be on Fight Mode, no matter what. No matter how safe a place may seem. On the one hand admirable that she can just jump into action like that, but how stressful it must be for her. :(
At times I agreed with her on Luke and his (over)protectiveness, but at other times I found her a bit too rude and I wished she would understand him a bit more. He loves you, he cares about you, you are everything he has. Please understand that he may worry, that he may get angry when you leave without a message.
The zombies were properly scary. I love it when books take a spin on the zombie genre. Smart zombies are nothing new, but they don't always happen, so I was really happy (and creeped out) that they were not the slow and weak kind. Instead we have zombies that climb on roofs, on ladders, and can open doors (locked ones even!). They are calculating, forming packs, and doing a whole poopload more. Be prepared to be really creeped out and feel goosebumps all over you while reading. These zombies are not to be messed with!
The journey towards the safe town was equal parts squee and equal parts NOOOPE. :P It was a very exciting journey and I was rooting for our characters to make it safely to it. Oh and of course that the safe town wasn't a fake, or overrun, as happens so often in zombie books.
The ending was great (OMG OMG OMG), but I am not too happy with the cliffhanger! Argh, now I have to find the next book as I want to know more, and I want to know how x survived and met that person!
The steamy scenes were perfect, they fitted in great with the story, and I was cheering (and shipping) these characters like mad. I loved that they didn't immediately kiss or went for the act, but instead they grew closer and closer with each page, and by the time things did happen, it was the right timing.
Oh, and I appreciate that this book takes place 2 years after the apocalypse. It just shows that humanity is not giving up, that there are still people fighting. Though of course I wouldn't mind a book about the first days though, I am sure that would also be a great one.
I am sure I can tell more about the book (squee), but I think I got all the main points down.
All in all, I would recommend this book to everyone. This was such a delight, and I flew through the book. I can't wait to read the next book!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Welp, this was just amazing. Dual POV. Kick-ass girl. Some steamy scenes. And of course zombies! Zombies! Smart Zombies (welp, don't like the idea of zombies climbing things or opening locks). *shakes fist at the cliffhanger ending* Arghhh.
I actually wanted to save this one until October, when Halloween is closer by, but I just couldn't hold my curiosity and decided to read a bit... and then I was hooked. :P I just couldn't stop reading it. Whenever I had time I read and read and read.
I was curious about the combination of romance/sex with zombies. Would it fit? Would it still hold the excitement or would they just forget about everything and get eaten. (Hey, it can happen!) I have read other zombiexromance books, but it was a bit hit and miss if it fitted. I was hoping to find another book in which it did fit!
The book is written in dual POV. We see Jack and we see Luke. I am quite delighted that the author decided to go for both POVs, it just made the book a bit more balanced, plus both characters are so much fun and deserve to shine in the spotlight. Both of them are also different. Yes, they are both kick-ass, know how to survive in this deadly new world, but whereas Luke would accept normality if that was offered and would love to just chill and not think about weapons, death and pain, Jackson would stay focussed, would never rest. She is too far gone to accept normality now. It is a cruel thing, but it is the truth. Jackson fought for 2 years to survive, never able to rest or take a breather. Luke had the luck of a good shelter, good food, and other things. He had to go outside of course, and he knows how to defend himself, but he still had a pretty good 2 years in comparison with Jackson.
I don't really have a favourite character, though I have to say that Luke was more likeable than Jackson. I am not sure how to explain, yes, he was a bit of a dick at times and a bit old-fashioned, but I also thought it was very sweet of Luke to be so protective. Yes, he knows Jackson can protect herself, but he also wants to make sure she is safe. Also, I loved that he could also enjoy normality. Plus, in a world gone bonkers, he stayed pretty sane/didn't go craycray. Really, I read enough books were 99% of the men were creepy dudes who, when seeing a rare, random girl in her underwear, wouldn't be so chivalrous to help her out and drink a soda with her. :P
Jackson, what a name, I was instantly taken by her. She was fun, sweet, kick-ass, and I just loved how dedicated she was. How hard she fought, and how hard she worked. But, I was also heartbroken. This poor girl had seen so much, had done so much, it almost broke her. I felt sorry that she would never be able to relax, that she would always be on Fight Mode, no matter what. No matter how safe a place may seem. On the one hand admirable that she can just jump into action like that, but how stressful it must be for her. :(
At times I agreed with her on Luke and his (over)protectiveness, but at other times I found her a bit too rude and I wished she would understand him a bit more. He loves you, he cares about you, you are everything he has. Please understand that he may worry, that he may get angry when you leave without a message.
The zombies were properly scary. I love it when books take a spin on the zombie genre. Smart zombies are nothing new, but they don't always happen, so I was really happy (and creeped out) that they were not the slow and weak kind. Instead we have zombies that climb on roofs, on ladders, and can open doors (locked ones even!). They are calculating, forming packs, and doing a whole poopload more. Be prepared to be really creeped out and feel goosebumps all over you while reading. These zombies are not to be messed with!
The journey towards the safe town was equal parts squee and equal parts NOOOPE. :P It was a very exciting journey and I was rooting for our characters to make it safely to it. Oh and of course that the safe town wasn't a fake, or overrun, as happens so often in zombie books.
The ending was great (OMG OMG OMG), but I am not too happy with the cliffhanger! Argh, now I have to find the next book as I want to know more, and I want to know how x survived and met that person!
The steamy scenes were perfect, they fitted in great with the story, and I was cheering (and shipping) these characters like mad. I loved that they didn't immediately kiss or went for the act, but instead they grew closer and closer with each page, and by the time things did happen, it was the right timing.
Oh, and I appreciate that this book takes place 2 years after the apocalypse. It just shows that humanity is not giving up, that there are still people fighting. Though of course I wouldn't mind a book about the first days though, I am sure that would also be a great one.
I am sure I can tell more about the book (squee), but I think I got all the main points down.
All in all, I would recommend this book to everyone. This was such a delight, and I flew through the book. I can't wait to read the next book!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
October 22, 2013
Wow. Wow. And more Wow. Although I’ve been interested in end-of-days, dystopian literature for years, I’ve only recently become a zombie fan. (Thank you, Walking Dead). My interest was instantly piqued when this book came across our groups’ request queue. With its combination of these two genres it definitely did NOT disappoint. This series is going to be EPIC for zombie fans. It will definitely be my #2 (second only to the previously mentioned, and they’ve had years to work on their storyline).
Jackson is a kick-@$$ chick that has been through a literal hell on earth and has evolved and survived to get where she is now. Luke has had it easy comparatively and must step up his game now that he and Jackson are making their way south. I liked that he tried to take care of her and had a protective instinct, which is rare trait nowadays. Their chemistry is obvious, and it was a nice change of pace to see a little positive in a world full of negatives at every turn. The twist of the zombies getting smarter was unique and gives more anticipation to reading the story. I loved it and I can’t wait for the next installment!
Rating: 4.5
HEAT Rating: Blood Thirsty
Reviewed By: Daysie W.
Review Courtesy of: My Book Addictions and More
Jackson is a kick-@$$ chick that has been through a literal hell on earth and has evolved and survived to get where she is now. Luke has had it easy comparatively and must step up his game now that he and Jackson are making their way south. I liked that he tried to take care of her and had a protective instinct, which is rare trait nowadays. Their chemistry is obvious, and it was a nice change of pace to see a little positive in a world full of negatives at every turn. The twist of the zombies getting smarter was unique and gives more anticipation to reading the story. I loved it and I can’t wait for the next installment!
Rating: 4.5
HEAT Rating: Blood Thirsty
Reviewed By: Daysie W.
Review Courtesy of: My Book Addictions and More
October 9, 2013
I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
So let me start by saying that I am a huge Walking Dead fan. So the fact that there have been a few romance novels written about the post zombie world. There are a few differences from the Walking Dead. So it is original in it's story. Well written and good editing makes it hard to put down. So kudos to the author and editing team.
The romance was was written with only a few sex scenes, but considering the world of zombies, that would be believable.
This story seems to be part of a series. At least I hope it is. I will definitely be reading more!!
So let me start by saying that I am a huge Walking Dead fan. So the fact that there have been a few romance novels written about the post zombie world. There are a few differences from the Walking Dead. So it is original in it's story. Well written and good editing makes it hard to put down. So kudos to the author and editing team.
The romance was was written with only a few sex scenes, but considering the world of zombies, that would be believable.
This story seems to be part of a series. At least I hope it is. I will definitely be reading more!!
October 22, 2013
I read Waking Up Dead in its earliest incarnation before Emma pitched it to her publisher, and I'm not ashamed to say it gave me nightmares. Good ones. Chilling wake-up-sweating ones populated by terrifyingly real three-dimensional zombies.
Yesterday she sent me the paperback, which effectively put everything else in my life on pause. Including gentle sleep.
Waking Up Dead is the best book I've read in years. It's stupendous. An unstoppable read. Edge of the seat tension and a relentless heart-pounding drive from start to finish. Left me breathless when I closed it at half past midnight last night.
Yesterday she sent me the paperback, which effectively put everything else in my life on pause. Including gentle sleep.
Waking Up Dead is the best book I've read in years. It's stupendous. An unstoppable read. Edge of the seat tension and a relentless heart-pounding drive from start to finish. Left me breathless when I closed it at half past midnight last night.
November 19, 2013
This was one of the best kick ass Zombie books I have ever read! I am a HUGE Zombie story fan and this book was the bomb! Emma Shortt knows how to keep the readers guessing and how to keep them on the edge of their seats!
Jackson Hart's life sucks! she is constantly on the run for her life, literally, and her one constant, her best friend Ty, of the last couple of months is missing. After living off of rats Ty and Jackson where looking for food when a pack of Zombies attacked in order kill them all they had to separate. When she runs into Luke trying to escape she almost mistakes him for one of the undead, and when he leads her into his underground home with hot showers and non rat based food she is in heaven.
Luke Granger thought his eyes were playing tricks on him when he first saw the girl in front of him running from the Zombies, he hasn't seen others in so long he was starting to believe he was the only one left. Luke is sure that Jackson's friend is probably dead buy will help to look all the same, and when the bunker that he is staying in is found by the Zombies Luke has no choice but to join the journey south looking for survivors which was what Jackson and Ty's original destination.
As they journey further south they start to realize a shift in the Zombie movement, the Zombies are changing, getting smarter and coming together in bigger groups! Whatever will they do now?
This book was sooooo awesome! I couldn't put it down for a min! I loved the characters and the story was so kick ass! My favourite character was Jack, she was so vulnerable and yet so bad ass at the same time. She knew what needed to bed done and doesn't hesitate to do it no matter the cost.
Emma Shortt is a inspirational writer! I would defiantly read more of her work after reading this. her work is bold, exciting and brings you to the edge every time with heartstopping dangers and nail-biting cliffhangers.
if you haven't read this book yet put it on your TBR list today!
Jackson Hart's life sucks! she is constantly on the run for her life, literally, and her one constant, her best friend Ty, of the last couple of months is missing. After living off of rats Ty and Jackson where looking for food when a pack of Zombies attacked in order kill them all they had to separate. When she runs into Luke trying to escape she almost mistakes him for one of the undead, and when he leads her into his underground home with hot showers and non rat based food she is in heaven.
Luke Granger thought his eyes were playing tricks on him when he first saw the girl in front of him running from the Zombies, he hasn't seen others in so long he was starting to believe he was the only one left. Luke is sure that Jackson's friend is probably dead buy will help to look all the same, and when the bunker that he is staying in is found by the Zombies Luke has no choice but to join the journey south looking for survivors which was what Jackson and Ty's original destination.
As they journey further south they start to realize a shift in the Zombie movement, the Zombies are changing, getting smarter and coming together in bigger groups! Whatever will they do now?
This book was sooooo awesome! I couldn't put it down for a min! I loved the characters and the story was so kick ass! My favourite character was Jack, she was so vulnerable and yet so bad ass at the same time. She knew what needed to bed done and doesn't hesitate to do it no matter the cost.
Emma Shortt is a inspirational writer! I would defiantly read more of her work after reading this. her work is bold, exciting and brings you to the edge every time with heartstopping dangers and nail-biting cliffhangers.
if you haven't read this book yet put it on your TBR list today!
August 6, 2016
Part road trip, part zombie bloodbath, part love story – Waking Up dead by Emma Shortt ticks all the boxes. This is a cracking good read – and not at all what I was expecting.
In the first few chapters we meet Luke, hiding out from the zombies in an underground bunker, and Jackson, savage and fearless, fighting zombies in the streets just to stay alive. But this isn’t just another tale of the zombie apocalypse – this is a book that is so much more.
For starters there are the zombies. These are no shuffling hoard of the undead – oh no – these zombies are far scarier than that – and not just because of the pus and the stench – these zombies are fast – and they’re getting clever. These zombies are evolving and as a result you never quite know what they are going to do next.
And then there are Jackson and Luke. The romance in this story is pitched just right, and their growing relationship drawn with sensitivity. But it is the characters in this story that I feel are its main strength – these people are traumatised and damaged – well who wouldn’t be – they’ve managed to survive a zombie apocalypse! But I do feel that this kind of character development tends to be overlooked in this genre and the author is to be applauded for handling it so well. It is this that makes the characters so well rounded, it makes them real and gives you real empathy with them.
Not to mention the unexpected twists and turns the story takes, but I’m not going to give away any spoilers here.
So all in all a very satisfying read, and if you like your characters savvy and your zombies gruesome then this is the book for you!
In the first few chapters we meet Luke, hiding out from the zombies in an underground bunker, and Jackson, savage and fearless, fighting zombies in the streets just to stay alive. But this isn’t just another tale of the zombie apocalypse – this is a book that is so much more.
For starters there are the zombies. These are no shuffling hoard of the undead – oh no – these zombies are far scarier than that – and not just because of the pus and the stench – these zombies are fast – and they’re getting clever. These zombies are evolving and as a result you never quite know what they are going to do next.
And then there are Jackson and Luke. The romance in this story is pitched just right, and their growing relationship drawn with sensitivity. But it is the characters in this story that I feel are its main strength – these people are traumatised and damaged – well who wouldn’t be – they’ve managed to survive a zombie apocalypse! But I do feel that this kind of character development tends to be overlooked in this genre and the author is to be applauded for handling it so well. It is this that makes the characters so well rounded, it makes them real and gives you real empathy with them.
Not to mention the unexpected twists and turns the story takes, but I’m not going to give away any spoilers here.
So all in all a very satisfying read, and if you like your characters savvy and your zombies gruesome then this is the book for you!
October 21, 2013
Loved this zombie romance story. The zombies were unique and the romance was real.
Jackson was a lovely female lead. She kicked ass and took names. Though underneath her tough kick ass exterior there was a lot going on. I feel like in a lot of zombie/post-apocalyptic books that people are a little too normal. Everyone just kind of accepts the end of the world and moves on. In Waking Up Dead I'm happy to say that's not true at all. Jackson has some really issues she's dealing with through out the book and they're presented in a very graceful way. Jackson doesn't have these issues to force the plot to move along or as story points. The issues, I feel, are what normal, everyday people would experience if the end of the world came about.
The zombies. I love the zombies. The fast, smart, pus filled zombies are so fun. It's a different zombie than we're used to seeing. Yes, zombies are all sort of the same but these zombies are smart. They're learning, evolving and to me it spells the next step in zombie entertainment. Plus, you've got to love the pus.
The ending left the option open for a sequel. I would definitely pick up the sequel to this book. So bring it on!
Overall, Waking Up Dead is an amazing, sometimes gory, fun filled novel about a post-apocalyptic zombie ridden world. Anyone who likes zombies will like this book.
I received an ARC e-book copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
Jackson was a lovely female lead. She kicked ass and took names. Though underneath her tough kick ass exterior there was a lot going on. I feel like in a lot of zombie/post-apocalyptic books that people are a little too normal. Everyone just kind of accepts the end of the world and moves on. In Waking Up Dead I'm happy to say that's not true at all. Jackson has some really issues she's dealing with through out the book and they're presented in a very graceful way. Jackson doesn't have these issues to force the plot to move along or as story points. The issues, I feel, are what normal, everyday people would experience if the end of the world came about.
The zombies. I love the zombies. The fast, smart, pus filled zombies are so fun. It's a different zombie than we're used to seeing. Yes, zombies are all sort of the same but these zombies are smart. They're learning, evolving and to me it spells the next step in zombie entertainment. Plus, you've got to love the pus.
The ending left the option open for a sequel. I would definitely pick up the sequel to this book. So bring it on!
Overall, Waking Up Dead is an amazing, sometimes gory, fun filled novel about a post-apocalyptic zombie ridden world. Anyone who likes zombies will like this book.
I received an ARC e-book copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
December 6, 2015
It's two years after the zombie apocalypse, and bad-ass Jackson, her ex-cop friend Tye, and of course, faithful Mandy her machete are desperately trying to survive whilst moving south towards rumours of a camp. They're separated by the vicious, predatory zombies, and she runs into hot, hunky Luke who has managed to keep in perfect condition by finding a survival bunker. These are not your regular Walking Dead zombie though - these are fast, tough creatures who hunt in packs, and worst of all, some of them are intelligent, and only getting smarter. Together they decide to continue on south in the hope that some humanity has survived. The sparks between them are instant, but with the zombies evolving, and Jackson emotionally damaged by her two years of slaughter and desperation, will anything happen between them?
That's the premise. It's a pretty good story, believable, realistic and gritty. Smart zombies are a seriously scary concept. I really enjoy the romance / apocalypse blend. Lots and lots of action, quite a bit of gore, thrills and suspense - and also a developing relationship between people who let's face it, after going through such horrific encounters day after day, have some issues that aren't just glossed over. It was well written and I turned the pages furiously. As romance goes, this has to be up there among my favourites. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book through NetGalley.
That's the premise. It's a pretty good story, believable, realistic and gritty. Smart zombies are a seriously scary concept. I really enjoy the romance / apocalypse blend. Lots and lots of action, quite a bit of gore, thrills and suspense - and also a developing relationship between people who let's face it, after going through such horrific encounters day after day, have some issues that aren't just glossed over. It was well written and I turned the pages furiously. As romance goes, this has to be up there among my favourites. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book through NetGalley.
October 12, 2013
This is a zombie tale told from a duel point of view. First we meet Jackson who is an extremely strong and independent female. She has been traveling with Tye for the past month or so. She has been surviving for the past 2 years by living moment to moment. She has had no concistentcy with food or shelter. She has even had to eat rat. Blech. Her and Tye are traveling to Texas where they heard there was a survivor camp.
Next we meet Luke. Luke found an underground bunker early into the apcolypse. He has been living well with tons of stored food, running water, and a bed. But he is all alone.
Luke and Jackson's paths end up crossing through a series of events that you will just have to read about. And their adventure continues together...
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Damn. Those zombies were smart. I've read other zombie books that hint at zombies evolving into a smarter species but nothing like in this book. The zombies set traps, climbed onto rooftops, and dug tunnels. They became expert hunters and trappers. And they were fast. Reminded me of the Dawn of the Dead remake.
And this was a very fast paced book. Lots of gore, blood, and pus.
***Copy provided by Netgalley***
Next we meet Luke. Luke found an underground bunker early into the apcolypse. He has been living well with tons of stored food, running water, and a bed. But he is all alone.
Luke and Jackson's paths end up crossing through a series of events that you will just have to read about. And their adventure continues together...
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Damn. Those zombies were smart. I've read other zombie books that hint at zombies evolving into a smarter species but nothing like in this book. The zombies set traps, climbed onto rooftops, and dug tunnels. They became expert hunters and trappers. And they were fast. Reminded me of the Dawn of the Dead remake.
And this was a very fast paced book. Lots of gore, blood, and pus.
***Copy provided by Netgalley***
April 2, 2014
If you love zombies and romance novels, then this is the book for you. I loved the emotion -- from the point of being numbed by what was happening to finding new hope, love, and a reason to push on and survive.
The zombies are most definitely gross, and the way Emma writes them makes them scarier than any I've ever seen or read before. But that only heightens the emotions for the characters, knowing just how at risk they are.
Can't wait for the next one! Loved it.
The zombies are most definitely gross, and the way Emma writes them makes them scarier than any I've ever seen or read before. But that only heightens the emotions for the characters, knowing just how at risk they are.
Can't wait for the next one! Loved it.
January 17, 2016
Pretty decent zombie survival romance. Lots of action, a pretty well thought out plot, not too difficult on the willing suspension of disbelief front. Interesting characters and interesting zombie world building. I would definitely recommend this to lovers of zombie stories who like a bit of romance thrown into the mix of peril and survival.
January 8, 2016
I couldn't put this book down! I was reading it at work, in the car, in bed, on the couch, while making dinner, & finished it in 2 days!
Waking Up Dead, by Emma Shortt is a must read! There's a bad ass, machete wielding chic, zombies, & a love story!! What else do you need!?!?
Waking Up Dead, by Emma Shortt is a must read! There's a bad ass, machete wielding chic, zombies, & a love story!! What else do you need!?!?
August 29, 2014
I have always loved zombie films but never read a story of them. Was not disappointed, action, gore and a bit of romance thrown in as well. Anyone that loves the walking dead I think will enjoy this book.
July 4, 2016
Love against the odds
Zombies that can think plan run really fast and are extra strong, can smell there prey live humans!
Horrific!
If you can handle that then be prepared to not be able to put this book down till it's finished, That Good.
Zombies that can think plan run really fast and are extra strong, can smell there prey live humans!
Horrific!
If you can handle that then be prepared to not be able to put this book down till it's finished, That Good.
October 25, 2013
Definitely on the romance side of urban fantasy. A great read!
November 18, 2013
“Anything is possible if you’ve got the nerve…but sometimes a machete helps too.” - Jackson Hart
I really enjoyed reading Waking Up Dead, a post-apocalyptic zombie novel that provides a morbidly fascinating look at the stark reality and morality issues that survivors continue to face even two years after an outbreak that decimated society. The book successfully blends horror and romance together into an adrenaline-packed narrative that grabbed my attention from the start and kept me enthralled until the final sentence.
The protagonist of the book is Jackson Hart, a symbolically fitting name for her character. “Jackson” is a name most often given to males, and throughout the book, over and over, Jackson defies traditional female stereotypes and there’s no doubt, this gal’s got a lot of heart, even though she tries to conceal it behind her tough façade. She is a resilient, capable, skilled fighter in contrast to her petite physical frame. With her trusty best friend, Mandy, the Machete, at her side, she has become adept at compartmentalizing her feelings and turning into a “death machine” when she must. It doesn’t take Luke, her new traveling companion, long to realize she’s a “bad ass” who can take care of herself and doesn’t’ need a man to protect her. Jackson’s character really makes you ponder the long-term effects of living in fear and having to kill on a daily basis and a central question raised is whether a person can ever really return from it to live a “normal” life.
When Jackson and Luke meet while trying to escape zombies,
there is an instant attraction and growing spark between these two seemingly different people, who in the pre-zombie world, would probably have never taken the time to get to know each other. Luke is a gorgeous man whose natural instincts are to protect, and he struggles with his overriding desire to protect Jackson when she clearly doesn’t need or want it. Luke has been lucky. He’s had a secure bunker to hole up in for the past year and he hasn’t been in the trenches like Jackson facing death around every corner. In their journey to reach a survival camp in Texas, Luke realizes that Jackson is much more experienced than he is in knowing how to survive with minimal resources and he has to check his ego every now because he doesn’t get to take on the traditional male role of caretaker and protector.
The romance between Jackson and Luke develops over time, and it never overshadows the other dynamics of the story. The deep emotional connection between them is so strong and it gives them the strength they need to keep going in the direst of situations. Their love story is a ray of sunshine in an otherwise bleak world. Their first love scene together is hot as they pour all of their unfulfilled desires and needs into one another, longing to escape, just for a moment, the loneliness and desperation that have become ingrained in their day-to-day existence.
However, after that, their physical relationship moves into the background as the larger plot continues to unfold.
One intriguing aspect of the story is the subtle evolvement of the zombies as Jackson and Luke come to the horrifying realization that not all of the zombies are the mindless, animalistic creatures they’ve been killing for the past two years. The waking dead’s actions, behaviors, and calculating expressions indicate they are becoming more intelligent over time. Concerns about the morality of killing these questionable beings are raised as the survivors observe and learn more about them.
I loved how the author pulled me into the story, made me feel on edge about the constant looming danger of the waking dead. The climax of the book was extremely intense and brought out so many emotions in me. I’m not one to get easily teary-eyed, but I couldn’t help but get caught up in the deep emotional anguish, anger, pain, and sadness that engulf the characters, and the heartbreaking decisions they must make.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading Waking Up Dead, a post-apocalyptic zombie novel that provides a morbidly fascinating look at the stark reality and morality issues that survivors continue to face even two years after an outbreak that decimated society. The book successfully blends horror and romance together into an adrenaline-packed narrative that grabbed my attention from the start and kept me enthralled until the final sentence.
The protagonist of the book is Jackson Hart, a symbolically fitting name for her character. “Jackson” is a name most often given to males, and throughout the book, over and over, Jackson defies traditional female stereotypes and there’s no doubt, this gal’s got a lot of heart, even though she tries to conceal it behind her tough façade. She is a resilient, capable, skilled fighter in contrast to her petite physical frame. With her trusty best friend, Mandy, the Machete, at her side, she has become adept at compartmentalizing her feelings and turning into a “death machine” when she must. It doesn’t take Luke, her new traveling companion, long to realize she’s a “bad ass” who can take care of herself and doesn’t’ need a man to protect her. Jackson’s character really makes you ponder the long-term effects of living in fear and having to kill on a daily basis and a central question raised is whether a person can ever really return from it to live a “normal” life.
When Jackson and Luke meet while trying to escape zombies,
there is an instant attraction and growing spark between these two seemingly different people, who in the pre-zombie world, would probably have never taken the time to get to know each other. Luke is a gorgeous man whose natural instincts are to protect, and he struggles with his overriding desire to protect Jackson when she clearly doesn’t need or want it. Luke has been lucky. He’s had a secure bunker to hole up in for the past year and he hasn’t been in the trenches like Jackson facing death around every corner. In their journey to reach a survival camp in Texas, Luke realizes that Jackson is much more experienced than he is in knowing how to survive with minimal resources and he has to check his ego every now because he doesn’t get to take on the traditional male role of caretaker and protector.
The romance between Jackson and Luke develops over time, and it never overshadows the other dynamics of the story. The deep emotional connection between them is so strong and it gives them the strength they need to keep going in the direst of situations. Their love story is a ray of sunshine in an otherwise bleak world. Their first love scene together is hot as they pour all of their unfulfilled desires and needs into one another, longing to escape, just for a moment, the loneliness and desperation that have become ingrained in their day-to-day existence.
However, after that, their physical relationship moves into the background as the larger plot continues to unfold.
One intriguing aspect of the story is the subtle evolvement of the zombies as Jackson and Luke come to the horrifying realization that not all of the zombies are the mindless, animalistic creatures they’ve been killing for the past two years. The waking dead’s actions, behaviors, and calculating expressions indicate they are becoming more intelligent over time. Concerns about the morality of killing these questionable beings are raised as the survivors observe and learn more about them.
I loved how the author pulled me into the story, made me feel on edge about the constant looming danger of the waking dead. The climax of the book was extremely intense and brought out so many emotions in me. I’m not one to get easily teary-eyed, but I couldn’t help but get caught up in the deep emotional anguish, anger, pain, and sadness that engulf the characters, and the heartbreaking decisions they must make.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
October 6, 2017
I didn't think I'd be okay with this book, but I'm kinda okay with this book.
Zombie apocalypse in a realistic setting, a romance that wasn't cheesy and didn't leave me feeling like "What the hell".
A little boring in some places, but overall, definitely a Daryl in the Walking Dead comes to life.
Zombie apocalypse in a realistic setting, a romance that wasn't cheesy and didn't leave me feeling like "What the hell".
A little boring in some places, but overall, definitely a Daryl in the Walking Dead comes to life.
January 7, 2016
It’s been 2 years since zombies started taking over the world. Jackson is one of the ones who has survived and she’s done that by taking all emotion from her life and doing what she needs to do in order to live. She met Tye and they had been traveling together and landed in Chicago. They get separated and Jackson ends up meeting Luke who has had it pretty good as he found an underground bunker early on. Luke and Jackson stick together and when Jack tells Luke that she’s headed to a survivors camp in Laredo, Texas that she heard about he decides to go with her.
As they travel they become closer and basically fall in love although Jackson’s not about to admit that and let emotion rule her. When they arrive near Laredo and find more than what they hoped for, Luke thinks that life can be “normal” now but it might have been too long that Jackson was on her own and she might not be able to handle “normal” at all.
I’m the first to put my hand up when anyone asks who likes/watches The Walking Dead on tv. I love that show! What I like so much about it is the interpersonal relationships between the characters and how they treat each other, react to different situations and of course, deal with zombies. When I saw Waking Up Dead on NetGalley I grabbed it because I was hoping that it offered the same kind of thing and it certainly delivered!
Jackson and Luke are wonderful together. No, they didn’t fall into each others arms right away although I could tell there was attraction there. They dealt with each other well but as much as Jackson tried to keep emotion out of her life it was there whether she wanted it to be or not. Luke had had it pretty good with living in the bunker for so long and he hadn’t been walking/traveling for two years like Jack had. He was good for her in that he forced her to look at life differently and while she didn’t like that she allowed it. I loved the communication between the two and I loved watching the blooming romance between the two.
The end of the book was exciting and action-packed (as is the rest of the book) and quite touching. I loved the end scene(s) and can’t wait to read the next book, Waking Up Alive, when it comes out.
If you are one, like me, who loves a great post-apocalyptic romance then this book is definitely one you’ll want to pick up. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Rating: 4 out of 5
As they travel they become closer and basically fall in love although Jackson’s not about to admit that and let emotion rule her. When they arrive near Laredo and find more than what they hoped for, Luke thinks that life can be “normal” now but it might have been too long that Jackson was on her own and she might not be able to handle “normal” at all.
I’m the first to put my hand up when anyone asks who likes/watches The Walking Dead on tv. I love that show! What I like so much about it is the interpersonal relationships between the characters and how they treat each other, react to different situations and of course, deal with zombies. When I saw Waking Up Dead on NetGalley I grabbed it because I was hoping that it offered the same kind of thing and it certainly delivered!
Jackson and Luke are wonderful together. No, they didn’t fall into each others arms right away although I could tell there was attraction there. They dealt with each other well but as much as Jackson tried to keep emotion out of her life it was there whether she wanted it to be or not. Luke had had it pretty good with living in the bunker for so long and he hadn’t been walking/traveling for two years like Jack had. He was good for her in that he forced her to look at life differently and while she didn’t like that she allowed it. I loved the communication between the two and I loved watching the blooming romance between the two.
The end of the book was exciting and action-packed (as is the rest of the book) and quite touching. I loved the end scene(s) and can’t wait to read the next book, Waking Up Alive, when it comes out.
If you are one, like me, who loves a great post-apocalyptic romance then this book is definitely one you’ll want to pick up. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Rating: 4 out of 5
December 21, 2013
Titolo: Waking up dead
Autore: Emma Shortt
Inedito in italiano
Trama: La solita trama, un misterioso virus ha trasformato alcuni umani in zombie e da lì l’epidemia, morso dopo morso si è estesa. Ora dopo circa tre, quattro anni, gli umani sono quasi estinti mentre gli zombie stanno diventando più furbi e intelligenti. Cacciano in branco, comunicano tra loro e tendono trappole. In questo mondo apocalittico Jackson una ragazza imbattibile con la sua spada incontra Luke, un ex meccanico e classico bravo ragazzo, e insieme i due andranno in cerca di altri sopravvissuti e di un posto sicuro dove vivere, se ancora uno esiste….
La mia opinione: Prima di tutto devo dire che questo libro è scritto veramente bene, lo stile mi è piaciuto e non è per niente banale, né macabro. Anche la componente romantica è ben dosata e temperata, non ci sono troppe scene schifose. Ha le dosi giuste di azione, e storia.
L’idea di rendere gli zombie quasi senzienti e più intelligenti intriga, ma purtroppo dopo circa un terzo il libro tutto si banalizza perché tutti e dico tutti i cliche del genere vengono inseriti.
Jackson e Luke trovano un campo di sopravvissuti, dove vive uno scienziato che cerca una cura al virus e non è del tutto stabile, casini vari accadono e Luke viene morso e finisce per fare da cavia al vaccino, mentre Jackson , che lo ama, è pronta ad ucciderlo pur di non vederlo trasformarsi.
E’ sempre così, se nel libro c’è una coppia è sempre lui a finire morto e poi viene miracolosamente salvato…..
Non è che il libro mi sia spiaciuto è solo che speravo in qualcosa di più nuovo. I personaggi erano più approfonditi del solito e Jackson, ragazza del tutto normale che però dopo il virus è diventata stranamente imbattibile con la spada e più forte del normale e che ha acquisito un sesto senso zombie, era particolarmente interessante, ma quell’angolo narrativo non viene approfondito…. E Luke che è dolce e forte e romantico, a tratti è un poco maschilista….
C’è però da dire che è il primo libro di una serie, perciò forse gli angoli non approfonditi qui lo saranno in futuro. Ma non so se leggerò il seguito
Autore: Emma Shortt
Inedito in italiano
Trama: La solita trama, un misterioso virus ha trasformato alcuni umani in zombie e da lì l’epidemia, morso dopo morso si è estesa. Ora dopo circa tre, quattro anni, gli umani sono quasi estinti mentre gli zombie stanno diventando più furbi e intelligenti. Cacciano in branco, comunicano tra loro e tendono trappole. In questo mondo apocalittico Jackson una ragazza imbattibile con la sua spada incontra Luke, un ex meccanico e classico bravo ragazzo, e insieme i due andranno in cerca di altri sopravvissuti e di un posto sicuro dove vivere, se ancora uno esiste….
La mia opinione: Prima di tutto devo dire che questo libro è scritto veramente bene, lo stile mi è piaciuto e non è per niente banale, né macabro. Anche la componente romantica è ben dosata e temperata, non ci sono troppe scene schifose. Ha le dosi giuste di azione, e storia.
L’idea di rendere gli zombie quasi senzienti e più intelligenti intriga, ma purtroppo dopo circa un terzo il libro tutto si banalizza perché tutti e dico tutti i cliche del genere vengono inseriti.
Jackson e Luke trovano un campo di sopravvissuti, dove vive uno scienziato che cerca una cura al virus e non è del tutto stabile, casini vari accadono e Luke viene morso e finisce per fare da cavia al vaccino, mentre Jackson , che lo ama, è pronta ad ucciderlo pur di non vederlo trasformarsi.
E’ sempre così, se nel libro c’è una coppia è sempre lui a finire morto e poi viene miracolosamente salvato…..
Non è che il libro mi sia spiaciuto è solo che speravo in qualcosa di più nuovo. I personaggi erano più approfonditi del solito e Jackson, ragazza del tutto normale che però dopo il virus è diventata stranamente imbattibile con la spada e più forte del normale e che ha acquisito un sesto senso zombie, era particolarmente interessante, ma quell’angolo narrativo non viene approfondito…. E Luke che è dolce e forte e romantico, a tratti è un poco maschilista….
C’è però da dire che è il primo libro di una serie, perciò forse gli angoli non approfonditi qui lo saranno in futuro. Ma non so se leggerò il seguito
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2014
Zombies are in at the moment, there’s been a horde of undead novels shuffling onto eReaders and book shelves of late – I know I’m guilty of adding to that too! So there really has to be a great story line and some decent characters to really set a zombie book above all the rest – fortunately Emma Shortt really does do that.
Each part is written from the POV of the male and female protagonist, so there’s a clever and clear build up of tension, as most chapters leaves you on a hook – a technique used by Agatha Christie in her who-dun-it novels, as it keeps you reading. That’s how a book becomes something you simply can’t put down.
The zombies in this one were also evolved, and kind of characters in themselves. It reminded me of the game ‘Left for Dead’ which had characters for some of their zombies – the witch’s wails use to scare the living bejeezes out of me.
The romance between Jackson and Luke is sweet and builds slowly too, unlike other paranormal romance novels that simply add in a lusty desire and suddenly they’re together.
From a writer’s perspective, the action was great and the plot moved steadily along. My only criticism was that I didn’t warm to Jackson very quickly. She kicks ass, which is great and necessary considering her predicament, but it takes a while for her to really shine for me and I would have preferred that to come across quicker. Luke comes across much better for me and to be honest this is one of the few books that I’ve read that I’d recommend to both women and men as it really would be a thrilling read for everyone.
The front cover does look a bit like a video game, which could be intentional or not. I must admit that it was more the story than the cover that attracted me to this one. If it hadn’t been part of a tour, I might have passed it by.
Overall I’d give Waking the Dead 4 out of 5 stars – if you love the Walking Dead and want a book that can match it, look no further.
Each part is written from the POV of the male and female protagonist, so there’s a clever and clear build up of tension, as most chapters leaves you on a hook – a technique used by Agatha Christie in her who-dun-it novels, as it keeps you reading. That’s how a book becomes something you simply can’t put down.
The zombies in this one were also evolved, and kind of characters in themselves. It reminded me of the game ‘Left for Dead’ which had characters for some of their zombies – the witch’s wails use to scare the living bejeezes out of me.
The romance between Jackson and Luke is sweet and builds slowly too, unlike other paranormal romance novels that simply add in a lusty desire and suddenly they’re together.
From a writer’s perspective, the action was great and the plot moved steadily along. My only criticism was that I didn’t warm to Jackson very quickly. She kicks ass, which is great and necessary considering her predicament, but it takes a while for her to really shine for me and I would have preferred that to come across quicker. Luke comes across much better for me and to be honest this is one of the few books that I’ve read that I’d recommend to both women and men as it really would be a thrilling read for everyone.
The front cover does look a bit like a video game, which could be intentional or not. I must admit that it was more the story than the cover that attracted me to this one. If it hadn’t been part of a tour, I might have passed it by.
Overall I’d give Waking the Dead 4 out of 5 stars – if you love the Walking Dead and want a book that can match it, look no further.
December 11, 2015
Marie's Tempting Reads Netgalley ARC Review:
Looking for that sexy post-apocalyptic romance with little bits of humor and plenty of zing? Then "feast" your eyes on Waking Up Dead by Emma Shortt! This book had it all: thrilling plot, a sexy hero, sassy heroine, and some ridiculously smart zombies! I was sitting on the edge of my seat the whole time while reading this. Between the zombies which seem to be getting smarter and a little more organized, we have some super sexy moments between Jackson and Luke. Plus a TON of gore as these two find safety among the walking dead. Super good!
The sex sizzles as danger surrounds them. I loved the banter between these two, and enjoyed immensely how Luke wanted to take care of Jackson. I mean in a zombie apocalypse, I would want a man who can provide as well as protect. Not to mention that it was nice to see a woman who knew how to take care of herself as well but who has no problems seeing the appeal of a man taking care of a woman. A very action-packed, romantic story with awesome characters.
Waking Up Dead got a SUPER CHARGED FOUR AND A HALF SHOOTING STARS! I am excited about reading the second book and have no doubts it will be just as good as the first book. Write away Emma Shortt!
Looking for that sexy post-apocalyptic romance with little bits of humor and plenty of zing? Then "feast" your eyes on Waking Up Dead by Emma Shortt! This book had it all: thrilling plot, a sexy hero, sassy heroine, and some ridiculously smart zombies! I was sitting on the edge of my seat the whole time while reading this. Between the zombies which seem to be getting smarter and a little more organized, we have some super sexy moments between Jackson and Luke. Plus a TON of gore as these two find safety among the walking dead. Super good!
The sex sizzles as danger surrounds them. I loved the banter between these two, and enjoyed immensely how Luke wanted to take care of Jackson. I mean in a zombie apocalypse, I would want a man who can provide as well as protect. Not to mention that it was nice to see a woman who knew how to take care of herself as well but who has no problems seeing the appeal of a man taking care of a woman. A very action-packed, romantic story with awesome characters.
Waking Up Dead got a SUPER CHARGED FOUR AND A HALF SHOOTING STARS! I am excited about reading the second book and have no doubts it will be just as good as the first book. Write away Emma Shortt!
October 15, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I started reading this book and it immediately hooked me in. I could not put the book down and read it in one day. Yes, this is a zombie book, but it is not the usual zombie book. The main female character, Jackson, is a complete bad a$$ in every sense of the word. She may resemble a tiny little pixie, but she definitely does not act that way. She has been on the run from the zombies and she's trying to stay alive all on her own. She has to prove to these men that want to protect her that she doesn't need any protecting, not with her trusty machete "Mandy" by her side. However, she wants a sense of normalcy that she hasn't had in years and she's not sure if it even exists.
This is a fascinating story and an adrenaline rush from the first page. I had to stop myself from reading ahead to see what happened because it was so intense. The roller coaster ride is one that I really enjoyed and will highly recommend this book to anyone that likes to read a fast paced, different kind of zombie story.
I started reading this book and it immediately hooked me in. I could not put the book down and read it in one day. Yes, this is a zombie book, but it is not the usual zombie book. The main female character, Jackson, is a complete bad a$$ in every sense of the word. She may resemble a tiny little pixie, but she definitely does not act that way. She has been on the run from the zombies and she's trying to stay alive all on her own. She has to prove to these men that want to protect her that she doesn't need any protecting, not with her trusty machete "Mandy" by her side. However, she wants a sense of normalcy that she hasn't had in years and she's not sure if it even exists.
This is a fascinating story and an adrenaline rush from the first page. I had to stop myself from reading ahead to see what happened because it was so intense. The roller coaster ride is one that I really enjoyed and will highly recommend this book to anyone that likes to read a fast paced, different kind of zombie story.
December 9, 2015
https://koeur.wordpress.com/2015/12/0...
Publisher: Entangled
Publishing Date: October 2013
ISBN:9781622660346
Genre: SciFi
Rating: 3.5/5
Publishers Description: Jackson Hart is a survivor. It’s been two years since the virus first hit the country, and she watched almost everyone she loves die…or turn into zombies with a ferocious and insatiable appetite for flesh. Her instincts and her machete keep her alive, even if she’s forgotten almost everything she knows about living.
Review: If you can look past the cover long enough to read a few pages you might get hooked on this novel. The movement is really good what with constantly running from, fighting and killing of zombies. The good thing is that the characters have depth that follows the movement. The romance fits the story line as you might expect if a zombie apocalypse occurred. Really well done.
Publisher: Entangled
Publishing Date: October 2013
ISBN:9781622660346
Genre: SciFi
Rating: 3.5/5
Publishers Description: Jackson Hart is a survivor. It’s been two years since the virus first hit the country, and she watched almost everyone she loves die…or turn into zombies with a ferocious and insatiable appetite for flesh. Her instincts and her machete keep her alive, even if she’s forgotten almost everything she knows about living.
Review: If you can look past the cover long enough to read a few pages you might get hooked on this novel. The movement is really good what with constantly running from, fighting and killing of zombies. The good thing is that the characters have depth that follows the movement. The romance fits the story line as you might expect if a zombie apocalypse occurred. Really well done.
July 16, 2016
Zombie apocalypse novel where we meet Jackson, a young woman who survived for two years all alone. She met Tye and they traveled together for short while before they got separated. By a fluke, she meets Luke and there is immediate attraction. Warning: there are a few adult scenes. With a hope from a rumor, they head south to Texas where there may be a community of survivors. This story has zombies who are mutating; some of them are getting smarter, able to handle objects, plot and gather in hordes to hunt. I became enthralled with the characters and cared whether they lived or died. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I will say that I enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next one!
January 21, 2016
A zombie apocalypse love story. Really? Really! Waking the Dead was a great read, taking place in zombie-infested, post-apocalyptic America, Jackson and Luke cross the country fighting for their lives and for each other. The action was well-written, I could see (and smell!) the zombies as I read; I loved character relationships with each other, but the real bite was the inner workings of the characters as they each try to come terms with the new reality and how delicate the new world order is.
Definitely a great read for Walking Dead fans who think that every now and then the survivors should stop and remember why life is worth living after all.
Definitely a great read for Walking Dead fans who think that every now and then the survivors should stop and remember why life is worth living after all.
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