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Love and Decay 2 #2

Love and Decay 2, Episode Two

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Zombies- as if that wasn’t enough to ruin any girl’s dream of a happily ever after.

Life has fallen into a pleasant routine at the storage facility. Daily tasks involved with running a compound post Zombie Apocalypse keep Reagan and her friends busy and active.

However, there are still Zombies ruling the outside world and Matthias Allen poses a constant threat to their survival. Times have never been more dangerous for Reagan Willow and her friends.

After what happened during the last supply-run, Gage makes the decision to suspend supply-runs; but Tyler is determined to check on Miller. When a dark secret that Reagan has been hiding for weeks comes to light, the Parker’s decide that Tyler shouldn’t be the only one checking on the Colony.

Of course, things can never go as planned during the end of the world, and Reagan and friends find themselves trapped between a rock and a hard place. In an effort to help her friends escape, Reagan will be faced with an enemy that she isn’t ready to meet. Hendrix and her have always had an unshakeable relationship, but when she’s forced to compromise in an effort to protect him, will he be able to forgive her?

Love and Decay, Episode Two is the second episode in Season Two of 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.

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First published February 20, 2014

112 people want to read

About the author

Rachel Higginson

122 books3,497 followers
Rachel 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.

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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Lenore Kosinski.
2,389 reviews64 followers
November 3, 2015
I'm still having issues with Reagan....I'm not entirely convinced that she understood why keeping the secret was so wrong...or maybe it's more that I don't get her reasons for keeping the secret. At least she was appropriately chastised by the family, and Hendrix in particular. It was just so dangerous -- and you would think she would have better street smarts than that. So maybe I'm just a really unsympathetic reader, but I just don't get it.

And frankly, taking such a large group, and an injured Reagan on a scouting mission was kind of unbelievable too. I feel so cynical! I mean, it wouldn't have been a very exciting episode if all she did was hang out at the compound while others went scouting, but I just... Suspension of disbelief Lenore, suspension of disbelief.

Regardless of all my bitching and moaning, it was still a solid episode. I absolutely ADORED the beginning between Reagan and Harrison, and Harrison's fear of Hendrix's wrath. I miss those young kids, they seriously crack me up. And I enjoyed learning a bit more about the school they were trying to set up, and the training that the boys are up to. I was even intrigued with Reagan's encounter with Kane, though I don't think I'll ever be team Kane in any way.... So one part of me was solidly enthralled with this episode, while another part of me was internally raging through half of it. I don't know if I'm going to survive this season.
Profile Image for Deanna.
161 reviews17 followers
February 21, 2014
***I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review***

"I can't compete with that, Reagan. I can't compete with broken and needy...He speaks to you in this way that I will never be able to...it's fighting its way in between us and I don't know how to stop it from manipulating you. I don't know how to keep you when I can't understand my enemy."

Oh my gosh this season is just so amazing and we're only on episode two!!!

In this episode we start out with Reagan and Harrison. Harrison! Yay! I feel like sometimes we don't get enough of Harrison or King, so I enjoyed seeing Harrison and his banter with Reagan. They both totally cracked me up.

But seriously, when is there an episode where someone isn't making a joke? I think half the time I read these novellas I'm laughing and the other half I'm clutching my heart (which can be from something terrifying or something heart-warming, and in this episode's case, it was a little bit of both for me.)

Now, if you don't want to read any spoilers then don't continue because I'm about to unload all my feelings.

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He's back. That's right. You know who I'm talking about. I'll give you a hint if you're unsure. It isn't Voldemort...

Guessed it yet? It's only one of my greatest crushes that only exists in bookland.

Kane.

We already knew from the episode before this that Kane is alive. He left that bloody shirt, knife, and note for Reagan. I totally forgot about that happening until it was brought up again in this episode because Reagan had let two stinkin' weeks go by without telling anyone about it! Uh, what was she thinking? She knows it's a horrible idea to keep stuff from Hendrix! Especially Kane-related stuff.

Hendrix:
"You almost kill the guy one second, and then you're hiding him from me in the next. I don't know how to understand this situation. And I'm even less sure of what it says about you."

Reagan:
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I really wish Reagan wouldn't feel so bad about her conflicting feelings for Kane.

Anyways, back to the events of this episode. Reagan and a bunch of the gang go on a mission to check out The Colony, aka check on Miller and Kane. And who do we see when they arrive just outside the place? The very two people we are most anxious to find out about. Poor Miller is beaten and tied up to a pole outside, and then comes along Kane with food and some sort of healing salve.

*Sighs*

Too bad Reagan doesn't share the same feelings that I do when Kane walks onto the scene.

At another time in my life, I would have appreciated the concern Kane showed for Miller and the gentleness in which he cared for him. But I was beyond those weak emotions by now.

Nooooooo!!!! They aren't weak emotions! Kane isn't a bad guy! He isn't, I tell you!

I know Kane is on his father's side and he wants Miller to side with them, but he doesn't want to see his brother beaten like that either. Reagan should know that. Kane isn't a heartless person. In fact, he is full of heart. Maybe Reagan would say he has too much heart because he's obsessed with her but...

Whatever.

Okay, so I about died during this novella because 1) I thought Hendrix died and 2) Kane is the hottest bad boy in fiction.

Note to self and others, don't read these episodes during class, work, or anytime you're around people when you're supposed to be paying attention, doing something important, or being professional because you don't want to have to try to hold in your freak-outs and all your emotions. Seriously. It's agony.

I don't know why I thought Hendrix was dead. If Rachel is going to kill him, I don't think she would do it so soon. Or I feel like she'd at least wait to do it at the end of the season, not at the very beginning of this one. So basically, I'm an idiot.

Also, I don't know how I went so fast from tearing up about the possibility of Hendrix being dead to totally grinning like a fool at Kane's appearance in the woods.

Just Kane, Reagan, and an unconscious Hendrix. All alone in the woods with nothing but time and each other. What could happen?

A lot of something. That's what.

Reagan can tell me it was all a show to manipulate Kane, but I know better. I know she liked it. I know she has a thing for Kane. She's too scared and ashamed to admit it, but there' definitely something there that she would like to pretend doesn't exist.

I'm just glad Kane is really persistent about pursuing her otherwise I'd never see him again. I'm also really thankful that he can survive being knifed and shot in a Zombie Apocalypse age. And that he doesn't have a problem with fighting with Reagan every now and then. (That's a huge understatement because they are almost always fighting).

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I feel like that statement above is really reflective of the relationship between Kane and Reagan.

I think if Kane asked Reagan what would happen if he died, her answer would be:

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And he would respond by saying:

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It was sad when the moment between Kane and Reagan had to end. I don't know when we'll see them together again, but I hope I won't have to wait too long. But even if I do, there's still lovely Hendrix to enjoy. :) I'm soooo looking forward to the next ten or whatever episodes of this season! I just know they're all gonna be spectacular.

Profile Image for Kelly.
54 reviews11 followers
August 11, 2016
ARC Review:

While Episode One came in a spatter of blood and bullets, Episode Two was a fast paced psychological thriller that will have you gritting your teeth and holding your breath.

At the end of Episode One, Kane left Reagan a little "gift". The very knife she stabbed him with, effectively shattering any illusions of safety she may have felt in the compound. She chooses to keep this from Hendrix in fear of pulling him further into Kane's sick obsessive games.

In the meantime, Tyler is consumed with the difficult task of rescuing her little brother, Miller from the clutches of their sadistic father. Of course this group would never let one of their own get into any danger without backup, so they venture out to scout Matthias' camp. If you know Rachel, you know that these errands never go smoothly (what's the fun in that?) This particular outing is no exception.....


Episode Two may not have much blood but there's plenty of tension, jealously accusations and passion to hold you captive until the end.

I really like that Rachel took the time to dive into the character's psyches to reinforce their core values in a soulless world. Love is tested with the impurity of doubt and jealousies. Friendships are fortified amidst the ever present stench of death. And the sanity of one man, threatens to overshadow them all.....
Profile Image for Caylie.
Author 6 books166 followers
February 21, 2014
Oh jeez...

I just don't know what to say, and this in only Episode 2!

Rachel is sure to give me a heart attack by the end of this season.

So, there was a part in this episode where I just had all these conflicting emotions.
I wanted to love it (hell, I DID love it), but I also wanted to hate it, since it dealt with Kane - and he was so uber creepy at the end of season 1.
HOWEVER, I'm pretty sure I will always have a soft spot for that guy (unless he kills one of the Parker brothers... then he's dead to me).
So in this episode Reagan and Kane meet up in an unexpected place with an unconscious Hendrix laying but 5 feet away from them.

That moment though... UGH... that moment!! <3

Rachel!!! YOU ARE MAKING ME A FREAKING NUTCASE OVER HERE!!!

This was a great episode. From beginning-to middle-to end.. it was great.

Seriously, I am so freaking scared for this season. SO MUCH has happened in just these first two episodes, I can only imagine what will happen throughout the rest of the season.
Profile Image for Sara.
1,045 reviews18 followers
June 24, 2017
Rachel has done it again. She has written another awesome episode. It amazes me how the fighting never feels like a repeat, and how each episode is its own new story. And she better not separate Reagan and Hendrix. I love, love, the friction and excitement Kane brings to the story, but Reagan and Hendrix belong together.

The downside: waiting 2 weeks for more.
Profile Image for Mandy Reads Indie.
1,994 reviews91 followers
February 20, 2014
There is trouble in paradise. Reagan has a secret that no one knows. She knows Kane has been stalking her. She knows he isn't dead. But she feels if she keeps it bottled up he can't get to her or her family. She also knows that is a bunch of crap. So when she finally opens up, Hendrix is infuriated the most. And hurt. Reagan has to make him trust her again. But their time together may be cut short if Kane has any say in the matter.

***
I’d made a lot of mistakes with Kane and every one of them could be summed up with me letting him live.
***

I was reading along thinking that Higginson was going to give us a filler episode. You know, one of those filler books to pass the time, letting us know what all has been happening. One of those episodes where nothing big happens to them. And I will be the first to tell you that these people need a little less excitement in their lives. But this was not that episode. Half way in things take a turn for the worst. And by worst I mean Kane. And by Kane I mean SHIZNIT! I had second thoughts plaguing my mind about that certain someone. Oh yes, Higginson is a pro at dishing out characters that have us questioning our sanity. It is like I know I shouldn’t like him. He is after all evil. But there is something about him that pulls me in. I’ve mentioned before it is probably the glasses. Yeah, it is the glasses…

***
“Last time I let you this close, you tried to kill me.” He sounded tortured… haunted by the memory.
And I really couldn’t blame him.
“I’m glad you didn’t die,” I told him. My hand cupped his jaw as if by a decision I didn’t consciously make. I didn’t understand this soft spot I had for him. I hated him as much as I wanted to protect him. I believed he was as evil as I believed he was capable of redemption. And every one of my conscious thoughts condemned him while my unconscious ones whispered promises of a better man.

***

So by now my heart is nearly beating out of my chest. I just know this is the end of Reagan and Hendrix. I just know that Kane is going to end it all for them. And maybe he did. Maybe he is going to end them once and for all. But I cannot tell you what happened. Oh no, you must read this one for yourselves. One thing is for sure...nothing will ever be the same. Not for Hendrix and most certainly not for Reagan. Emotions play a huge role! Mercy! I cannot wait to see what happens next. This series is undoubtedly one of my most favorite books that I look forward too. I crave it with everything I have. I need more. I have to have more. It is more than just another zombie book! 5 Fleshy Stars!
Profile Image for Izzie d.
4,313 reviews362 followers
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Shannon Deberry.
41 reviews3 followers
April 5, 2014
Anyone who follows Rachels books cannot wait for the next pages that she writes, these Novellas are no exception!!!!!
In this episode Reagan finally fesses up to the Parkers that Kane left her a present. Somehow either he or someone who is helping him left the bloody knife and shirt on her bed.
In this fast paced episode Rachel takes us on a scouting mission to check and make sure Miller is all right, they will get him back, but when is another question. It is dangerous anytime they get anywhere near Mathias' compound. Hendrix is really upset with Reagan and all she can hope is that he will forgive her from keeping this secret. The group goes out on their scouting mission, and along the way not only to they have a couple run ins with Mathias' men , they are also running from the zombies. Thanks to Reagans fresh injuries even bandaged she is leaving a scented blood trail that brings the feeders in.
while her and Hendrix try to escape, they end up in a ravene , Hendrix is out cold, Reagan is frantic. And who should appear but Kane. Once again we see both sides of him and wonder do I hate him or become a fan and hope somewhere along this story that the glimpses of good will come out. There are more heated moments between Kane and Reagan. And as always Rachel manages to pull the readers emotions back and forth. If you havnt started this series you really must!
Profile Image for Dena.
4,486 reviews12 followers
February 28, 2014
You know it is the little things that mess a relationship up. Like a deranged person targeting you because he is in love with you and keeping it to yourself. I mean along with the zombies we have people who kill other to be on top and to have this nonexistent power. I don't understand how Reagan can justify her actions and how Hendrix becomes ok just because she has to not want to lay it on the line. But like I said in the beginning relationships are complicated and need complete honesty and truth.
Profile Image for Theresa Kay.
Author 25 books444 followers
March 3, 2014
This episode has a little bit of everything: humor, action, drama and even a little angst. It starts of fairly tame with Reagan assisting Harrison. Then, she gets injured in a stupid accident and things just go downhill from there for our poor heroine. Fighting with Hendrix, fending off zombies and the confirmation of Kane's survival. I absolutely love the dynamic between she and Kane in this episode and I'm really curious to see where the story is going next.

** I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,560 reviews37 followers
April 2, 2014
I love this series! I know, my reviews of this one always start that way. It's true. I love these people and their struggles. So Reagan and Hendrix have declared their undying love. They have been together 6 months. Reagan keeps saying that is not a long time. It is a long time when you are with that person every day all day! So please bring on the physical love already! Is the author trying to keep this PG for the twelve year olds? Please, she is twenty years old now. Get her to a drug store and get some contraceptive and get it on with Hendrix. Please!
Profile Image for Crystal Simpson.
290 reviews3 followers
February 27, 2014
geez I against all common sense I still like Kane. I still hold out hope he will leave his crazy Father escape with Miller and join Gages compound. It will take a long time but maybe the Parkers could trust him and he could mend bridges with his sister and brother. Even though I don't really want him with Reagan (cuz what would Hendrix do) maybe some one else at the compound would catch his eye. Happily ever afterish for every one.
Profile Image for Fatavia.
325 reviews7 followers
February 28, 2014
Ok so I think at one point while reading this book, I held my breath for at least 2minutes...lol. This series just pulls you in. Absolutely Loved it. Regan and Hendrix hit a pivotal point in their relationship. Kane, Kane, Kane...Ugh I don't want to like him but I do. This is one of best series I've ever read, can't wait for the next installment....Thanks for the getaway!!!!
Profile Image for Karla.
550 reviews16 followers
October 1, 2015
Have to read this zombie series it's epic. I ignored the call of Spain's sea and sand to read this brilliant series. Kindle one click made me read the entire series while on holidays in Spain. An epic adventure filled with lust,love, blood, kisses, zombies, action, suspense, intrigue, fear and resilience.
Profile Image for R..
121 reviews
February 22, 2014
Kane is going to cause SO much shit this season. I'm relieved Reagan is completely devoted to Hendrix and recognized that AND that she was honest with him but I'm still annoyed at her 'conflicted' feelings about Kane. Gonna wait for him to put a gun to Page's head so she can wake up. Sigh.
Profile Image for Jocelyn.
472 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2014
This season has me completely anxious and at my witt's end. I am so nervous yet completely enthralled.
Profile Image for Melissa.
119 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2014
Another home run from rachel higginson
Profile Image for Melissa.
119 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2014
So happy to be reading this series and reading about reagan and hendrix.
Profile Image for Cora.
339 reviews6 followers
September 7, 2016
I just don't understand how one writer can take us on such a roller-coaster!! My heart can't keep up :) I loved this as much as the others.
69 reviews10 followers
April 6, 2016
She repeats herself, her emotions, it's almost if she is trying to convince herself maybe? Team Kane!
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