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Savage:
Kill or die... From contemporary romance author Jade C. Jamison comes a story about second chances, survival, and learning to love again.Nina Hardwick has had a rough life since leaving high school, but inside she is still the girl looking for a silver lining. The past several years have left their toll on her psyche, and just as she feels like she’s climbing out of a deep abyss, her life and the lives of millions of others fall into shambles as a virus overtakes the country and leaves a plague of undead armies scouring the land.In a desperate attempt to get away from the infected, Nina and some neighbors speed out of town, nearly killing a man on a motorcycle. When they stop to rescue him, Nina realizes that he is the one man from her past she never got over, the guy who should have been her high school sweetheart until she messed it up. But this unrequited love, Kevin Savage, says he doesn’t even remember her. Or does he?Nina, Kevin, and her neighbors head to the wilderness and fight to survive not only the plague but also hunger, cold, their inner demons…and even each other. Will they survive and, more importantly, will her heart?This tale of survival and second chance romance is NOT your boyfriend's zombie book...What readers are “OMG! I. AM. BLOWN. AWAY by this book.... I expected a different kind of a book…more action and fighting but what I got was an amazing look into the souls of people. The heart of what makes us a society of good or not good people. I feel that this book is showcasing a whole new level for Jade’s writing abilities. She can write some hot and naughty rockers we all have no doubt but this book and its main character, Nina, is just so deep and inspiring. It really knocked my socks off.” – Angie, Twinsie Talk Book Reviews
“Yes, you will get to see some zombies and there will be killing and some Walking Dead worthy scenarios...but for the most part this book is about relationships (something Jamison does well), love lost and found, the truth of what lies beneath the surface of people when they are forced to 'kill or die,' mental illness in many forms and the human basic need and strength to survive even when you feel like you have nothing left to live for.” – Sue Banner
“I will admit when Jade first mentioned she was writing Savage and that is was a zombie novel, I was a little hesitant. I am not a fan of zombie/vampire/shape-shifter type stories, but as Jade wrote this and shared teasers and snippets, I became intrigued and the more I saw the more I decided this has to be a must read. I have read almost all of Jade’s books and have loved every single one, so I was pretty sure I’d at least like it. Well, I didn’t like it…. I LOVED it!” – Amy Moore
“Yes, you will get to see some zombies and there will be killing and some Walking Dead worthy scenarios...but for the most part this book is about relationships (something Jamison does well), love lost and found, the truth of what lies beneath the surface of people when they are forced to 'kill or die,' mental illness in many forms and the human basic need and strength to survive even when you feel like you have nothing left to live for.” – Sue Banner
“I will admit when Jade first mentioned she was writing Savage and that is was a zombie novel, I was a little hesitant. I am not a fan of zombie/vampire/shape-shifter type stories, but as Jade wrote this and shared teasers and snippets, I became intrigued and the more I saw the more I decided this has to be a must read. I have read almost all of Jade’s books and have loved every single one, so I was pretty sure I’d at least like it. Well, I didn’t like it…. I LOVED it!” – Amy Moore
514 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2015
15 people are currently reading
700 people want to read
About the author
Jade C. Jamison
115 books1,804 followersJade C. Jamison writes steamy contemporary romance that’s full of heat, heartbreak, and hard rock. Known for emotionally raw rockstar romances, sizzling billionaire stories, and unforgettable second chances, Jade delivers passionate stories with fierce heroines and brooding heroes.
When she's not writing, she's jamming to metal, sipping strong coffee, or spoiling her pets and family. Whether set in small-town Colorado or on tour with a band, her books take readers on an intense, romantic ride—one story at a time.
Learn more at www.jadecjamison.com or join her newsletter: https://jade-c-jamison.myflodesk.com/...
New to Jade? Start with Bullet!
When she's not writing, she's jamming to metal, sipping strong coffee, or spoiling her pets and family. Whether set in small-town Colorado or on tour with a band, her books take readers on an intense, romantic ride—one story at a time.
Learn more at www.jadecjamison.com or join her newsletter: https://jade-c-jamison.myflodesk.com/...
New to Jade? Start with Bullet!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 31, 2015
☆ I received an ARC via TRSOR PR in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ☆
3.5 stars!!
Savage wasn’t as gritty as I thought it would be, but, it did manage to pull at my heartstrings at a couple of parts.
Nina Hardwick is like many of us, just trying to get by in life. Having done the married and kids thing, a zombie apocalypse unleashes and what little outlook Nina had left is put to the test, as she battles to survive while reconnecting with an old flame along the way.
Can humanity survive the remnants of this virus outbreak and have any hope for a future? Can Nina find the will to live and rescue what little light she has left, while finding closure to a love she never got to even get to start but always regretted? Will she and Kevin get their second chance at love? Or is their harsh reality too out of reach for what’s about to come?
Over all, a good read to quench my dystopian reading tastes, although it centers around 30-40 year olds, trying to stay alive and rebuild what they have left while finding something old yet new in each other.
I definitely recommend to Z lovers, although I do wish a little more information was divulged about the whole zombie debacle, as well as, hoped that there was going to be a sequel involving Kevin and Nina’s kids.
3.5 stars!!
Savage wasn’t as gritty as I thought it would be, but, it did manage to pull at my heartstrings at a couple of parts.
Nina Hardwick is like many of us, just trying to get by in life. Having done the married and kids thing, a zombie apocalypse unleashes and what little outlook Nina had left is put to the test, as she battles to survive while reconnecting with an old flame along the way.
Can humanity survive the remnants of this virus outbreak and have any hope for a future? Can Nina find the will to live and rescue what little light she has left, while finding closure to a love she never got to even get to start but always regretted? Will she and Kevin get their second chance at love? Or is their harsh reality too out of reach for what’s about to come?
Over all, a good read to quench my dystopian reading tastes, although it centers around 30-40 year olds, trying to stay alive and rebuild what they have left while finding something old yet new in each other.
I definitely recommend to Z lovers, although I do wish a little more information was divulged about the whole zombie debacle, as well as, hoped that there was going to be a sequel involving Kevin and Nina’s kids.
March 25, 2015
Review to come on Tour Date
March 29, 2015
Jade is one of my favorite rock star authors, and when I heard she was dipping her hands into the zombie frenzy, I was absolutely intrigued to say the least! This is definitely out of bounds for her, and I am blown away by the amazing story and detail she put into it.
It’s a slow paced story, but gives us a precise look into the mind of Nina, a widowed mother of two. She’s had a rough life, needless to say, and we get glimpses into her past and present, which I think helps us to better know her.
She’s always had that one regret, and his name is Kevin Savage. He’s brought back into her life when she’s headed to check on family, and almost runs him down. They come together, along with some others, and fight to survive the virus. I have to say, this is a story about survival and what you’d do in certain situations, and trusting the people you’re with to have your back. It’s so much more than the regular blood and guts zombie images we’ve become accustomed to; they’re actually secondary in the whole picture.
This is such an extraordinary story that Jade has brought to us, and I give her major props for exploring out of her zone, because she brought it big time! Even if you’re not a paranormal fan, give it a try, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
It’s a slow paced story, but gives us a precise look into the mind of Nina, a widowed mother of two. She’s had a rough life, needless to say, and we get glimpses into her past and present, which I think helps us to better know her.
She’s always had that one regret, and his name is Kevin Savage. He’s brought back into her life when she’s headed to check on family, and almost runs him down. They come together, along with some others, and fight to survive the virus. I have to say, this is a story about survival and what you’d do in certain situations, and trusting the people you’re with to have your back. It’s so much more than the regular blood and guts zombie images we’ve become accustomed to; they’re actually secondary in the whole picture.
This is such an extraordinary story that Jade has brought to us, and I give her major props for exploring out of her zone, because she brought it big time! Even if you’re not a paranormal fan, give it a try, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
May 16, 2015
“You can’t just stand there and do nothing. They’ll kill you, Nina. It’s you or them. Kill or die, Nina Davis.” His jaw rippled before he repeated each word with force.
“Kill or die.”
What an incredible book! I have read several of Jade’s books, I liked them all, but I think this is by far my favorite. All of her stories are well written but this was more. A little deeper, a little more feeling, a little more anxiety inducing.
Nina is a great character. Life has beaten her down. So much so that she feels dead inside. She is simply going through the motions. It takes the end of the world to give Nina a kick in the ass to start living again. Fate reunites with her high school crush, Kevin. He is her biggest regret. She does not regret what she did with him, but rather what she did not do with him. She has been playing the what-if game for the past twenty years. Now she is forced to confront him and all of her fears in order to survive. Kevin is just awesome. He is a man’s man. He is a take charge, kick ass kind of guy. He is also incredibly sexy and has been thinking about Nina just as much as she has been thinking about him for the past twenty years.
This is not a typical zombie book, nor is it a typical romance. It’s a little of both, and is also a book about rediscovering yourself. It’s about realizing that it’s not too late. That just because one thing has ended, something great could be about to begin. While there is not a ton of zombie action, there are plenty of anxiety inducing moments. The heart of the story lies in the people, as is the case with most post apocalypse stories. People tend to find incredible strength in the face of death. Even if they have lost the will to live, something about the world actually ending can give you a new fight for life. This is definitely the case for Nina. She finds herself doing things she never would have had the courage for previously.
One of my favorite parts of this book had to be the amazing soundtrack that Jade provides at the beginning of each chapter. Tons of great songs that bounce between current and 80’s hard rock. I happened to know most of the songs so it really helped to set the mood for the entire book. There is a perfect mix of heartache and survival action in this story.
Grab your headphones and a cold six pack for this one! 5 stars! Enjoy!
Purchase Link - Savage
September 2, 2019
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I received this book from the author for an honest review.
OMG! I. AM. BLOWN. AWAY by this book.
I am a big Jade fan but this book is soooo different from anything I have read of hers. I have pretty much read all the books in her library but like 4 so to say I know her writing style wouldn’t be a lie. The anxiety and tension of this book totally sneaks up on you and then BOOM you are a stressed out MESS!! This book is VERY slow but it’s very purposeful in its pace. We, the reader, are in Nina’s mind. We ARE Nina. We get to see her reasons for why she does things and why she feels the way she does. She is a very broken woman because life hasn’t always been easy and she kinda has some “what if’s” playing in her head…..alll those what ifs are about our yummy Mr. Savage……..
Nina and her neighbors end up almost running over Nina’s biggest life regret, Kevin, when trying to get to help Nina’s elderly aunt. The story is the 4 of them making due in a survival situation during the worst possible time to be in the Colorado Mountains. Yes they are homebound essentially and dealing with a few “biters” but the story is not really about the virus but the people. The story is about what people will and won’t do to survive. How people can change to go with the new world or how they break and go a little insane with the new world. I totally think that the characters in this book are actual representations of what can happen if this situation were to arise. The best of couples can fall apart and strangers can become your ally and trusted companion.
Now to all of you “I am not gonna read it because it has zombies in it”…get over it. Zombies are a minimal part of the story. PEOPLE and SURVIVAL are the point of this story. I can tell you I was messaging Jade completely freaking out at parts and then bawling at parts of the story. This book was a book I was eagerly waiting to read. I will not deny it but to say it wasn’t at all what I thought it would be isn’t a lie. I expected a different kind of a book…more action and fighting but what I got was an amazing look into the souls of people. The heart of what makes us a society of good or not good people. I feel that this book is showcasing a whole new level for Jade’s writing abilities. She can write some hot and naughty rockers we all have no doubt but this book and its main character, Nina, is just so deep and inspiring. It really knocked my socks off…..
www.Twinsietalk.com
www.Facebook.com/Twinsietalk
eee.Tsu.co/Twinsietalk
@Twinsietalk
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
OMG! I. AM. BLOWN. AWAY by this book.
I am a big Jade fan but this book is soooo different from anything I have read of hers. I have pretty much read all the books in her library but like 4 so to say I know her writing style wouldn’t be a lie. The anxiety and tension of this book totally sneaks up on you and then BOOM you are a stressed out MESS!! This book is VERY slow but it’s very purposeful in its pace. We, the reader, are in Nina’s mind. We ARE Nina. We get to see her reasons for why she does things and why she feels the way she does. She is a very broken woman because life hasn’t always been easy and she kinda has some “what if’s” playing in her head…..alll those what ifs are about our yummy Mr. Savage……..
Nina and her neighbors end up almost running over Nina’s biggest life regret, Kevin, when trying to get to help Nina’s elderly aunt. The story is the 4 of them making due in a survival situation during the worst possible time to be in the Colorado Mountains. Yes they are homebound essentially and dealing with a few “biters” but the story is not really about the virus but the people. The story is about what people will and won’t do to survive. How people can change to go with the new world or how they break and go a little insane with the new world. I totally think that the characters in this book are actual representations of what can happen if this situation were to arise. The best of couples can fall apart and strangers can become your ally and trusted companion.
Now to all of you “I am not gonna read it because it has zombies in it”…get over it. Zombies are a minimal part of the story. PEOPLE and SURVIVAL are the point of this story. I can tell you I was messaging Jade completely freaking out at parts and then bawling at parts of the story. This book was a book I was eagerly waiting to read. I will not deny it but to say it wasn’t at all what I thought it would be isn’t a lie. I expected a different kind of a book…more action and fighting but what I got was an amazing look into the souls of people. The heart of what makes us a society of good or not good people. I feel that this book is showcasing a whole new level for Jade’s writing abilities. She can write some hot and naughty rockers we all have no doubt but this book and its main character, Nina, is just so deep and inspiring. It really knocked my socks off…..
March 25, 2015
What would you do if you were just quietly living your life, alone in a house while your kids are away at college, still mourning the death of your husband, only to be thrown into a situation wilder than your imagination? Do you believe in monsters (both real and imagined) or that our world could one day experience a zombie apocalypse and could you survive?
Savage is the exciting new story that will answer these questions and a whole lot more when it becomes the end of the world as we know it.
From the author of novels that usually focus on rock stars, sexy girl reporters and tatted bad boys, comes an action packed and steamy new take on a genre that seems to be sweeping the world...in films, games, television and books. But after being fortunate to read this one already, I can tell you it is not your usual zombie flesh-eating gore-fest, but focuses more on the relationship between Nina, the quiet widow and Kevin Savage, her one-time crush from high school that left her wondering "what if...?". The story goes back and forth between present day and the past to give you the whole history and background for both characters.
The basics (without giving away too much plot)... a creepy neighbor and his not-quite-right wife...a road trip to hell, with a fight to survive in a cabin during a cold winter...and two people who missed an opportunity long ago, who just might get another chance if life hadn't thrown them such a dangerous curveball.
Yes, you will get to see some zombies and there will be killing and some Walking Dead worthy scenarios...but for the most part this book is about relationships (something Jamison does well), love lost and found, the truth of what lies beneath the surface of people when they are forced to "kill or die", mental illness in many forms and the human basic need and strength to survive even when you feel like you have nothing left to live for.
There were many original ideas in this book and not necessarily re-hashing of what most people think are common survival techniques, especially in the final chapters when what has actually happened is revealed and we get a glimpse of the post-apocalypse future.
The ending made me both happy and sad...it was what I hoped for and didn't dare believe would be the outcome...and there is room for a follow-up book because some loose ends were left.
A really good new creation from this author as she goes definitely out of her comfort zone!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
***** 4.5 ***** "the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine" stars
Savage is the exciting new story that will answer these questions and a whole lot more when it becomes the end of the world as we know it.
From the author of novels that usually focus on rock stars, sexy girl reporters and tatted bad boys, comes an action packed and steamy new take on a genre that seems to be sweeping the world...in films, games, television and books. But after being fortunate to read this one already, I can tell you it is not your usual zombie flesh-eating gore-fest, but focuses more on the relationship between Nina, the quiet widow and Kevin Savage, her one-time crush from high school that left her wondering "what if...?". The story goes back and forth between present day and the past to give you the whole history and background for both characters.
The basics (without giving away too much plot)... a creepy neighbor and his not-quite-right wife...a road trip to hell, with a fight to survive in a cabin during a cold winter...and two people who missed an opportunity long ago, who just might get another chance if life hadn't thrown them such a dangerous curveball.
Yes, you will get to see some zombies and there will be killing and some Walking Dead worthy scenarios...but for the most part this book is about relationships (something Jamison does well), love lost and found, the truth of what lies beneath the surface of people when they are forced to "kill or die", mental illness in many forms and the human basic need and strength to survive even when you feel like you have nothing left to live for.
There were many original ideas in this book and not necessarily re-hashing of what most people think are common survival techniques, especially in the final chapters when what has actually happened is revealed and we get a glimpse of the post-apocalypse future.
The ending made me both happy and sad...it was what I hoped for and didn't dare believe would be the outcome...and there is room for a follow-up book because some loose ends were left.
A really good new creation from this author as she goes definitely out of her comfort zone!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
***** 4.5 ***** "the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine" stars
April 3, 2015
I went into Savage thinking it'd be like an other apocalypse book. Boy, was I wrong. I thought it'd be all about action and gore, with some romance of course. However, Savage was sooo much more. It was about strength, finding out who you are, and the biggest part of all, finding your happy ending, even if it wasn't necessarily happy.
I loved Nina and Kevin. They had a past; it wasn't much, but there was still something. Running into him was by mistake, maybe even fate if you believe in those things. For these two though, I'm going to believe in fate. There was a reason he was in Winchester that day, there was a reason they hit him, and there was a reason he stayed. The infected, while they're pretty terrible, may have just been what these two needed.
The strength of Nina during this is incredible. She's a fighter, we knew that by how she took care of her household when it was going down. But being out in the middle of nowhere in the winter, you truly see her strength as a person blossom. She dealt with loss, killings, and the tasks at hand, to help out those staying with her. She continued on, never stopping no matter what.
If you're looking for ugly, snarling zombies and bloody gore, you won't find it here. I recommend this to anyone who loves a good romance story with a couple of really good risks. My only complaint? I WANT MORE NINA AND KEVIN. ~ Keisha, 5 stars
I loved Nina and Kevin. They had a past; it wasn't much, but there was still something. Running into him was by mistake, maybe even fate if you believe in those things. For these two though, I'm going to believe in fate. There was a reason he was in Winchester that day, there was a reason they hit him, and there was a reason he stayed. The infected, while they're pretty terrible, may have just been what these two needed.
The strength of Nina during this is incredible. She's a fighter, we knew that by how she took care of her household when it was going down. But being out in the middle of nowhere in the winter, you truly see her strength as a person blossom. She dealt with loss, killings, and the tasks at hand, to help out those staying with her. She continued on, never stopping no matter what.
If you're looking for ugly, snarling zombies and bloody gore, you won't find it here. I recommend this to anyone who loves a good romance story with a couple of really good risks. My only complaint? I WANT MORE NINA AND KEVIN. ~ Keisha, 5 stars
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February 22, 2021
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Blurb:
Kill or die...
Nina Hardwick has had a rough life since leaving high school, but inside she is still the girl looking for a silver lining. The past several years have left their toll on her psyche, and just as she feels like she’s climbing out of a deep abyss, her life and the lives of millions of others fall into shambles as a virus overtakes the country and leaves a plague of undead armies scouring the land.
In a desperate attempt to get away from the infected, Nina and some neighbors speed out of town, nearly killing a man on a motorcycle. When they stop to rescue him, Nina realizes that he is the one man from her past she never got over, the guy who should have been her high school sweetheart until she messed it up. But this unrequited love, Kevin Savage, says he doesn’t even remember her. Or does he?
Nina, Kevin, and her neighbors head to the wilderness and fight to survive not only the plague but also hunger, cold, their inner demons…and even each other. Will they survive and, more importantly, will her heart?
Merged review:
→ Free for maybe a limited time. Grab your copy now! ←
→ Submit or subscribe to The DARK Newsletter! ←
Blurb:
Kill or die...
Nina Hardwick has had a rough life since leaving high school, but inside she is still the girl looking for a silver lining. The past several years have left their toll on her psyche, and just as she feels like she’s climbing out of a deep abyss, her life and the lives of millions of others fall into shambles as a virus overtakes the country and leaves a plague of undead armies scouring the land.
In a desperate attempt to get away from the infected, Nina and some neighbors speed out of town, nearly killing a man on a motorcycle. When they stop to rescue him, Nina realizes that he is the one man from her past she never got over, the guy who should have been her high school sweetheart until she messed it up. But this unrequited love, Kevin Savage, says he doesn’t even remember her. Or does he?
Nina, Kevin, and her neighbors head to the wilderness and fight to survive not only the plague but also hunger, cold, their inner demons…and even each other. Will they survive and, more importantly, will her heart?
March 31, 2015
I absolutely love everything that Jade C. Jamison writes. I will admit I was a little hesitant when I found out she was writing a zombie book as I am not a huge fan of paranormal. I am happy I gave it a try as I really enjoyed Nina and Kevin's story.
The book starts out alternating between Nina's past and present life. She has been through a lot in her life and the alternating chapters help give a better glimpse into all of that. She fell for a guy in high school named Kevin Savage but never pursued a relationship with him. She went on to marry a guy she met in college and had two beautiful children with him. He passed away and she is still struggling to move on with her life. As she prepares for her children to come home for a visit some strange things start happening in her area. She gets a call from her aunt saying that she needs her help so Nina immediately goes to help her. Nina's neighbors go with to get away from the strange things happening and on the way there they almost hit someone on a motorcycle. The man they almost hit happens to be Kevin Savage, the man Nina never got over. What will happen when Nina and Kevin have to stick together and fight to survive? Will Nina be able to let go of her past and learn to live again with Kevin?
"You can't just stand there and do nothing. They'll kill you, Nina. It's you or them. Kill or die, Nina Davis." His jaw rippled before he repeated each word with force. "Kill or Die."
Even though this book does have zombies in it there is so much more to the story. This book is about what people will and won't do to survive. If you were in a life and death situation would you trust your enemies if they were the only ones who could save you? This book also shows how some people adapt well to the ever changing world and some do not. I can't wait to see what Jade is working on next!!
Reviewed for A Literary Perusal
The book starts out alternating between Nina's past and present life. She has been through a lot in her life and the alternating chapters help give a better glimpse into all of that. She fell for a guy in high school named Kevin Savage but never pursued a relationship with him. She went on to marry a guy she met in college and had two beautiful children with him. He passed away and she is still struggling to move on with her life. As she prepares for her children to come home for a visit some strange things start happening in her area. She gets a call from her aunt saying that she needs her help so Nina immediately goes to help her. Nina's neighbors go with to get away from the strange things happening and on the way there they almost hit someone on a motorcycle. The man they almost hit happens to be Kevin Savage, the man Nina never got over. What will happen when Nina and Kevin have to stick together and fight to survive? Will Nina be able to let go of her past and learn to live again with Kevin?
"You can't just stand there and do nothing. They'll kill you, Nina. It's you or them. Kill or die, Nina Davis." His jaw rippled before he repeated each word with force. "Kill or Die."
Even though this book does have zombies in it there is so much more to the story. This book is about what people will and won't do to survive. If you were in a life and death situation would you trust your enemies if they were the only ones who could save you? This book also shows how some people adapt well to the ever changing world and some do not. I can't wait to see what Jade is working on next!!
Reviewed for A Literary Perusal
April 3, 2015
I went into Savage thinking it'd be like any other apocalypse book, boy was I wrong. I thought it'd be all about action and gore, with some romance of course. However, Savage was soo much more. It was about strength, finding out who you are, and the big part of all finding your happy ending even if it wasn't necessarily happy.
I loved Nina and Kevin. They had a past, it wasn't much, but there was still something. Running into him was by mistake, maybe even fate if you believe in those things. For these two though, I'm going to believe in fate. There was a reason he was in Winchester that day, there was a reason they hit him, and there was a reason he stayed. The infected, while they're pretty terrible, may have just been what these two needed.
The strength of Nina during this is incredible. She's a fighter, we knew that by how much she took care of her household when it was going down. But being out in the middle of nowhere in the winter, you truly see her strength as a person blossom. She dealt with lost, killings, and the tasks at hand of helping out those staying with her. She continued on, never stopping no matter what.
If you're looking for your ugly snarling zombies and bloody gore, you won't find it here. I recommend this to anyone who loves a good romance story with a couple of really good twists.
My only complaint, I WANT MORE NINA AND KEVIN.
I loved Nina and Kevin. They had a past, it wasn't much, but there was still something. Running into him was by mistake, maybe even fate if you believe in those things. For these two though, I'm going to believe in fate. There was a reason he was in Winchester that day, there was a reason they hit him, and there was a reason he stayed. The infected, while they're pretty terrible, may have just been what these two needed.
The strength of Nina during this is incredible. She's a fighter, we knew that by how much she took care of her household when it was going down. But being out in the middle of nowhere in the winter, you truly see her strength as a person blossom. She dealt with lost, killings, and the tasks at hand of helping out those staying with her. She continued on, never stopping no matter what.
If you're looking for your ugly snarling zombies and bloody gore, you won't find it here. I recommend this to anyone who loves a good romance story with a couple of really good twists.
My only complaint, I WANT MORE NINA AND KEVIN.
April 13, 2015
I was not going to read this book. I don't like zombies. At all. this was conflicting for me because I really like Jade's writing.
As I expected, the book was well written. I wasn't terribly fond of the back and forth between present and past but it was definitely necessary for the reader to understand the story.
Zombies were not a big part of the story. If you're like me, don't be worried. if you want all zombies all the time then I don't know what to tell you. There are encounters but the main focus is the romance. For the obvious reason of this being a romance book.
All in all, I'm glad I read this book. I went from not wanting to read it to staying up til close to 3am finishing it.
As I expected, the book was well written. I wasn't terribly fond of the back and forth between present and past but it was definitely necessary for the reader to understand the story.
Zombies were not a big part of the story. If you're like me, don't be worried. if you want all zombies all the time then I don't know what to tell you. There are encounters but the main focus is the romance. For the obvious reason of this being a romance book.
All in all, I'm glad I read this book. I went from not wanting to read it to staying up til close to 3am finishing it.
March 27, 2015
Why is it I get on the Zombie train later than anyone else? I'm not one to watch Zombie movies or watch TV shows about them, but seeing all the Teasers for Savage had me very interested in reading it.
I will admit I was a little nervous before I started, only because I wasn't sure what to expect.
Well, I can honestly say I loved it!
For anyone not wanting to read it just because you see the word "zombies" well, just read it! It won't disappoint.
I will admit I was a little nervous before I started, only because I wasn't sure what to expect.
Well, I can honestly say I loved it!
For anyone not wanting to read it just because you see the word "zombies" well, just read it! It won't disappoint.
March 23, 2015
Given an Arc for an honest review..
This book was unlike any book Jade has written before. I like Nina and I loved Kevin. Jade truly did a great job
This book was unlike any book Jade has written before. I like Nina and I loved Kevin. Jade truly did a great job
April 5, 2015
"Savage is a stunning portrayal of survival, strength, love and hope in a world ravaged by disease and pain. A thought-provoking and thrilling read that leaves a profound and lasting impact. Absolutely Brilliant." Kelly, Perusing Princesses.
If you look at history, you can see the perseverance of the human spirit. Even when we should have given up, we didn't. We're persistent. Stubborn. Maybe even a little thick in the head. But we're survivors. It's what we do.
Savage tells the tale of Nina Hardwick and Kevin Savage, two kids who fondled and floundered through their teenage years, getting by as 'friends with feelings', only then to stumble at the last hurdle. A boulevard of broken dreams and shattered hearts as each went their separate ways and sought out a new path. Nina's lead to college followed shortly by a steady relationship, pregnancy and marriage to a man who was then tragically struck later on with MS. Her life was one of long hours and financial hardships but never did she forget the boy with the red hair and green eyes that first stole her heart.
Larry and Vera are the friendly neighbours who share an occasional chit chat over the fence, but when the news of an 'undeadly' virus turns epidemic, America goes into crisis mode, the time has come to leave behind Winchester and head up North near Chipeta Springs to check on Nina's elderly aunt after a very worrying phone call.
With her car blocked in the driveway it is her trusty neighbours who lend a helping hand and give Nina the ride she needs. With gas running low and looters and infected running riot the journey is challenging, especially when in the confusion, Larry hits a man off his motorcycle. Nina is shocked to see the face that has haunted her dreams over the years, and even though the death of her Ill fated Husband is still fresh in her heart, Kevin Savage is a welcome presence in a world literally turned to shit.
Nina is saddened by her Aunt's sudden death, but with the truck on empty and the winter storms closing in, it isn't long before Nina, Kevin and her neighbours are stranded with very little around them. With no running water, no electricity and no gas, Nina, Kevin, Larry and Vera are at deadlock. With infected roaming the lands and no emergency services answering the call, what was a rescue mission becomes a fight for survival in a cold and hostile environment.
Living from day to day has its challenges, but none more so when the one who was once a savior becomes the predator as months of captivity take their toll on the spirit and mind. Nina and Kevin must find a way home to their families, even if it means battling the elements to do so, they just hope after months of isolated wilderness, they're not too late...
Well, I can now say that my Zombie book cherry has been well and truly popped. On a personal note I cannot tell you how overwhelmed I was to read Jade C Jamison's dedication, I did shed a tear and I thank this wonderful woman and friend from the bottom of my heart. I love you, Jade!
Savage, well what can I say... except this book blew my mind. Zombie stories have certainly had another injection of life recently, what with the huge success of The Walking Dead, which I have become totally obsessed with by the way! But what I adored about this book was the notion that a rekindled love could still prosper and grow in the most hostile and inhospitable circumstances. Nina and Kevin's journey is thwart with obstacles so challenging it's a wonder how anyone could survive, but it was their connection, their spark and team leadership that pulled them through.
This isn't a story primarily about an apocalyptic world overtaken by the roaming dead, but one of second-chance love and reassessment of one-self. Finding out who you are, and what you are truly capable of is a refreshing and solid ground to base, what is I believe, one of the best novels Jade has written yet.
I felt their strife, the burdens, the fear, the guilt, even the damn cold, but my goodness, did it warm my heart. Nina and Kevin's connection burned slowly, their budding relationship nurtured and handled in a way that was almost innocent, reminiscent of their past as young and inexperienced teenagers, but reaching a satisfying crescendo that sets your soul on fire. Oh how I cherished those moments. That spark of light in a world so depressing, cold and dark.
Even if you are not a fan of the zombie genre, take a chance on this one because at the core, this book is so much more than a 'run for your life' gore fest, and more a book about coming home, even if home is not how you once left it.
A thought-provoking, heartfelt and satisfying thriller that will leave you begging for more. Read it!!
If you look at history, you can see the perseverance of the human spirit. Even when we should have given up, we didn't. We're persistent. Stubborn. Maybe even a little thick in the head. But we're survivors. It's what we do.
Savage tells the tale of Nina Hardwick and Kevin Savage, two kids who fondled and floundered through their teenage years, getting by as 'friends with feelings', only then to stumble at the last hurdle. A boulevard of broken dreams and shattered hearts as each went their separate ways and sought out a new path. Nina's lead to college followed shortly by a steady relationship, pregnancy and marriage to a man who was then tragically struck later on with MS. Her life was one of long hours and financial hardships but never did she forget the boy with the red hair and green eyes that first stole her heart.
Larry and Vera are the friendly neighbours who share an occasional chit chat over the fence, but when the news of an 'undeadly' virus turns epidemic, America goes into crisis mode, the time has come to leave behind Winchester and head up North near Chipeta Springs to check on Nina's elderly aunt after a very worrying phone call.
With her car blocked in the driveway it is her trusty neighbours who lend a helping hand and give Nina the ride she needs. With gas running low and looters and infected running riot the journey is challenging, especially when in the confusion, Larry hits a man off his motorcycle. Nina is shocked to see the face that has haunted her dreams over the years, and even though the death of her Ill fated Husband is still fresh in her heart, Kevin Savage is a welcome presence in a world literally turned to shit.
Nina is saddened by her Aunt's sudden death, but with the truck on empty and the winter storms closing in, it isn't long before Nina, Kevin and her neighbours are stranded with very little around them. With no running water, no electricity and no gas, Nina, Kevin, Larry and Vera are at deadlock. With infected roaming the lands and no emergency services answering the call, what was a rescue mission becomes a fight for survival in a cold and hostile environment.
Living from day to day has its challenges, but none more so when the one who was once a savior becomes the predator as months of captivity take their toll on the spirit and mind. Nina and Kevin must find a way home to their families, even if it means battling the elements to do so, they just hope after months of isolated wilderness, they're not too late...
Well, I can now say that my Zombie book cherry has been well and truly popped. On a personal note I cannot tell you how overwhelmed I was to read Jade C Jamison's dedication, I did shed a tear and I thank this wonderful woman and friend from the bottom of my heart. I love you, Jade!
Savage, well what can I say... except this book blew my mind. Zombie stories have certainly had another injection of life recently, what with the huge success of The Walking Dead, which I have become totally obsessed with by the way! But what I adored about this book was the notion that a rekindled love could still prosper and grow in the most hostile and inhospitable circumstances. Nina and Kevin's journey is thwart with obstacles so challenging it's a wonder how anyone could survive, but it was their connection, their spark and team leadership that pulled them through.
This isn't a story primarily about an apocalyptic world overtaken by the roaming dead, but one of second-chance love and reassessment of one-self. Finding out who you are, and what you are truly capable of is a refreshing and solid ground to base, what is I believe, one of the best novels Jade has written yet.
I felt their strife, the burdens, the fear, the guilt, even the damn cold, but my goodness, did it warm my heart. Nina and Kevin's connection burned slowly, their budding relationship nurtured and handled in a way that was almost innocent, reminiscent of their past as young and inexperienced teenagers, but reaching a satisfying crescendo that sets your soul on fire. Oh how I cherished those moments. That spark of light in a world so depressing, cold and dark.
Even if you are not a fan of the zombie genre, take a chance on this one because at the core, this book is so much more than a 'run for your life' gore fest, and more a book about coming home, even if home is not how you once left it.
A thought-provoking, heartfelt and satisfying thriller that will leave you begging for more. Read it!!
April 2, 2015
WOW I was pleasantly surprised at how much I was hooked on these characters !! I do love Jade and she writes a great real and gritty rocker , but damn she can probably write just about anything and anyone !! I am NOT a zombie fan AT ALL !! But I will give anything a chance and if Jade's name is on it it is a no brainer !! Between the synop , the teasers and a few excerpts I had read I knew this was going to be much deeper than people eating people and blood and gore !! We get Nina's story , her life , her struggle. The chapters go back and forth between past and present. Mainly high school past and this one boy who got away. She somehow fell in love and never got him off her mind but his interactions with her were weird at best. Moved onto college met her hubby had some kids and then struggled through her husbands horrible sickness. Now a widow with 2 college aged kids she will face yet another struggle, the outbreak of some nasty virus that has people eating others and towns clearing out and running for their lives. Through Jade's fantastic , detailed writing you are able to connect on some level with Nina , if not you must not be reading !! For me what I loved was finally having characters older than me or my age !! As an added bonus we have these phenomenal songs at the start of each chapter !! Jade knows I love her taste in music so I found myself excited with many of the song choices !! This review may be vague , filled with my thoughts but that is because you really need to give this a chance and not really expect what you think you should !!
Once Nina gets word from her neighbor of the craziness she is quick to check on her kids and begin to wonder where and when this will get close to her. Then after a strange phone call from her aunt Nina decides she needs to leave and go check on her aunt. Problem is on her way out they find that infected people are moving through their neighborhood. Nina and her 2 neighbors , a married couple , decide to take her to her aunts. On route they are swarmed time and time again by infected. Not able to stop for gas and almost killing a guy on a motorcycle. This guy who happens to be THE BOY Nina could never forget. But did he forget her ?? Now armed with a 4th member of their gang they once again head off to the mountains to find Nina's aunt. Nothing good happens on a lonely deserted mountain road when there is a zombie apocalypse going on and you are out of gas !! Once they get to the aunts Nina's forced to face another struggle and due to weather they are forced to tough it out in the mountain home. Days and days of being stuck leave them antsy , dirty , hungry , tired and feeling despair about ever getting out. They rummage through the house finding all things they may need to help survival. Armed with makeshift weapons they venture out to find water , food , and possibly uninfected neighbors. In the house they begin to fall apart. You find out many many things about a person when you are cramped up in a house with them. Nina learns things about her neighbors she never knew and she sees a different side to Kevin.
The whole time you are on the edge of your seats waiting to find out where their kids and families are and if they are infected , will they be attacked by infected people , will they make it out of the mountains , will Nina and Kevin find their way to one another finally the way she hoped years ago ???? Some of the things they did for survival I had myself making mental notes of , stuff I never even thought of. It was a great read. The soul searching , the strength needed to get through this struggle and geez Nina's struggles her whole life. She is one tough BI*** !! I refuse to say anymore !! If you want to know if and how they made it home and if Nina and Kevin have some hot sex then I suggest you pick it up and read for yourself !! I am glad I did !!
Once Nina gets word from her neighbor of the craziness she is quick to check on her kids and begin to wonder where and when this will get close to her. Then after a strange phone call from her aunt Nina decides she needs to leave and go check on her aunt. Problem is on her way out they find that infected people are moving through their neighborhood. Nina and her 2 neighbors , a married couple , decide to take her to her aunts. On route they are swarmed time and time again by infected. Not able to stop for gas and almost killing a guy on a motorcycle. This guy who happens to be THE BOY Nina could never forget. But did he forget her ?? Now armed with a 4th member of their gang they once again head off to the mountains to find Nina's aunt. Nothing good happens on a lonely deserted mountain road when there is a zombie apocalypse going on and you are out of gas !! Once they get to the aunts Nina's forced to face another struggle and due to weather they are forced to tough it out in the mountain home. Days and days of being stuck leave them antsy , dirty , hungry , tired and feeling despair about ever getting out. They rummage through the house finding all things they may need to help survival. Armed with makeshift weapons they venture out to find water , food , and possibly uninfected neighbors. In the house they begin to fall apart. You find out many many things about a person when you are cramped up in a house with them. Nina learns things about her neighbors she never knew and she sees a different side to Kevin.
The whole time you are on the edge of your seats waiting to find out where their kids and families are and if they are infected , will they be attacked by infected people , will they make it out of the mountains , will Nina and Kevin find their way to one another finally the way she hoped years ago ???? Some of the things they did for survival I had myself making mental notes of , stuff I never even thought of. It was a great read. The soul searching , the strength needed to get through this struggle and geez Nina's struggles her whole life. She is one tough BI*** !! I refuse to say anymore !! If you want to know if and how they made it home and if Nina and Kevin have some hot sex then I suggest you pick it up and read for yourself !! I am glad I did !!
March 30, 2015
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
This was a different read for me and I loved it. I don't read many zombie books, they kinda freak me out. However, This one did not it because is not us much about the zombies and more about survival. What would you do in this situation? Could you survive? Could you kill something/someone? As Kevin Savage would say it is a “Kill or Die” type world now.
This is told in one pov, Nina’s, and you are in her head the entire time. Nina lost her husband and her children are off at college. She has time on her hands to think and reminisce about her past life before her husband specifically her high school crush, Kevin Savage. Until, her neighbor, Larry, informed her of the “zombie” infection that was spreading though the south. When she received a disturbing call from her Aunt wanting had to go check on her and Larry offered to take her was when her world and life took a major detour. While leaving town they literally ran into Nina's old high school flame, Kevin Savage. Once they all arrived at Nina’s aunt house in the mountains they were in full on survivor mode trying to think of ways to get back home. With every step they thought they took forward they ended up taking two steps back.
I loved the fact that we see only see things through Nina’s eyes and thoughts as to what is going on around them and what she believes what Larry, Kevin and Vera are thinking and going through. The only conversations are ones that Nina is involved in. The stress of being in one persons head going through what they are going through, seeing only what they see, and knowing only what they know was phenomenal. I enjoyed this book because of the unexpected twist and turns that would come up. This was truly a how well do you really know a person, who can you trust, you do you trust, and who will you choose to trust to survive kind of book.
A few of my favorites:
“You can’t just stand there and do nothing. They’ll kill you, Nina. It’s you or them. Kill or die, Nina Davis.” His jaw rippled before he repeated each word with force. “Kill or die.”
One might argue that electricity was a luxury, but if you’ve lived with it your whole life, it’s not a luxury. It’s a necessity, and it’s damned difficult trying to figure out how to live without it. Running water and heat on demand are others, even relative ease of transportation. Cinderella’s old song “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” came to mind as I pondered all these things I was trying to live without for the meantime, and while the song might have been about love, it could easily extend to life and all the things that made our existence bearable.
And, while we walked without talking, my brain ignited with images of Kevin grabbing me around the shoulders and taking me against a tree. Only that fantasy fell short as my sense of reality kicked in. It was way too cold up here to engage in any shenanigans. Even a kiss might lead to regret—wet lips would turn to freezing lips quickly. So my mind began imagining indoor locations, unfortunately mostly taking place in my Aunt Lou’s house, simply because that was where we’d been, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get my mind out of his pants.
No remorse. No regret. It was her or me. Kill or die.
This was a different read for me and I loved it. I don't read many zombie books, they kinda freak me out. However, This one did not it because is not us much about the zombies and more about survival. What would you do in this situation? Could you survive? Could you kill something/someone? As Kevin Savage would say it is a “Kill or Die” type world now.
This is told in one pov, Nina’s, and you are in her head the entire time. Nina lost her husband and her children are off at college. She has time on her hands to think and reminisce about her past life before her husband specifically her high school crush, Kevin Savage. Until, her neighbor, Larry, informed her of the “zombie” infection that was spreading though the south. When she received a disturbing call from her Aunt wanting had to go check on her and Larry offered to take her was when her world and life took a major detour. While leaving town they literally ran into Nina's old high school flame, Kevin Savage. Once they all arrived at Nina’s aunt house in the mountains they were in full on survivor mode trying to think of ways to get back home. With every step they thought they took forward they ended up taking two steps back.
I loved the fact that we see only see things through Nina’s eyes and thoughts as to what is going on around them and what she believes what Larry, Kevin and Vera are thinking and going through. The only conversations are ones that Nina is involved in. The stress of being in one persons head going through what they are going through, seeing only what they see, and knowing only what they know was phenomenal. I enjoyed this book because of the unexpected twist and turns that would come up. This was truly a how well do you really know a person, who can you trust, you do you trust, and who will you choose to trust to survive kind of book.
A few of my favorites:
“You can’t just stand there and do nothing. They’ll kill you, Nina. It’s you or them. Kill or die, Nina Davis.” His jaw rippled before he repeated each word with force. “Kill or die.”
One might argue that electricity was a luxury, but if you’ve lived with it your whole life, it’s not a luxury. It’s a necessity, and it’s damned difficult trying to figure out how to live without it. Running water and heat on demand are others, even relative ease of transportation. Cinderella’s old song “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” came to mind as I pondered all these things I was trying to live without for the meantime, and while the song might have been about love, it could easily extend to life and all the things that made our existence bearable.
And, while we walked without talking, my brain ignited with images of Kevin grabbing me around the shoulders and taking me against a tree. Only that fantasy fell short as my sense of reality kicked in. It was way too cold up here to engage in any shenanigans. Even a kiss might lead to regret—wet lips would turn to freezing lips quickly. So my mind began imagining indoor locations, unfortunately mostly taking place in my Aunt Lou’s house, simply because that was where we’d been, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get my mind out of his pants.
No remorse. No regret. It was her or me. Kill or die.
March 31, 2015
**Book provided by the author for an honest review**
I was not expecting a zombie apocalypse/romance story out of this book! It was awesome! Despite what you may think when you ponder that announcement, the blend of this endearing romance that buds during a scary zombie, the world is coming to an end scenario is perfectly balanced!
Nina Hardwick is a later in life woman, meaning, she's been married for 20+ years, and has two kids in college. Nina has had a rough life with caring for her husband with MS, raising the kids alone because of that, and providing financially for the family. After a long a drawn out illness that ultimately ends in Darren's death, Nina doesn't know how to live just for herself anymore. She often wonders "what if" when she thinks of her High School crush Kevin Savage, pining over him through college until she met her husband.
An outbreak occurs....Colorado present day. Nina looks forward to the kids coming home for Thanksgiving all the while unaware of this new epidemic happening around her. Nina's neighbor Larry Dingel walks up to her fence like old times to shoot the breeze, informing her of what has been happening. Nina takes it with a grain of salt until her Aunt Louise calls and leaves a frantic message asking for help. In a hurry to go to her Aunt's aid, Larry steps in and offers to drive Nina up into the mountains where she lives, because he doesn't think it is safe for her to go alone. Reluctantly agreeing, Larry and his wife Vera pile in his truck and head out of town. On the way out of town, Larry desperately tries to find a gas station to fuel up, but is met with mobs that start chasing and attacking the truck, which is how they run into Kevin Savage. Kevin's bike is too damaged in the collision to work, so they take him along with them to Aunt Louise's house.
Nina is a woman that is on the edge! She had everything to live for and fight when her kids were young and needed her, but now, she has no one, and that inner strength had long gone. During this whole ordeal Nina struggles to give a damn about herself! We are taken into her past with how she met Kevin and what had transpired between them during their youth. How tortured Nina was with being secretly in love with this guy and not knowing how or what to do with that being a young naive virgin. Nina's story was super sad, and you immediately felt empathy for her. Very well written and she drew me in right away.
The themed chapters, having a song set up the story for each chapter was awesome! For past and present, I loved that concept! My friend Tara would appreciate Chapter 23 along with me, Kick in the Teeth- Papa Roach!! The most compelling feature of the story was the location, Colorado. Having lived there for eight years, I knew exactly what the author was talking about when she mentioned Greeley and "The Smell". I knew the locations, and the distances, so it was easy for me to invision and play out the story in my mind as I read it.
This book has it all, romance, danger, and an awesome musical playlist! You will not be disappointed!
I was not expecting a zombie apocalypse/romance story out of this book! It was awesome! Despite what you may think when you ponder that announcement, the blend of this endearing romance that buds during a scary zombie, the world is coming to an end scenario is perfectly balanced!
Nina Hardwick is a later in life woman, meaning, she's been married for 20+ years, and has two kids in college. Nina has had a rough life with caring for her husband with MS, raising the kids alone because of that, and providing financially for the family. After a long a drawn out illness that ultimately ends in Darren's death, Nina doesn't know how to live just for herself anymore. She often wonders "what if" when she thinks of her High School crush Kevin Savage, pining over him through college until she met her husband.
An outbreak occurs....Colorado present day. Nina looks forward to the kids coming home for Thanksgiving all the while unaware of this new epidemic happening around her. Nina's neighbor Larry Dingel walks up to her fence like old times to shoot the breeze, informing her of what has been happening. Nina takes it with a grain of salt until her Aunt Louise calls and leaves a frantic message asking for help. In a hurry to go to her Aunt's aid, Larry steps in and offers to drive Nina up into the mountains where she lives, because he doesn't think it is safe for her to go alone. Reluctantly agreeing, Larry and his wife Vera pile in his truck and head out of town. On the way out of town, Larry desperately tries to find a gas station to fuel up, but is met with mobs that start chasing and attacking the truck, which is how they run into Kevin Savage. Kevin's bike is too damaged in the collision to work, so they take him along with them to Aunt Louise's house.
Nina is a woman that is on the edge! She had everything to live for and fight when her kids were young and needed her, but now, she has no one, and that inner strength had long gone. During this whole ordeal Nina struggles to give a damn about herself! We are taken into her past with how she met Kevin and what had transpired between them during their youth. How tortured Nina was with being secretly in love with this guy and not knowing how or what to do with that being a young naive virgin. Nina's story was super sad, and you immediately felt empathy for her. Very well written and she drew me in right away.
The themed chapters, having a song set up the story for each chapter was awesome! For past and present, I loved that concept! My friend Tara would appreciate Chapter 23 along with me, Kick in the Teeth- Papa Roach!! The most compelling feature of the story was the location, Colorado. Having lived there for eight years, I knew exactly what the author was talking about when she mentioned Greeley and "The Smell". I knew the locations, and the distances, so it was easy for me to invision and play out the story in my mind as I read it.
This book has it all, romance, danger, and an awesome musical playlist! You will not be disappointed!
March 31, 2015
I'm not sure where to start with this review. I have to say when I signed up to
review this book I guess the description or maybe I just didn't pay enough attention to
the description. But when I received this book to read it wasn't at all what I thought it
would be. I didn't realize that it was a Zombie book, I typically don't read these types
books. It's just not my style and I haven't ever been able to get into them. But I will say this with
Savage, I actually enjoyed this book. This book is really so much more than zombies, its about survival of ones self.
I really enjoyed that Nina and Kevin's character's since they were a little bit older than most character's that I've been reading lately. Nina and Kevin were mid-forty's, than mid-twenty or thirty something's I've been reading lately. I think because they were a little older that they were maybe a little bit more relatable, well at least to me they were.
I really enjoyed Nina. She's a woman who has been through a lot. First with taking care of her sick husband and raising her children at the same time. Than losing her husband. She strong, independent, a fighter. I loved that even in the worse situations that she had a 'can't give up attitude'.
I also like Kevin's character. At first he was kind of hard to get a read on. He's a man of few words. Besides the occasional grunt here and there. Though I really felt like we didn't get to know him very well. I mean you do learn some about him, but I felt we learned more about Nina. But after being stranded up in the mountains with Nina and Nina's neighbors, you start to realize he's someone that can be dependable and strong.
As I said at the beginning of this review this book was unexpected for me and not something I would usually read. But I fought through the temptation of stopping and not reading it. Honestly the zombie's are few and far between. This book is really about survival and about ones ability to find out if they were stuck somewhere would you really be able to survive out there. Than you can throw in a few Zombie's, a little bit of mystery, a little bit of finding your true self, and a little bit of who you can really trust out there. It even has some second chance romance thrown into madness of Nina and Kevin being stranded in the mountains surrounded by zombies. I do have to admit though by the end there were a few question's I felt were unanswered. But I still really enjoyed it.
I give Savage 4 Out of 5 Stars and would recommend it.
**I received an ARC of this book from TRSOR Promotions for my honest review**
review this book I guess the description or maybe I just didn't pay enough attention to
the description. But when I received this book to read it wasn't at all what I thought it
would be. I didn't realize that it was a Zombie book, I typically don't read these types
books. It's just not my style and I haven't ever been able to get into them. But I will say this with
Savage, I actually enjoyed this book. This book is really so much more than zombies, its about survival of ones self.
I really enjoyed that Nina and Kevin's character's since they were a little bit older than most character's that I've been reading lately. Nina and Kevin were mid-forty's, than mid-twenty or thirty something's I've been reading lately. I think because they were a little older that they were maybe a little bit more relatable, well at least to me they were.
I really enjoyed Nina. She's a woman who has been through a lot. First with taking care of her sick husband and raising her children at the same time. Than losing her husband. She strong, independent, a fighter. I loved that even in the worse situations that she had a 'can't give up attitude'.
I also like Kevin's character. At first he was kind of hard to get a read on. He's a man of few words. Besides the occasional grunt here and there. Though I really felt like we didn't get to know him very well. I mean you do learn some about him, but I felt we learned more about Nina. But after being stranded up in the mountains with Nina and Nina's neighbors, you start to realize he's someone that can be dependable and strong.
As I said at the beginning of this review this book was unexpected for me and not something I would usually read. But I fought through the temptation of stopping and not reading it. Honestly the zombie's are few and far between. This book is really about survival and about ones ability to find out if they were stuck somewhere would you really be able to survive out there. Than you can throw in a few Zombie's, a little bit of mystery, a little bit of finding your true self, and a little bit of who you can really trust out there. It even has some second chance romance thrown into madness of Nina and Kevin being stranded in the mountains surrounded by zombies. I do have to admit though by the end there were a few question's I felt were unanswered. But I still really enjoyed it.
I give Savage 4 Out of 5 Stars and would recommend it.
**I received an ARC of this book from TRSOR Promotions for my honest review**
January 10, 2020
3.5 Stars
So, I've done it. I've read a zombie book and survived to tell the tale. It was relatively painless, not too gruesome and despite the theme, the story basically portrays the behaviours of those not infected by a virus as they try to keep themselves safe whilst coming to terms with their altered lifestyle.
Set in the past and present, this books tells the story of Nina, a lonely woman whose husband has died and who has lost her children to college, and the boy she once loved from afar, Kevin Savage.
When the virus spreads and the zombies reach her town Nina decides along with her neighbours, Larry and Vera, to head to Chipeta Springs to flee the dangers they are facing and to check on Nina's Aunt. When heading out of town they hit a motorcyclist and Nina is shocked to see Kevin Savage for the first time in years. Bike damaged, Kevin decides to travel with the group but despite her feelings for Kevin reappearing, Kevin doesn't recognise Nina.
After becoming stranded in the hills, Nina and Kevin start to become close and working together daily to ensure they have what they need to survive the cold winter, they start to build a friendship that in turn becomes more. Thinking their only danger is from the zombies, Kevin and Nina soon realise that isolation and basic living is starting to take it toll on Larry and Vera and they become increasingly concerned about their safety especially around Larry.
This story has its horrors in the form of the zombies but also a suspense that builds slowly as the foursome struggles to live in fear of the zombies and also their own minds. Breaking the story down, it could have portrayed the after effects of any virus and makes you think just what would happen if society as we know it collapsed and people had to find a way to survive without basic necessities.
This was a well written and thought out book from Jade. It really made me question the behaviour of those in the book and whether their actions were appropriate or would I have acted differently? The story for me did seem quite long winded though and I struggled to get thoroughly absorbed by the book and I felt the ending was unfinished, despite the small HEA. . That said, just because I didn't love the book it doesn't mean that others won't. Zombies are not the main focus of the story though as the lives of the four survivors are followed as they come to terms with their new post apocalyptic life.
So, I've done it. I've read a zombie book and survived to tell the tale. It was relatively painless, not too gruesome and despite the theme, the story basically portrays the behaviours of those not infected by a virus as they try to keep themselves safe whilst coming to terms with their altered lifestyle.
Set in the past and present, this books tells the story of Nina, a lonely woman whose husband has died and who has lost her children to college, and the boy she once loved from afar, Kevin Savage.
When the virus spreads and the zombies reach her town Nina decides along with her neighbours, Larry and Vera, to head to Chipeta Springs to flee the dangers they are facing and to check on Nina's Aunt. When heading out of town they hit a motorcyclist and Nina is shocked to see Kevin Savage for the first time in years. Bike damaged, Kevin decides to travel with the group but despite her feelings for Kevin reappearing, Kevin doesn't recognise Nina.
After becoming stranded in the hills, Nina and Kevin start to become close and working together daily to ensure they have what they need to survive the cold winter, they start to build a friendship that in turn becomes more. Thinking their only danger is from the zombies, Kevin and Nina soon realise that isolation and basic living is starting to take it toll on Larry and Vera and they become increasingly concerned about their safety especially around Larry.
This story has its horrors in the form of the zombies but also a suspense that builds slowly as the foursome struggles to live in fear of the zombies and also their own minds. Breaking the story down, it could have portrayed the after effects of any virus and makes you think just what would happen if society as we know it collapsed and people had to find a way to survive without basic necessities.
This was a well written and thought out book from Jade. It really made me question the behaviour of those in the book and whether their actions were appropriate or would I have acted differently? The story for me did seem quite long winded though and I struggled to get thoroughly absorbed by the book and I felt the ending was unfinished, despite the small HEA. . That said, just because I didn't love the book it doesn't mean that others won't. Zombies are not the main focus of the story though as the lives of the four survivors are followed as they come to terms with their new post apocalyptic life.
April 1, 2015
"My name is Nina Hardwick. My senior year in high school, I hesitated at what was a major fork in the road, and that decision changed the entire course of my life."
Savage by Jade Jamison, while a zombie filled ride, is really a story about a second chance at love. Many of the chapters flip back and forth from Nina's past and present, showing how her life unfolds and how she always remembered the one that got away, Kevin Savage. The author tells the story of Nina's Hardwick, a woman who is verging on depression and suffering from empty nest syndrome. Her two children have both left for college and her husband having died a few years prior, she was all alone in her sleepy little town. Life changes when the world goes to shit and news comes out that a disease is changing individuals to become flesh eating zombies. A frantic call from her aunt has her trying to get out of her town but one attack by a zombie diseased neighbor has her trying to get help from her next door neighbors, Larry and Vera, to reach her aunt. Fleeing zombies, Larry hits someone on a motorcycle trying to get away and to her surprise, it happens to be Kevin, who she hasn’t seen in many years. They finally reach her aunt’s cabin in the woods where they get stranded for much of the book. At this point, it’s just really building character relationship and not much action or zombie slaying which I was kind of hoping for just a bit more than I was actually given in the book. She starts to form a bond with Kevin and a lot of her thoughts are really focused on what could have been and her obsession of that one moment where life could have veered. To me, it was really almost an obsession with Kevin because you start to realize that she loved him but they were never really together. It’s as if she knew she had met her soul mate and has been waiting for him all this time having met in high school and now both older with grown children, it’s a very long period of time to be that obsessed. Being trapped in the cabin, winter upon them, survival of the utmost importantance, you begin to wonder who is really the monster. This is where the story gets really good and this is where you need to read for yourself what happens. The ending is left with a possibility of their being a sequel and I would definitely read it if there is another book.
“You can’t just stand there and do nothing. They’ll kill you, Nina. It’s you or them. Kill or die, Nina Davis.” His jaw rippled before he repeated each word with force. “Kill or die.”
Savage by Jade Jamison, while a zombie filled ride, is really a story about a second chance at love. Many of the chapters flip back and forth from Nina's past and present, showing how her life unfolds and how she always remembered the one that got away, Kevin Savage. The author tells the story of Nina's Hardwick, a woman who is verging on depression and suffering from empty nest syndrome. Her two children have both left for college and her husband having died a few years prior, she was all alone in her sleepy little town. Life changes when the world goes to shit and news comes out that a disease is changing individuals to become flesh eating zombies. A frantic call from her aunt has her trying to get out of her town but one attack by a zombie diseased neighbor has her trying to get help from her next door neighbors, Larry and Vera, to reach her aunt. Fleeing zombies, Larry hits someone on a motorcycle trying to get away and to her surprise, it happens to be Kevin, who she hasn’t seen in many years. They finally reach her aunt’s cabin in the woods where they get stranded for much of the book. At this point, it’s just really building character relationship and not much action or zombie slaying which I was kind of hoping for just a bit more than I was actually given in the book. She starts to form a bond with Kevin and a lot of her thoughts are really focused on what could have been and her obsession of that one moment where life could have veered. To me, it was really almost an obsession with Kevin because you start to realize that she loved him but they were never really together. It’s as if she knew she had met her soul mate and has been waiting for him all this time having met in high school and now both older with grown children, it’s a very long period of time to be that obsessed. Being trapped in the cabin, winter upon them, survival of the utmost importantance, you begin to wonder who is really the monster. This is where the story gets really good and this is where you need to read for yourself what happens. The ending is left with a possibility of their being a sequel and I would definitely read it if there is another book.
“You can’t just stand there and do nothing. They’ll kill you, Nina. It’s you or them. Kill or die, Nina Davis.” His jaw rippled before he repeated each word with force. “Kill or die.”
May 4, 2015
"This war is gonna separate the strong from the weak. The survivors from the losers. The living from the dead. Which one are you?"
Whatever war we are fighting at the moment we can ask ourselves this, including love because after all as Pat Bentar taught me...Love is a Battlefield. Toss in some zombies and you have this entertaining read from Jade C. Jamison. I don't know if I could lock this into one genre, it was such a great mix. It gave me a background story, a woman finding herself again story, second chance at love story, a survival story and zombies! I mean come on, talk about speaking to everything I love.
Nina went from existing in her quiet house to on the run with her neighbors. The world was falling apart around them in an instant. She could not fully grasp what was happening since she avoided media, but she realized fairly quickly that she needed to get the hell out of dodge and check on her Aunt that had phoned her looking for help. Little did she know that this trip would run her smack dab into the "one that got away" when they hit him with the car.
With Kevin Savage now in tow; Nina, Larry and Vera head out to the mountains. The mountains they would get trapped in by the frigid Colorado winter. The snow was the least of their issues. There were "infected" roaming around and they were trapped without electricity, running water, heat, and little food and now they were being haunted by their thoughts...talk about putting "kill or die" to new meaning. It made me think if I would do as well as Nina did in her situation.
The flashbacks where quick and did not drag on (having the nice feel of an actual daydream) adding the right amount of info needed to feel the slow burn of the underlying romance to the story and my Walking Dead knowledge kicked in a few times.
Though this had an apocalyptic story feel overall, it was such a different approach that I found myself unable to put it down. I loved where it was going at the end in the now post-apocalyptic world and I had a need to know more, but I don't post spoilers, so if you are looking to escape to a world where you can find love again, find who you are again and kick some zombie ass…this book is for you.
Whatever war we are fighting at the moment we can ask ourselves this, including love because after all as Pat Bentar taught me...Love is a Battlefield. Toss in some zombies and you have this entertaining read from Jade C. Jamison. I don't know if I could lock this into one genre, it was such a great mix. It gave me a background story, a woman finding herself again story, second chance at love story, a survival story and zombies! I mean come on, talk about speaking to everything I love.
Nina went from existing in her quiet house to on the run with her neighbors. The world was falling apart around them in an instant. She could not fully grasp what was happening since she avoided media, but she realized fairly quickly that she needed to get the hell out of dodge and check on her Aunt that had phoned her looking for help. Little did she know that this trip would run her smack dab into the "one that got away" when they hit him with the car.
With Kevin Savage now in tow; Nina, Larry and Vera head out to the mountains. The mountains they would get trapped in by the frigid Colorado winter. The snow was the least of their issues. There were "infected" roaming around and they were trapped without electricity, running water, heat, and little food and now they were being haunted by their thoughts...talk about putting "kill or die" to new meaning. It made me think if I would do as well as Nina did in her situation.
The flashbacks where quick and did not drag on (having the nice feel of an actual daydream) adding the right amount of info needed to feel the slow burn of the underlying romance to the story and my Walking Dead knowledge kicked in a few times.
Though this had an apocalyptic story feel overall, it was such a different approach that I found myself unable to put it down. I loved where it was going at the end in the now post-apocalyptic world and I had a need to know more, but I don't post spoilers, so if you are looking to escape to a world where you can find love again, find who you are again and kick some zombie ass…this book is for you.
March 29, 2015
In the blink of an eye the infected have taken over your neighborhood and survival kicks in. The two neighbors across the street and Nina take off for her aunt's house in the mountains. On the way out of town they nearly kill a man on a motorcycle. They stop and rescue him. When Nina looks into his eyes she sees someone from her past, someone she never really got over.
We meet Nina who has had many rough patches in her life. During the first part of the book the chapters alternate between past and present. This helps us to see what has transpired over Nina's life. The true adventure begins as Nina, Kevin, Larry and Vera head out of town to check on Nina's aunt. Once they get to her house they end up being trapped there.
This story is about zombie like creatures but there is not a lot of blood and gore (the reason I don't read to many zombie books). It soon turns to focusing on surviving with out what we now consider the necessities of life, like electricity, running water, etc.. During this journey Nina realizes how she has not really been living life after her husband dies. Kevin and Nina soon grow close and renew their relationship.
This book made you think about survival if the world was in chaos. Ms. Jamison did a great job of creating a story that made you think about what was happening and made you feel like you were living the nightmare right alongside the characters. Keep an open mind with this story and don't think yuck Zombies I am not going to read that book. Zombies are a very small part and this story is not anything of what you would expect. Do Nina and Kevin survive? Will they get to return to their homes and family? This is a great non traditional Zombie read. I highly suggest it if you want a story that has suspense, survival skill, relationships, and learning to live for yourself.
"You can't just stand there and do nothing. They'll kill you, Nina. It's you or them. Kill or die, Nina Davis." His jaw rippled before he repeated each word with force. "Kill or Die."
I received and ARC in exchange for an honest review. Read and Reviewed for Stories and Swag Blog.
We meet Nina who has had many rough patches in her life. During the first part of the book the chapters alternate between past and present. This helps us to see what has transpired over Nina's life. The true adventure begins as Nina, Kevin, Larry and Vera head out of town to check on Nina's aunt. Once they get to her house they end up being trapped there.
This story is about zombie like creatures but there is not a lot of blood and gore (the reason I don't read to many zombie books). It soon turns to focusing on surviving with out what we now consider the necessities of life, like electricity, running water, etc.. During this journey Nina realizes how she has not really been living life after her husband dies. Kevin and Nina soon grow close and renew their relationship.
This book made you think about survival if the world was in chaos. Ms. Jamison did a great job of creating a story that made you think about what was happening and made you feel like you were living the nightmare right alongside the characters. Keep an open mind with this story and don't think yuck Zombies I am not going to read that book. Zombies are a very small part and this story is not anything of what you would expect. Do Nina and Kevin survive? Will they get to return to their homes and family? This is a great non traditional Zombie read. I highly suggest it if you want a story that has suspense, survival skill, relationships, and learning to live for yourself.
"You can't just stand there and do nothing. They'll kill you, Nina. It's you or them. Kill or die, Nina Davis." His jaw rippled before he repeated each word with force. "Kill or Die."
I received and ARC in exchange for an honest review. Read and Reviewed for Stories and Swag Blog.
April 2, 2015
Savage.
I gave this book 5 stars.
This is Nina and Kevin's story.
I did not read the synopsis on this book. I am a fan of Jade's and love her work. It really doesn't matter what she writes, I read it. That being said she has reached a whole new level with her writing. She has many different styles and you can't put this author in a box. This proves the point.
This is a story about the Zombie Apocalypse. I haven't read very many zombie books, but I liked the twist that she put on this.
Right from the start I could relate to Nina, I haven't read very many books where the couples where a little older like in this situation, but I have to say that I loved it. At times I wondered if the Author was speaking about my life. The book is VERY detailed and gives you lots of information from the past and the present, but that isn't distracting and I found the details to be exactly what the book needed. Kevin is as dreamy as they come, he is mysterious and down right loveable. Who wouldn't want him in their corner. This is a second chance romance with a twist (zombie's) a story of survival, in more then just the physical sense. It is survival of your life, your mind, and your soul.
I couldn't put this book down, I wanted to know what was going to happen from one moment to the next. It is a very captivating book. I honestly would have like things to be tied up in a beautiful little bow more, but that is just me. I do hope that there will be another book so that we can see all that happens.
I cannot wait to read what Jade has coming up next. She is always so full of surprises. Thank you for an amazing book that I probably would not have read if it wasn't for who this book was by, I think maybe I need to step outside the box a little more and see what is out there:)
April 7, 2015
Very enjoyable read.
This was my FIRST read with a zombie theme mixed in with my romance and I was impressed. I love my zombies and I love my romance and Jade Jamison did an outstanding job of combining the two.
In our story we meet Nina. A thirty/forty something widowed and living alone. Her life isn't exciting and wasn't always easy but it was her life and she only had one regert...Kevin. Kevin was her high school crush and the one she's dreamt about for nearly three decades. For her, he was the one that go away.
One day, her neighbor informs her of an illness that's been all over the news. The next thing they know, they have "zombies" all over the neighborhood and are being attacked by neighbors they've known for years. On they're way out of town to check on Nina's elderly aunt, they pick up a motorcyclist being overrun by a horde. Together, they head to the country where they're stuck for quite some time.
Jade gives us a story where the characters are truly the focus. We see them develop and change during this into their core selves during their time in seclusion. Nina grows and becomes stronger as her inner self fights to survive and get back to her home. Throughout the story of where they are, we are also treated to the story of where Nina's been. Her flash backs tell us who she was, how she became the person she is now and it gives us a better understanding of who she's becoming.
I was in awe of this story not only for it's writing but in how it was told to the reader. There are some books that I read and it's just a story, then there are some books that I read and I can literally see it play out in my head like a movie. I don't have an easy imagination so for a movie to appear before my eyes, is a testament to it's writing and writer.
Bravo Jade for opening my eyes to a new type of love story. I will certainly give this romance "genre" a chance from now on and will hope that they do as amazing as you did with their stories.
*a copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was my FIRST read with a zombie theme mixed in with my romance and I was impressed. I love my zombies and I love my romance and Jade Jamison did an outstanding job of combining the two.
In our story we meet Nina. A thirty/forty something widowed and living alone. Her life isn't exciting and wasn't always easy but it was her life and she only had one regert...Kevin. Kevin was her high school crush and the one she's dreamt about for nearly three decades. For her, he was the one that go away.
One day, her neighbor informs her of an illness that's been all over the news. The next thing they know, they have "zombies" all over the neighborhood and are being attacked by neighbors they've known for years. On they're way out of town to check on Nina's elderly aunt, they pick up a motorcyclist being overrun by a horde. Together, they head to the country where they're stuck for quite some time.
Jade gives us a story where the characters are truly the focus. We see them develop and change during this into their core selves during their time in seclusion. Nina grows and becomes stronger as her inner self fights to survive and get back to her home. Throughout the story of where they are, we are also treated to the story of where Nina's been. Her flash backs tell us who she was, how she became the person she is now and it gives us a better understanding of who she's becoming.
I was in awe of this story not only for it's writing but in how it was told to the reader. There are some books that I read and it's just a story, then there are some books that I read and I can literally see it play out in my head like a movie. I don't have an easy imagination so for a movie to appear before my eyes, is a testament to it's writing and writer.
Bravo Jade for opening my eyes to a new type of love story. I will certainly give this romance "genre" a chance from now on and will hope that they do as amazing as you did with their stories.
*a copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2015
I’m a fan of zombie books and movies as well as a fan of Jade C. Jamison. So, when I saw this book coming out, I was very excited. I was a little hesitant at first because the characters are in their early 40s which is a little older in characters than what I usually read. However, I’m so glad I gave it a chance because it was fantastic.
Nina and Kevin knew each other back in high school but due to her Naïveté, Nina didn’t know how to reciprocate Kevin’s advances and he quickly moved on. She spent years pining over him until she met her husband in college. Flash forward 30 years and the zombie apocalypse is happening. People are contracting a virus dubbed the “zombie virus” and it’s spreading quickly. When Nina’s neighbors agree to help her go see if her aunt is okay, they (literally) run into Kevin on his way out of town. Since his bike is messed up, he has no choice but to join them. They soon become allies in their fight for survival and a lost high school connection becomes rekindled. These two really compliment each other well. Amidst all the danger and lingering questions, they start to get to know each other again. I really liked how their relationship developed over the story of the book and hope to see more if there is another book.
The story line definitely will definitely have you on the edge of your seat. I found myself constantly trying to figure out what would happen next and flying through the book so I could find out. A lot of this book is about the relationship between Nina and Kevin (many flashbacks to when they were in high school) but it also has a lot about their survival during the crisis going on. It felt like it was a little more realistic as far as what would happen if this really did happen and I like that. I hope there is a second book because there were still some loose ends and I’d love to see more Nina and Kevin. Awesome book and 5 out of 5 stars!
Nina and Kevin knew each other back in high school but due to her Naïveté, Nina didn’t know how to reciprocate Kevin’s advances and he quickly moved on. She spent years pining over him until she met her husband in college. Flash forward 30 years and the zombie apocalypse is happening. People are contracting a virus dubbed the “zombie virus” and it’s spreading quickly. When Nina’s neighbors agree to help her go see if her aunt is okay, they (literally) run into Kevin on his way out of town. Since his bike is messed up, he has no choice but to join them. They soon become allies in their fight for survival and a lost high school connection becomes rekindled. These two really compliment each other well. Amidst all the danger and lingering questions, they start to get to know each other again. I really liked how their relationship developed over the story of the book and hope to see more if there is another book.
The story line definitely will definitely have you on the edge of your seat. I found myself constantly trying to figure out what would happen next and flying through the book so I could find out. A lot of this book is about the relationship between Nina and Kevin (many flashbacks to when they were in high school) but it also has a lot about their survival during the crisis going on. It felt like it was a little more realistic as far as what would happen if this really did happen and I like that. I hope there is a second book because there were still some loose ends and I’d love to see more Nina and Kevin. Awesome book and 5 out of 5 stars!
April 1, 2015
I don't often read books featuring characters of Nina's and Kevin's age, I'm not sure why I guess it's something to do with the current market. Anyway, before starting Savage I somehow had it in my head the story was a biker book, so imagine my surprise when the virus started and zombies appeared...
Nina has spent years living her life based around what other people need/want. When disaster happens and she finds herself battling to stay alive alongside her high school crush, she has to decide whether to risk acting on her very-much-still-there attraction for Kevin and tell him how she feels.
When I started the book I wasn't sure what to make of Nina, Kevin and her neighbours, but I quickly found myself engrossed in the action and hoping that she would finally get a HEA.
I've spend far more time than I probably should, imagining what would happen if zombies were real and I've come to the conclusion we all need a Kevin to help us. With zombie books there is always the potential for the story to become slapstick or a teen horror-fest, but Savage is a very different kind of zombie story - their battle is equally an internal struggle as much as it is a physical fight with the infected.
I really enjoyed the interesting approach Jade C. Jamison took with her zombie story (can we even call it a zombie story?) and it made a nice change to read about characters who were not in their teens or 20s. The only thing I would have liked was to read more about Nina's children and her neighbours, because certain characters remained a mystery.
4 Stars in my Sky!
More at Zili in the Sky
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!
April 6, 2015
I feel like I missed something while reading the book. It was an interesting plot, well written but something just didn't click for me and it took me almost a week to finish. If I graded based solely on enjoyment this would be a 2 star for me, but I can't ignore the fact it was well put together even if it didn't work for me. I knew going in it was a zombie book that didn't focus on the zombies but Nina's lack of reaction stumped me. I often complain when authors use a million different POVs, but being locked in just Nina's head when she's often entirely numb is very limiting. It's hard to care about the characters when you are stuck in the mind of someone just floating through their days. They're supposedly stuck together for 5 months but we don't know these characters any better by the last page than we did on the first page. I think I would have rather been in Larry or Vera's head. What actually happened when they were on their daily treks for kindling and exploring? What drove Larry over the edge and where did he go after the blowup with Vera? And why did the book end without us knowing if their kids survived? An epilogue would have been nice if she didn't want to extend the book through their trip to try and find the families. I think Jacqueline Druga has ruined me when it comes to "survivor" stories. Although reading her books has convinced me I be crap when it came to surviving any apocalyptic type event, and she's not great when writing romance into her books,she's also taught me a lot and I spent most of the book thinking they were idiots for the things they were doing wrong while trying to survive the winter which was just one more thing that took away enjoyment during reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2015
Savage by Jade C. Jamison is a standalone novel about love in a zombie outbreak. Except it's not truly a zombie outbreak, more of a zombie-like outbreak. And it isn't focused so much on the dead (or undead) as it is on the living and the effects that the loss of modern conveniences has on an individuals humanity and reasoning.
This was so not my usual fare, but it was a pleasure to read, especially with the last episode of this seasons The Walking Dead looming. Not that this is being compared to that, only that there are people in both that get ill and then seem to shut down and then seem to want to eat flesh, as with most zombie scenarios.
We start with Nina and learn about her life over the past three decades told both in flashbacks and just her inner monologue. We are able to see the outbreak slowly unfold in front of us through her eyes. When she leaves town and the truck she is passenger in nearly runs over what turns about to be her childhood crush things get emotionally awkward. But nearly killing Kevin with truck turns out to be the best thing that could have happened to their little group as they head to the mountains outside of town to check on Nina's aunt.
The story is well-written and the intimate scenes are hot and passionate and the storyline is beyond intriguing.
I would definitely read more from this author.
This was so not my usual fare, but it was a pleasure to read, especially with the last episode of this seasons The Walking Dead looming. Not that this is being compared to that, only that there are people in both that get ill and then seem to shut down and then seem to want to eat flesh, as with most zombie scenarios.
We start with Nina and learn about her life over the past three decades told both in flashbacks and just her inner monologue. We are able to see the outbreak slowly unfold in front of us through her eyes. When she leaves town and the truck she is passenger in nearly runs over what turns about to be her childhood crush things get emotionally awkward. But nearly killing Kevin with truck turns out to be the best thing that could have happened to their little group as they head to the mountains outside of town to check on Nina's aunt.
The story is well-written and the intimate scenes are hot and passionate and the storyline is beyond intriguing.
I would definitely read more from this author.
May 17, 2015
Yep, we have another Zombie book out there people. I was a little disappointed in this book. I am only giving it a 3.5. The story is interesting but the back and forth from past to present and back again is very confusing and distracting. Not sure why the author felt the need to tell it this way but there it is. She does not continue in this vein though. This change in point of view is also a bit confusing.
This is the story of 4 people, two main characters and two secondary.
Kevin Savage and Nina. They almost hooked up when they were younger, however it did not happen.
They meet later after they both have lost loved ones. Nina's husband has passed and her children are grown. Kevin is divorced and has a daughter. They join Nina's neighbors, Larry and Vera and head out to check on Nina's aunt who lives in a remote area of Colorado.Needless to say they run into some trouble, run out of gas and end up spending the winter at Nina's aunts place. Kevin and Nina rekindle their love, Larry goes crazy kills Vera and then disappears.
There is some graphic descriptions of killing the infected as they are called. Mostly the story is how they survive and eventually get back to civilization. If you like the standard lost love found during a crisis this book is for you.
The book is ended on an open note with Nina and Kevin heading out to find their families together, so I am thinking there will be a continuation of there story.
This is the story of 4 people, two main characters and two secondary.
Kevin Savage and Nina. They almost hooked up when they were younger, however it did not happen.
They meet later after they both have lost loved ones. Nina's husband has passed and her children are grown. Kevin is divorced and has a daughter. They join Nina's neighbors, Larry and Vera and head out to check on Nina's aunt who lives in a remote area of Colorado.Needless to say they run into some trouble, run out of gas and end up spending the winter at Nina's aunts place. Kevin and Nina rekindle their love, Larry goes crazy kills Vera and then disappears.
There is some graphic descriptions of killing the infected as they are called. Mostly the story is how they survive and eventually get back to civilization. If you like the standard lost love found during a crisis this book is for you.
The book is ended on an open note with Nina and Kevin heading out to find their families together, so I am thinking there will be a continuation of there story.
April 19, 2015
Series: N/A
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance, Zombie Apocalypse
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Received from: Jade C. Jamison (in exchange for an honest review/Beta reading)
Grammar/editing: ungraded – book received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
This is a stand-alone story of survival and hope.
Savage – the boy who held her heart and filled her dreams in her youth. Savage – the new reality of a world decimated by a zombie plague. Savage – the man who can once again claim her heart and reignite her hope in a future.
When Jade C. Jamison first told me that she was going to write a zombie book, I thought, “I love you, but I don’t know if I want to read this.” I never told her that out loud though, and I’m glad I didn’t. Jade is best known for her heavy metal, romance series, Bullet. SAVAGE proves that not all rock stars take to the stage. Some only need to be the stars of our lives. Kevin Savage has been the star of Nina Hardwick’s dreams, fantasies, and wishes for decades.
Kevin and Nina are in their forties. It was refreshing to read characters that were past the age of ingénue and yet youthfully hopeful in their hearts.
Trust me, you want to spend a winter stranded in the Colorado Mountains with Nina, Kevin, and her neighbors. Will they survive? Will her heart? Will the zombies find them?
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance, Zombie Apocalypse
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Received from: Jade C. Jamison (in exchange for an honest review/Beta reading)
Grammar/editing: ungraded – book received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
This is a stand-alone story of survival and hope.
Savage – the boy who held her heart and filled her dreams in her youth. Savage – the new reality of a world decimated by a zombie plague. Savage – the man who can once again claim her heart and reignite her hope in a future.
When Jade C. Jamison first told me that she was going to write a zombie book, I thought, “I love you, but I don’t know if I want to read this.” I never told her that out loud though, and I’m glad I didn’t. Jade is best known for her heavy metal, romance series, Bullet. SAVAGE proves that not all rock stars take to the stage. Some only need to be the stars of our lives. Kevin Savage has been the star of Nina Hardwick’s dreams, fantasies, and wishes for decades.
Kevin and Nina are in their forties. It was refreshing to read characters that were past the age of ingénue and yet youthfully hopeful in their hearts.
Trust me, you want to spend a winter stranded in the Colorado Mountains with Nina, Kevin, and her neighbors. Will they survive? Will her heart? Will the zombies find them?
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