Beyond Surrender (Beyond, #9) by Kit Rocha

Nov 23, 2016 MischaS_ rated it liked it

Shelves: arc, english

Edit 12/5/2020: So, almost the end of my re-read of this series minus some novellas I believe.
And my opinion did not change much from the first time reading this.
The couple is not really working for me, it's too out of nowhere and bit too "need one more book, so, who are the still single characters in this series?"
I totally was skipping some of their scenes together.

But I was totally here for the "war" story arc. Plus I enjoyed the POVs by different characters than Nessa and Ryder.
Maybe this s ...more

flag 162 likes · Like · see review

Feb 20, 2017 Deborah rated it it was amazing

The perfect end to an unforgettable series.

The final book.
Wow after so many years I'm not sure how I feel about finally saying goodbye to the O'Kanes and that's the reason I've pushed back reading this, I just couldn't bring myself to read the last book but with 'Gideon's Riders' on the horizon I felt it was beyond time I plucked up the courage to read this and say goodbye.
This book was everything I wanted and more, for me it was by far the best so far and the perfect end to what has been an un ...more

flag 24 likes · Like · see review

Nov 26, 2016 Jewel rated it it was amazing

Shelves: review-copy, mf, five-stars, dystopian

"O'Kane for life!"

I am really sad to see this series end. It's a bittersweet feeling, for sure. And just like the other 8 books in the Beyond series, this one is action packed! I am happy that we have a spin-off series to look forward to, though. Bring it on!

What I love about this series, is that the women do not damsel. They're strong, self assured, and fight and play just as hard as the men. Also, the men are not emasculated by having such strong women around. They revel in it. ...more

flag 12 likes · Like · see review

Feb 20, 2017 Kate rated it really liked it

Shelves: kick-ass-heroine, gives-me-the-tingles, series-completed, guys-be-a-steaming, broody-alphas, dystopian-and-post-apoclayptic, bliming-hilarious, 4-stars, bdsm-kink-menage

4 Wasted Chances Stars.

The lights are out and Eden is dark…. The war has come and things will never be the same. The sectors are united and it is all or nothing in this final instalment.

Nessa the princess of O’Kane liquor has lived a very secluded life growing up in the sectors. She is a big part of the O’Kanes but for everything that has been happening in the series Nessa is very naïve.
Nessa has been burnt in the past. She was only used for the knowledge she had of making booze. Since the

4 Wasted Chances Stars.

The lights are out and Eden is dark…. The war has come and things will never be the same. The sectors are united and it is all or nothing in this final instalment.

Nessa the princess of O’Kane liquor has lived a very secluded life growing up in the sectors. She is a big part of the O’Kanes but for everything that has been happening in the series Nessa is very naïve.
Nessa has been burnt in the past. She was only used for the knowledge she had of making booze. Since then she hasn’t given any man more than she has wanted to give. Even if it is just a steamy night but all changes with one sector leader.

No dangerous men for her. No matter how much they made the butterflies dance.
Jim Jerrigan groomed a revolution in a person, a rebel, a leader Michael Ryder to lead the sectors to victory. Ryder is now the leader of sector five he never wanted to be but he is part of the rebellion. With the little black murder book that has been passed down shite is about to get real. He is the golden child.

There is no room for mercy. Brutality at its finest and I loved every moment of it. The one constant in the storm? Nessa and Ryder finding to one another. Although Nessa caves.

“Do it. Ruin all my rationalizations. Ruin me.”

For all their differences Nessa and Ryder are similar. They are both lonely. They both do things that are a given and expected and not wanted. After the war they can get to dream. They are one another’s beacon yet what to do once it is all over?

“Close your eyes and dream, Ryder.” "I don’t know how,” he confessed. She touched his cheek. “I’m good at dreaming. I can come up with ten dreams right now […] “I’m an O’Kane princess. I never run out of dreams.”

I was fucking ecstatic to read this book but also scared shitless because I wanted the book , the couple and the end of the series to live up to my expectations what we get from Kit Rocha. My wants, needs and expectations for this book and the end of the series was epic. I loved nearly every single moment of it. I laughed, I cried and I got all sentimental about all the couples, the loss the pain and the grief. The sex scenes aren’t as freely as in the previous books but these ladies do know how to write sex, emotions. As mine were all over the place.

All the loose ends are tied up. IMO. The ending bittersweet but leaves so much more room for more.

Review can be found @ http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blog... ...more

flag 12 likes · Like · see review

Jan 04, 2017 Maria Dimitrova rated it it was amazing

Shelves: machalo-challenge-2017

Part of the MacHalo Reading Challenge 2017 edition. A book celebrating diversity.

I've been waiting for this book for what seems like ages! The previous book ended with the opening salvos of a war that was long in coming. A Revolution that could claim the lives of so many including the characters I have grown to care for. And while I enjoyed the romance budding between Nessa and Ryder I was much more interested in seeing whether the revolution would succeed and at what cost. More than once I was ...more

flag 11 likes · Like · see review

Dec 12, 2016 Federica the heir of fire rated it really liked it

4.5 in love stars

Wow what an exciting,fantastic and special ride,i can't be we're at the end of the line and i really don't know whether to sob or cheer.
Kit Rocha created one of the most thrilling and interesting words i've ever read about and i'm so happy that i stumbled upon their books.
This book was no exception,i smiled and i cried (I hate you Kit) and i cheered and fell in love with all the characters all over again.
I loved Nessa,her spunk and her love for her family were beautiful to ...more

flag 9 likes · Like · see review

Jan 30, 2020 Ellen Gail rated it really liked it

Shelves: kindle, smutty-smutsville

A darn good ending to a wonderful series

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

Dec 15, 2016 Chelsea rated it it was amazing

FUCKING PERFECTION. That's how you end a series. ...more

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

Dec 18, 2016 Tori rated it really liked it

Shelves: angst, arc, e-book, romantic-thriller, violence, dealing-with-grief, tattoos, family, series, review-for-smexybooks

Originally posted at Smexybooks-http://smexybooks.com/2016/12/joint-r...

Reviewed by Mandi & Tori

Beyond Surrender is the ninth and last installment in Kit Rocha’s Beyond series. Nessa, O’Kane princess and ruler of the distillery, finds her sanity and strength tested when she falls for the one man whose only goal is to see Eden fall. The sectors are going to war and nothing will ever be the same again.

This post apocalyptic series has been a favorite of Smexy Books since its first installment, Beyo ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Dec 04, 2016 Maria Rose rated it it was amazing

Shelves: best-of-2016, 5-star-reads, fully-reviewed-books, sexy-as-all-get-out, dystopian

Beyond Surrender is the ninth and final novel in the erotic dystopian Beyond series. It’s the end of a long story arc that began in Beyond Shame, and shouldn’t be read as a standalone as it starts without much preamble and dives headlong into the current tense situation from the very first page. Where the earlier stories have been about the hard living, sexually free O’Kane extended family making the most of their time together, playtime is definitely over. This story leads the reader on a rolle Beyond Surrender is the ninth and final novel in the erotic dystopian Beyond series. It’s the end of a long story arc that began in Beyond Shame, and shouldn’t be read as a standalone as it starts without much preamble and dives headlong into the current tense situation from the very first page. Where the earlier stories have been about the hard living, sexually free O’Kane extended family making the most of their time together, playtime is definitely over. This story leads the reader on a roller coaster of emotions from laughter to tears as the world the O’Kanes know is forever changed.

War has come to Sector 4. Indeed, the powerful men ruling the city of Eden have made it clear that their mission is to destroy all the eight Sectors surrounding the city. They firebombed Sector 3 when the seeds of rebellion had barely started. Then they attacked Sector 2, killing women and children indiscriminately . Their invasion of Sector 6, the agricultural mecca Eden relies upon for food resulted in the people fleeing and razing their fields, leaving behind dead and inhospitable land. With so much destruction all around, Dallas O’Kane has made alliances with Sector 1, Sector 5 and Sector 8, while sending some of his people to help out in the ravaged sectors, including building a hospital in the underground tunnel system of Sector 3. He’s as prepared as he can be for a fight to the finish.

Ryder – the new leader of Sector 5 – has been training for this war his entire life. Mentored by Jim, the assassinated leader of Sector 8 and the only original leader of the eight Sectors to survive until very recently, he’s got inside knowledge of every Sector and all of Eden. He knows their weaknesses, their strengths and that Dallas O’Kane is the key to surviving and defeating the enemy. Though he’d be happy to stay with his men on the front lines of Sector 5, his place is in Sector 4 helping Dallas. It’s here that he meets Nessa, the distiller at the heart of the O’Kane liquor empire. Nessa laments that her skills producing the best whiskey are of no use in helping the war effort, not when the only alcohol needed is for medicinal purposes. Her flare of attraction to Ryder is inconvenient but when he makes it clear he’s equally interested it sets the stage for a hot and heavy affair. But they both know there are no guarantees of a happy ending. All they can do is hope for the best and prepare for the worst, giving their all to the moments they have together as if they will be their last. When the dust settles, and the final confrontation is over, who will be left standing?

Nessa is a very appropriate choice as the heroine of this final novel in the series, as she is introduced in the very first story and is a key figure in the success of Dallas O’Kane’s empire. Interestingly though, compared with other strong and feisty heroines in the series, she is a more introverted and shy figure who prefers to be in the background. She’s more comfortable working in the distillery than partying it up with the rest of the gang, and has the role of a younger sibling to Dallas and his partner Lex. Nessa learned the distillery trade from her grandfather, and grew up with Dallas on a farm in Texas before he ended up in Sector 4 and sent for Nessa and her Pops to join him there. While Nessa has had some sexual experiences, they’ve been few and far between and her one romantic interest turned out to be a guy who wanted her only for her distillery knowledge. As such she tends to stay more in the background and the rest of the O’Kane family is very protective of her. When Ryder appears on the scene, there are some amusing moments as Nessa’s internal monologue around him is quite funny; it’s a nice release of tension from the more serious scenes. As well, Dallas, the sexually liberated man that we’ve seen to date is suddenly a protective older brother figure, warning Ryder that breaking Nessa’s heart will be to his detriment. It’s an ironic turn of events to see Dallas in this role.

In another departure from the earlier books, Nessa and Ryder’s romance is a private, seductive affair. Theirs is a strictly monogamous romance, and their love scenes are sensual and erotic without the shock factor so common in earlier books. If there is one thing Ryder is good at, it’s staying in control and keeping himself focused, and when his goal is pleasuring Nessa he takes his time. The result is scenes that are emotional and sweet, while still being very sexy. Because the O’Kane family is in war mode there is no time for public partying and drinking at their social center, the Broken Circle bar. Thus the sex scenes in this story are confined to those between Nessa and Ryder and while important to their romance, are not the main focus of the plot.

Things take some pretty dramatic and violent turns as Eden sends its soldiers out to the various Sectors and Dallas and his people make plans to counter those attacks with assaults of their own. Much of the action takes place in Sector 4, Sector 5 and Eden itself. No one escapes unscathed in this story, and there are moments that will bring the reader to tears. The story is told, as expected, from the points of view of Ryder and Nessa, but several other characters also get a chapter here and there in which to show the effect of events on other members of the O’Kane family. We also hear from some newer characters. In the past, this has been done as a way to introduce new individuals into the series who eventually ended up getting stories of their own. There is a post war spin-off series in the works that will be set in Sector 1 and it’s quite likely that these new characters – as well as some that have popped up here and there in previous books but have unresolved storylines – will end up in Sector 1. But make no mistake, the story arc that began with Beyond Shame is definitely finished with Beyond Surrender. The fate of Dallas O’Kane and the men and women loyal to him is decided in this explosive finale and it’s an ending that is worthy of the series.

This review also appears at All About Romance: http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...

Note: a copy of this story was provided by the authors for review. ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Dec 13, 2016 Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews rated it it was amazing

Shelves: guiltypleasures-javagirl

Java Girl's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

My level of anticipation and dread was sky-high for Beyond Surrender. I let the ARC sit on my Kindle for several days before I worked up the courage to start it. If I didn’t start it, it couldn’t end, right? I know there are spin-offs in the works (I’ve had my Gideon’s Riders tee-shirt for months), but I’m still so sad to leave Sector Four and the O’Kane Gang. We’re sure (I hope!) to see them in future books, and I look forward to every g Java Girl's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

My level of anticipation and dread was sky-high for Beyond Surrender. I let the ARC sit on my Kindle for several days before I worked up the courage to start it. If I didn’t start it, it couldn’t end, right? I know there are spin-offs in the works (I’ve had my Gideon’s Riders tee-shirt for months), but I’m still so sad to leave Sector Four and the O’Kane Gang. We’re sure (I hope!) to see them in future books, and I look forward to every glimpse, no matter how small, but I’m still going to miss these characters I’ve come to love so much.

War with the corrupt leaders of Eden has been a long time coming, and the tension has built over the last several books, maybe even from the first book, Beyond Shame, but it has really ramped up in the last two or three books. The undercurrent of tension, uncertainty, and fear permeates , but Ryder and Nessa’s romance is easy and fun, the perfect contrast to the stress, death, and destruction of war. I don’t think my heart would have been able to take relationship drama or heavy angst in a story set against a backdrop of war. That’s not to say Ryder and Nessa don’t have doubts or question whether they have a future together—they question whether there will be a future, and what it holds for all the inhabitants of the sectors. Ryder has been raised to lead a revolution and hasn’t given much thought to what he will do once the revolution ends. Nessa has a strong sense of loyalty to Dallas and Lex, and feels an obligation to continue to make the whiskey that is the prime source of income and power for Dallas and the O’Kanes. Neither has given much real thought to life post-revolution. War changes everything, including their roles. I loved the two of them together, both with obligations, roles, and expectations they were born into. I felt they really understood each other, and had a strong connection.

I was so worried and scared for them. I honestly had no idea who would survive and who wouldn’t. Beyond Surrender lived up to all my expectations, including my fears. Be sure to keep a box of tissue handy. I cried, but I also laughed, sighed, and cheered. The showdown with Eden was tightly plotted and the pacing was perfect. My heart was pounding and I completely destroyed my thumbnail, I was so anxious!. It was suspenseful and dramatic-just perfect! I was both thrilled and heartbroken when it was over.

I’ve said this before, but it’s worth saying again. Dystopian/post-apocolyptic is not my thing. At all. I never would have read this series if not for author Lauren Dane posting a link on her website to an excerpt of Beyond Shame. I came so close to not giving it a chance. Never in a million years would I have thought that an erotic dystopian series would become one of my all-time favorites, one I recommend to anyone who asks what they should read next. But the carefully crafted stories, the complexity of the characters and their experiences, the intricacies of the relationships, their hopes, dreams and desires for the future, and the scorching hot sex are completely irresistible for me. Kit Rocha has a way of grabbing ahold of me and drawing me into their world. I’m so excited for what the future holds and can’t wait to see where they take us next.

ARC provided for an honest review. ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Dec 13, 2016 Aly is so frigging bored rated it it was amazing

Shelves: erotic-romance, favorites, post-apocalyptic

1st read: December 2016
WOW

Ryder
[image error]

Nessa

Me because the series ended

This was a fitting end for the O'Kanes. I can't wait to see Gideon's sector now.

2nd read: September 2020
I can't believe I forgot how much I love this series! There definitely won't be such a big break between my rereads :D ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

May 22, 2017 Maria11 rated it it was amazing

Great ending

Finally a book that reflected the start of the series. Great hot sex, but solid well developed characters. Great story lots of action. This was the reason I started the series and I am glad I stayed strong through the rest to get to this one.

Great wrap up! O'Kane for life! ...more

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

Dec 07, 2016 Chris rated it really liked it

Shelves: erotica-kink, dystopian

Oh how I love the O'Kanes - the loyalty, courage and honor between friends & families. I have loved this series from the start and have really enjoyed the dystopian / erotica focus. It's gritty, edgy and really damn hot ! While this was Nessa & Ryders story I felt the real focus was on the war and uprising. There was so much going on, so many characters having moments that it got a little hard at times. For me Ryder was a little underwhelming so it was lucky Nessa was such a great character- he ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Dec 20, 2016 G. rated it liked it

The series finale delivered on the O'Kane liquor-fueled Sector revolution, but skimped on Nessa and Ryder's story. Beyond Surrender is an enjoyable read, but Nessa and Ryder left a faint impression. A shame, I was looking forward to their book. ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Nov 30, 2016 Dana ~ The Dirty Smut'atter rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc, alphas, 2016

I have been a huge fan of this series from the very beginning and find this moment very bittersweet!! O’Kane for life….

If you have been following along in this series we all know that War is upon us. The sectors have finally united to take down the city of Eden and all it stands for. This moment has been brewing from the minute we first meet Noelle leaving Eden and finding The Broken Circle.

This installment centers around what I consider two very key players in the sectors….Nessa [The O’Kane Pri I have been a huge fan of this series from the very beginning and find this moment very bittersweet!! O’Kane for life….

If you have been following along in this series we all know that War is upon us. The sectors have finally united to take down the city of Eden and all it stands for. This moment has been brewing from the minute we first meet Noelle leaving Eden and finding The Broken Circle.

This installment centers around what I consider two very key players in the sectors….Nessa [The O’Kane Princess] and Ryder [The Leader of Jim Jerigan’s Revolution]. Nessa has grown up around the protection of Dallas both in the sectors and on his family farm. She has seen men try and take advantage of her for profit far too many times to let her walls down. Dallas never took advantage of Nessa’s family talents, as she was his little sister and well the profits built his empire he never forgot it was about creating a better tomorrow. Ryder grew up in a harsh reality of the upcoming war. His entire world was catered to prepare him for tomorrow and what fate would force upon him. This very fate brought him to Sector 5 an only steps away from the one variable that could change his world upside down with just one unguarded touch.

Nessa has seen Ryder around The Broken Circle before and well he peaks all her interest, she guards herself from the unknown. Ryder knows that Nessa is something special and her unfiltered honest truths find a place in his heart that he can’t brush off. These two are really the perfect match for one another the dreamer and the planner, but what happens well the reality of their futures force them to make quick choices that might damage their perceived balance.

That is the thing of this whole series the balance they have grown up around is fake and in the hands of some seriously twisted Eden Councilman. Dallas has been building an empire that spans all of the sectors. He learned early on that the trust of your family and friends will surpass any obstacle. The only way to truly have a future is to fight for their own rights that aren’t linked to Eden and well it isn’t a pretty fight it is one of the most basic needs. Family and Friends will be lost, but for the ultimate goal of the future that everyone has control over building. The times of being controlled by Eden’s visions are a thing of the past.

Will Nessa and Ryder be able to make it out on the other side and get a freedom they never could have imagined??

Well this book is the official end of the members of the O’Kane Family we have already meet some of the characters that will continue the new series -> Gideon’s Riders!! I really want to get to the bottom of Eden’s finish soldier...Ashwin. Bring it ladies, as I know you will never disappoint me!!

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review... ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Jul 15, 2019 Leigh Kramer rated it it was amazing

Shelves: grief-and-loss, made-me-cry, libations, found-family, favorites, lgbtqia, erotic-romance

What a fantastic end to a fantastic series! It’s all been leading to this moment, to the war between the Sectors and Eden. I was super nervous while reading because Kit Rocha did not hold back from depicting the painful cost of war. While I knew Ryder and Nessa would get a happy ending, I knew that didn’t necessarily mean everyone would make it through. There are some truly heartbreaking moments and I cried for much of the last half of the book.

And yet, there’s still so much hope and redemption ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Dec 11, 2016 Sarah rated it it was amazing

Shelves: for-review-read, read-in-2016, books-i-own-kindle, favorites

Beyond Surrender is the final book in Kit Rocha's Beyond series but don't worry because it's not quite the last we'll see of the O'Kanes. We're moving sectors in the upcoming spin off series but the authors have confirmed we'll still see some familiar faces occasionally while we're getting to know a new bunch of characters in Gideon's Riders. I want to focus on this series for now though and the epic conclusion that we get to see here.

Beyond Surrender is the culmination of the story arc that has Beyond Surrender is the final book in Kit Rocha's Beyond series but don't worry because it's not quite the last we'll see of the O'Kanes. We're moving sectors in the upcoming spin off series but the authors have confirmed we'll still see some familiar faces occasionally while we're getting to know a new bunch of characters in Gideon's Riders. I want to focus on this series for now though and the epic conclusion that we get to see here.

Beyond Surrender is the culmination of the story arc that has been building for eight books now, war with Eden is upon us and things are about to get even more dangerous than ever before. Although the romance focuses on Nessa and Ryder (more about those two later) this book is so much more than that and it gives us glimpses of most of the previous characters as we see the roles they all play in the O'Kanes biggest battle yet. Nobody is safe and war is a brutal thing but the O'Kanes have always been willing to fight to protect the people they love and their freedom. I'm not going to lie, this book is heart wrenching in places and there were moments that broke my heart and left me sobbing like a baby, I cried for their losses but I also laughed and cheered for the characters through their victories and I did have a huge smile on my face at the end.

I did wonder if Nessa and Ryder's romance might end up getting sidelined because so much else was happening in this story but their relationship didn't feel at all rushed. Things moved fast between them sure but the urgency of their situation just ramped up the feelings that have been building between them for a long time now. Nessa has been with the O'Kanes since she was a teenager and it's meant that all the men look on her as a kid sister, she's been protected and cosseted by the whole gang and as much as she loves them all like her family she has found it lonely at times because not many men are willing to face up to so many men to date her. The ones that made the effort usually did it because they wanted something from her rather than because they had feelings for her.

Ryder is different though, as the leader of Sector Five he's powerful in his own right. He's an ally of the O'Kanes but he isn't looking to take over from Dallas, he wants to work with him to bring down the people in control of Eden. Ryder has been raised for war, he has been preparing for this moment practically from birth and he eats, sleeps and breathes fighting tactics and plots against Eden. One thing he never did was look beyond the war to what would happen to him next, he was so focused on the battle that he forgot about the happily ever after. Until Nessa came along that is. It's a terrible time to start a new relationship but actually it might be the best possible time too, after all you only fight harder if you've got someone special to come home to.

I loved everything about this book, the romance was both sweet and hot, the action was non stop and my heart was in my mouth for most of the story. Beyond Surrender is a fitting end to a series I've followed for years now but it was also a great introduction to some new characters that I'm looking forward to getting to know better in the future.

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Dec 05, 2016 Erin Arkin rated it really liked it

Shelves: i-have-a-real-book, series, dystopian, not-for-everyone

What can I say…I always have mixed feelings when I get to the end of a series. I really want to know what happens and how things wrap up but on the other hand, I don’t want it to be over. Beyond Surrender, the ninth book in the Beyond series by Kit Rocha, had the same reaction from me. I was both excited and a bit apprehensive when I got the ARC for review.

Beyond Surrender focuses on Nessa and Ryder and the story actually starts with these two characters. I have to admit I was on the fence with What can I say…I always have mixed feelings when I get to the end of a series. I really want to know what happens and how things wrap up but on the other hand, I don’t want it to be over. Beyond Surrender, the ninth book in the Beyond series by Kit Rocha, had the same reaction from me. I was both excited and a bit apprehensive when I got the ARC for review.

Beyond Surrender focuses on Nessa and Ryder and the story actually starts with these two characters. I have to admit I was on the fence with these two being the main focus for this story but I thought Rocha did a good job with them. The only issue I have is that it felt like things were rushed with them. In previous books it felt like the main romantic characters had more time. Perhaps this was due to the war going on but I wanted to have more time with these characters together. As characters go, I still don’t know how I feel about them. Nessa came off as flighty (except when it came to making the alcohol) and I still don’t know much about Ryder…except that he is smart and has been preparing for war his whole life.

The key to this book (for me) was the war that was going on and how the sectors were coming together to fight Eden. I loved how everything was finally coming together and the sectors were working against everything Eden and the power hungry leaders were fighting for. As Eden continued to lie and take advantage of the people living within the walls, the sectors were trying to figure out how to beat them without extra casualties. When everything comes to a head and Dallas and Lex decide they need to make their move, everything moves really quickly.

There are some casualties in this final book and I have to say, I was a bit nervous when things started to go down. I had no idea who was going to make it and who wasn’t. I won’t say much about this because I don’t want to ruin anything but trust me when I say…if you are invested in any of the core characters, be prepared. A lot goes down in the end and while the final fight is big and bloody, the goal was clear for everyone, no matter what happened. As the end draws near, ending the corruption in Eden is everyone’s goal and Ryder is going to make that happen no matter what.

In the end, I was happy to see how Rocha ended this series. With that in mind, I was glad to hear that Ashwin is going to be the first character for the Gideon’s Riders series. He is a character that has intrigued me since his introduction and I can’t wait to know more about him.

Those of you who have not yet started this series…get to it. I thought later books were more tame in the romance/erotica aspect but the overall story of the conflict between Eden and the Sectors never wavered and I enjoyed this series quite a bit. If you’re looking for something in the dystopian genre but geared toward adults, you should check these books out.

This ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review. ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Nov 22, 2016 Lisa rated it it was amazing

Every time I think Kit Rocha can't top the last book I'm proven wrong.

The series is my crack. I hide away in a corner and immerse myself in the O'Kane world. This being the last book in the series I knew I was going to be on an emotional rollercoaster.

Beyond Surrender is Nessa and Ryder's story and it was all sorts of amazing.

Nessa is strong and sassy but you also see her vulnerability and her unwavering devotion to her O'Kane family.

Ryder's single purpose has been preparing to lead a revolu ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Dec 01, 2016 Z-squared rated it liked it

Shelves: arc, spank-me

One strength of this series has always been the backdrop of Eden, its simmering class tensions and the Machiavellian maneuvering of its shadowy bad guys. The dramatic arc of the war between Eden and the sectors provided a lot of the series's momentum, but each story was always first and foremost about the couple whose love story was being showcased. Well, until the series finale, that is. There was just too much going on in the war (and too much fan servicing in other characters' POVs) to allow ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Dec 04, 2016 ★Winter★ rated it really liked it

Shelves: zzz-read-in-2016, erotica, tattoo, favorites, arc-or-gifted, apocalyptic-post-apoc-dystopian, science-fiction, zz2016-dhasg-dhrc

I was both sad and excited when this book downloaded to my kindle. Sad because one of my favorite series was coming to an end. Excited because once again I was getting the chance to dive into the life of the O’Kanes. This book was very different than the previous books. Which I somewhat expected. After all the author is ending a long standing series. The first half was on the slower side for me. And I may have shed a few tears while reading this. A first for me for this post-apocalyptic world. B ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Dec 23, 2016 Lisazj1 rated it it was amazing

Shelves: adult, favorite-series, favorite-author, war, favorites, cute-kid, loved-loved-loved, alpha-male, kindle, friends-and-family

4.5 stars, a great ending for one of my favorite series, though it wasn't without cost. :( I will miss this family, though I hope to see them here and there in the new series, Gideon's Riders, which I am very excited for! Thank you Kit Rocha for a hell of a ride!

(view spoiler)

O'Kane for life!! ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Dec 21, 2016 Melanie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-stars, erotica, z-2016, dystopian, favorites

Review originally posted at RabidReads.com.

It is always hard to say goodbye to a beloved series and a beloved cast of characters. This is no different. I’ve been a huge fan of this series since I read Beyond Shame back in 2013. This series has a been a great mix of wonderful characters, amazing world-building, action-packed plotlines and some really dirty and well-written sex scenes. I don’t remember how I stumbled upon this series. It was my first by this author pair (under this name or their o ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Nov 26, 2016 Kelly rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-in-2016, ebooks

Saying goodbye to a beloved series is HARD. Especially when there's a chance some of the characters you've come to know and love might not make it through the final battle. But, MAN, was it worth it. Because those O'Kanes are fighting for the survival of every last one of them in the sectors PLUS all the innocents inside Eden and they deserve to finally find some peace.

*gets all mushy on everyone*

On top of the heartache and bloodshed that comes with war, there's also the signature O'Kane sexy ti ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Dec 25, 2016 Lisbeth Tejada rated it liked it

It's more like a 3.5 and while my love for this series is pressuring me to bump it up to 4 stars, I can't bring myself to do it.

Personally, I think this series should've ended a few books ago. There are too many characters, and coupled with the time it took between books, it became hard to remember everyone and things got kind of out of control for me. Having said that, I enjoyed this book, I just didn't love it.

It focused too much on a war that was always a second theme in the series, cause the ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Dec 23, 2016 Laz the Sailor rated it really liked it

Shelves: smut, scifi

This book is constrained by the 8 previous books. The author had plot obligations and numerous cameos to include. This is a good book, and it is the necessary conclusion to a fantastic series, but it isn't the best book of the bunch.

The sex lacked the crazy passion of previous books - the action scenes were more intense than the sex scenes! And people popped up out of nowhere to provide the crucial shot or piece of intelligence.

I really love this series - the best of the sub-genre. I hoped for a ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Jan 03, 2017 Biate rated it really liked it

After such a long time and being apart of the characters of sector fours lives the series finally comes to an end. And what an ending it was. I laughed and cried and stopped breathing there for a second, but I enjoyed every moment.

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

May 01, 2018 Kelechi rated it really liked it

This was alright! I wasn't feeling the chemistry as much but I like the way the series was wrapped up! ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Apr 03, 2020 Emmalita rated it really liked it

Shelves: cbr12, romance, series, post-apocalypse

I am a constant ball of rage. I'm not afraid for my life in the pandemic, I'm afraid for everybody's life. I am enraged by the constant flow of lies, gaslighting, misinformation and toxicity coming out of the current administration. I am terrified for the future of the country I live in and the world as a whole. Every time I read about what the current administration and it's supporters are doing I see spots and start to feel the top of my head list off. I am determined that they will not kill m I am a constant ball of rage. I'm not afraid for my life in the pandemic, I'm afraid for everybody's life. I am enraged by the constant flow of lies, gaslighting, misinformation and toxicity coming out of the current administration. I am terrified for the future of the country I live in and the world as a whole. Every time I read about what the current administration and it's supporters are doing I see spots and start to feel the top of my head list off. I am determined that they will not kill me either through failing to take effective measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, or causing me to stroke out at their cruel incompetence.

To relieve the stress of the rage, I have been rereading some favorites. I didn't intend to review any of my rereads, but as I reread this last book in Kit Rocha's Beyond series I realized I had focused so much on the revolution I had not paid much attention to the romance. In rereading I found all these lovely relationship and character moments between Nessa and Ryder that made my heart go squish. I need heart squishing so much right now.

This is the last book in the series, so it is not where you start. There are no major spoilers in this review other than Sector 4 is the headquarters of the revolution, but since the series is about Sector 4, that's not really a surprise.

Nessa is the O'Kane princess. She creates and distills the liquors that give Dallas the resources to be the king of Sector 4 and the head of the brewing opposition to Eden's oppression. Ryder had been trained to gain enough power in the Sectors to lead the revolution against Eden. Plans are nice, but as things have unfolded, Dallas O'Kane is the person that people look to for leadership, not Ryder. It's an interesting exploration of authentic leadership. Nessa and Ryder don't have a lot of time before things go to hell, but they do that think I love in romances, they see beyond the masks we wear and accept each other as they are. What I missed the first time, as I focused on rushing to the end, was the sweetness and the quiet between them. In several of the other books, the couples, thruples, and quadruples, have had some noisy break ups and dramatic reunions, which were a joy to read. Nessa and Ryder steal time, get together quietly, and savor their moments of sweetness. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review