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Loveborne
A first shot at love and a last chance at living.
Ever since the Loveborne virus wiped out half of humanity decades ago, people steer clear of each other. Twenty-four-year-old Alias Novar is no exception. He lives alone in a windowless apartment with a robot he fixed himself, working two remote jobs and barely earning enough to eat, let alone take care of his sick mother. He’s a great runner, but he can’t outrun the half-life he leads, enslaved to fear.
He also can’t keep paying hospital bills on his meager salary. When a lucrative but risky job opportunity presents itself, he’s desperate enough to apply—even if his prospective employer is none other than Deon Dehive. Everyone knows Mr. Dehive. He’s the business mogul whose mysterious offices lie in the woods outside of New York. And unlike most, he encourages social interactions, claiming that people have gained security with antivirals but haven’t regained what they need each other.
Miraculously, Alias gets hired as Mr. Dehive’s personal assistant. From a technical standpoint, the job’s easy enough. It’s the constant interactions that keep him on edge. Deon’s teasing smiles and challenging questions reveal kindness and a keen interest that Alias shouldn’t return but is helpless to deny. And therein lies danger. Medicine may have come a long way, but love still kills.
Ever since the Loveborne virus wiped out half of humanity decades ago, people steer clear of each other. Twenty-four-year-old Alias Novar is no exception. He lives alone in a windowless apartment with a robot he fixed himself, working two remote jobs and barely earning enough to eat, let alone take care of his sick mother. He’s a great runner, but he can’t outrun the half-life he leads, enslaved to fear.
He also can’t keep paying hospital bills on his meager salary. When a lucrative but risky job opportunity presents itself, he’s desperate enough to apply—even if his prospective employer is none other than Deon Dehive. Everyone knows Mr. Dehive. He’s the business mogul whose mysterious offices lie in the woods outside of New York. And unlike most, he encourages social interactions, claiming that people have gained security with antivirals but haven’t regained what they need each other.
Miraculously, Alias gets hired as Mr. Dehive’s personal assistant. From a technical standpoint, the job’s easy enough. It’s the constant interactions that keep him on edge. Deon’s teasing smiles and challenging questions reveal kindness and a keen interest that Alias shouldn’t return but is helpless to deny. And therein lies danger. Medicine may have come a long way, but love still kills.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2023
1 person is currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Aurecie Macbeth
2 books4 followersWriter of LGBT steamy romances with a dramatic twist.
Loves dachshunds and the tension before a storm.
Loves dachshunds and the tension before a storm.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 9, 2024
This was more romance than sci-fi despite a decent attempt at a post-apocalyptic semi-dystopian world building. Working in a health-provider sector, I really wanted to know more how the virus gets 'activated' by strong emotional feelings in bot old and young. The general hysteria and fear in the surviving population does bring back memories of the early days of the recent COVID pandemic as well as the early 1990s decade when gay men under siege from an unknown pathogen and a hostile community almost gave up on love and relationships. I'd probably be keeping an eye on future offerings from this author.
May 31, 2023
This is one of those books where I wish I could give it more than five stars. Aurecie Macbeth is a new to me author and if this is their debut novel then all I can say is I hope they have a long career, although they will have a hard time living up to this book. The world building is incredible and very very timely considering the pandemic that has been happening. It’s the idea of a virus that is triggered by emotions particularly love that is the most unique part of the plot. I like that Macbeth has started the book long after this virus hit humanity and we are given a look into what would happen if we were suddenly not able to give or receive affection or love anyone.
Alias is an interesting character and the journey that he goes through is well written and dare I say emotional. As other reviewers have said it would have been nice to have the story from Deon’s viewpoint as well but the way it’s written and the timeline that we find out about certain secrets would not have worked if the story was written that way. The attraction between these two men and the way they fight it practically vibrates off the pages.
I could probably keep gushing about this book and how much I enjoyed it but I don’t like long reviews and I think you can tell how much I liked this book. All I will say is go give hug to someone you love today.
Alias is an interesting character and the journey that he goes through is well written and dare I say emotional. As other reviewers have said it would have been nice to have the story from Deon’s viewpoint as well but the way it’s written and the timeline that we find out about certain secrets would not have worked if the story was written that way. The attraction between these two men and the way they fight it practically vibrates off the pages.
I could probably keep gushing about this book and how much I enjoyed it but I don’t like long reviews and I think you can tell how much I liked this book. All I will say is go give hug to someone you love today.
May 30, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Loveborne is a near-future, semi-dystopian story that follows Alias on his journey of self-discovery. Given the recent global pandemic, it was incredibly interesting to see how this imagined virus impacted Alias’ society in general, Alias in specific, and the world at large. For people who have been deeply affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, you may want to read with caution; there are cases of people who would presumably be at low risk for LBV quickly succumbing to the virus (including children), controversy of what treatments are effective and how they’ve been tested, and people in positions of power using that power to manipulate public sentiment about public health issues. Even with such heavy building blocks scaffolded around the story, I thought Alias’ transformation from being a young man wary of everyone into a strong and capable partner for Deon was deeply interesting.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Loveborne is a near-future, semi-dystopian story that follows Alias on his journey of self-discovery. Given the recent global pandemic, it was incredibly interesting to see how this imagined virus impacted Alias’ society in general, Alias in specific, and the world at large. For people who have been deeply affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, you may want to read with caution; there are cases of people who would presumably be at low risk for LBV quickly succumbing to the virus (including children), controversy of what treatments are effective and how they’ve been tested, and people in positions of power using that power to manipulate public sentiment about public health issues. Even with such heavy building blocks scaffolded around the story, I thought Alias’ transformation from being a young man wary of everyone into a strong and capable partner for Deon was deeply interesting.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
May 19, 2023
I agree with most of the other reviewers about really liking Alias. His character was fully flushed out and you could literally feel his turmoil and anxiety as he grew from a scared recluse to a confident man. I also agree that this story would have benefited from being dual POV so we could connect more with Deon, especially since his personality and opinions were important to the story.
The setting was fantastic. A world ravaged by a virus that forced humanity into seclusion and brought robots into companionship. Very futuristic and dystopian in nature. I really enjoyed how it was explained and developed.
The romance was a bit one sided since we didn’t get Deon’s side of it and his character was a bit flat. But overall I really enjoyed this story and I’m interested in the authors writing style.
The setting was fantastic. A world ravaged by a virus that forced humanity into seclusion and brought robots into companionship. Very futuristic and dystopian in nature. I really enjoyed how it was explained and developed.
The romance was a bit one sided since we didn’t get Deon’s side of it and his character was a bit flat. But overall I really enjoyed this story and I’m interested in the authors writing style.
April 27, 2023
I loved this it was very interesting I could really sympathize with Alias through out the book and I really liked Deon Dehives personality and character and his motives are sweet and he is personable in a world where that’s rare now I can feel alias’s panic throughout the book and admire how strong he has to be to push through that for his new job and I liked the bee aspect a lot to cause I find bees fascinating anyway this book was awesome and I’m happy I read it
May 29, 2023
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
There comes along, once in a rare while, in my little book world, a book that comes out of left field and blows your socks off. A book that takes a route you did NOT see coming. A book that really was an excellent read.
This book, right here.
I know where my mind goes, when I read a blurb, and I love it when books go in a different direction. I have no idea WHERE I saw this book going, just not this one, but book feelings, people, I have powerful book feelings about this book!
A virus wiped out half of the world population decades ago and people don't touch, hug or shake hands. Except a rare few. Alias finds himself working for one of those few, Deon. Deon is working on an anti-viral medicine for the Loveborne virus, but just WHY he's been at it for so long doesn't come clear til much later in the book and I LOVED that surprise!
I thought the bad guy type person here might have had more nefarious plans, the scientist behind the current anti-viral medicine but that didn't play out like I thought it would. I'm glad, in a way, cos said person has a lot of power over the world, and if it had been cos of what I thought they were doing?? Oh my. *shudders*
I didn't find it especially violent nor explicit. It does come with some danger and drama and there are steamy times between Deon and Alias, but I found them very in-keeping with the overall feel of the book.
My only niggle, and it really is just me being greedy, is that we don't get Deon. I think I would have liked to be in his head a bit, you know? But then, the bees might have been spoilt! Still, I'm greedy and it's my review and I wanted Deon and I don't get him, so I'm spitting my dummy out and stomping my feet like a proper 2 year old :-)
In a post-Covid real world (2023) people are still afraid to touch, and this book made me think just how much more WORSE the lockdowns and restrictions could have been.
When I get a new to me author, my first question is: will I read more by them? In this case, I certainly will! I can only see one other by this author and I don't know which came first, but I don't care. I loved this.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
There comes along, once in a rare while, in my little book world, a book that comes out of left field and blows your socks off. A book that takes a route you did NOT see coming. A book that really was an excellent read.
This book, right here.
I know where my mind goes, when I read a blurb, and I love it when books go in a different direction. I have no idea WHERE I saw this book going, just not this one, but book feelings, people, I have powerful book feelings about this book!
A virus wiped out half of the world population decades ago and people don't touch, hug or shake hands. Except a rare few. Alias finds himself working for one of those few, Deon. Deon is working on an anti-viral medicine for the Loveborne virus, but just WHY he's been at it for so long doesn't come clear til much later in the book and I LOVED that surprise!
I thought the bad guy type person here might have had more nefarious plans, the scientist behind the current anti-viral medicine but that didn't play out like I thought it would. I'm glad, in a way, cos said person has a lot of power over the world, and if it had been cos of what I thought they were doing?? Oh my. *shudders*
I didn't find it especially violent nor explicit. It does come with some danger and drama and there are steamy times between Deon and Alias, but I found them very in-keeping with the overall feel of the book.
My only niggle, and it really is just me being greedy, is that we don't get Deon. I think I would have liked to be in his head a bit, you know? But then, the bees might have been spoilt! Still, I'm greedy and it's my review and I wanted Deon and I don't get him, so I'm spitting my dummy out and stomping my feet like a proper 2 year old :-)
In a post-Covid real world (2023) people are still afraid to touch, and this book made me think just how much more WORSE the lockdowns and restrictions could have been.
When I get a new to me author, my first question is: will I read more by them? In this case, I certainly will! I can only see one other by this author and I don't know which came first, but I don't care. I loved this.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
May 30, 2023
chose this book a while ago, and when it came time to read it, I almost didn’t, but I persevered and was glad I did. It reminded me of what the world lived through with Covid in 2019-2021 especially.
The story takes place around the year 2200, Fifty years previously, the Loveborne virus killed almost half the world’s population. An antiviral was developed, and has been effective for decades, but now the mutations and variations are making the current treatment less effective and deaths are rising. The virus attacks those with strong feelings of love, whether parent/child or regular relationships. As a result, most people live fairly solitary lives with little human physical interactions. Children are the usually the result of artificial insemination rather than love matches.
Alias is a young man who basically avoids physical contact in his daily life, but he has lost his job and eventually applies for a position as a personal assistant to Deon Dehive, the CEO of a large research company, one in which the employees interact with each other on a daily basis. This company is working on a new injectable antiviral to hopefully counteract the flagging effectiveness of the current treatment. Alias takes the position, mainly to make enough money to get better care for his mother, who has the virus. While working there, Alias and Deon have a professional as well as a physical relationship, one in which Alias’s feelings for Deon could cause a problem for him since there is a virulent new variant, and love kills.
We have two dedicated main characters, trying to get the new antiviral out worldwide while fighting half-truths, lies, and misinformation as a personal vendetta from the maker of the current treatment. It is very reminiscent of the conflicting stories and information/misinformation with Covid from 2019-2021, and is relevant to today. The book kept me interested and drew me into the story right to the end. A bit of a longer read, but glad I did it.
The story takes place around the year 2200, Fifty years previously, the Loveborne virus killed almost half the world’s population. An antiviral was developed, and has been effective for decades, but now the mutations and variations are making the current treatment less effective and deaths are rising. The virus attacks those with strong feelings of love, whether parent/child or regular relationships. As a result, most people live fairly solitary lives with little human physical interactions. Children are the usually the result of artificial insemination rather than love matches.
Alias is a young man who basically avoids physical contact in his daily life, but he has lost his job and eventually applies for a position as a personal assistant to Deon Dehive, the CEO of a large research company, one in which the employees interact with each other on a daily basis. This company is working on a new injectable antiviral to hopefully counteract the flagging effectiveness of the current treatment. Alias takes the position, mainly to make enough money to get better care for his mother, who has the virus. While working there, Alias and Deon have a professional as well as a physical relationship, one in which Alias’s feelings for Deon could cause a problem for him since there is a virulent new variant, and love kills.
We have two dedicated main characters, trying to get the new antiviral out worldwide while fighting half-truths, lies, and misinformation as a personal vendetta from the maker of the current treatment. It is very reminiscent of the conflicting stories and information/misinformation with Covid from 2019-2021, and is relevant to today. The book kept me interested and drew me into the story right to the end. A bit of a longer read, but glad I did it.
June 1, 2023
Okay so I've put five stars but if I'm being nit-picky it's more of a 4.7. There were just the tiniest problems that kept making me put it down before the need to find out what's happening made me pick it up again.
So let's start with the positives. This isn't a comprehensive list of the positives, because I honestly do love this book, all-in-all.
Aurecie Macbeth is an incredible writer. They are descriptive without it being too descriptive, they emote their characters perfectly, and their writing is absolutely enjoyable and absorbing.
I also absolutely adore the idea of this book. I love the concept of there being this virus and it makes people afraid of love. Usually when a character in a book is afraid of love it's because of some personal issue, but with this being a widespread problem in universe, it minimises some of the frustration.
Here's why it gets some tiny points taken off though.
It is very long. Now honestly this isn't a full complaint. Even though it's very long and not much seems to happen, the writing is so good that I didn't give up, and I didn't feel bored. The length was just something I noticed after the same or similar feelings and situations were described again.
This next point is something that will probably bother only me, as this is honestly just a character preference sort of thing. Alias cries all the time. I understand that he's in a high stress and emotional situation, but personally I think it's a little too much crying.
However, like I said; I do still love this book. Pick up Loveborne if you're looking for an emotional and romantic tale with a hint of sci-fi.
So let's start with the positives. This isn't a comprehensive list of the positives, because I honestly do love this book, all-in-all.
Aurecie Macbeth is an incredible writer. They are descriptive without it being too descriptive, they emote their characters perfectly, and their writing is absolutely enjoyable and absorbing.
I also absolutely adore the idea of this book. I love the concept of there being this virus and it makes people afraid of love. Usually when a character in a book is afraid of love it's because of some personal issue, but with this being a widespread problem in universe, it minimises some of the frustration.
Here's why it gets some tiny points taken off though.
It is very long. Now honestly this isn't a full complaint. Even though it's very long and not much seems to happen, the writing is so good that I didn't give up, and I didn't feel bored. The length was just something I noticed after the same or similar feelings and situations were described again.
This next point is something that will probably bother only me, as this is honestly just a character preference sort of thing. Alias cries all the time. I understand that he's in a high stress and emotional situation, but personally I think it's a little too much crying.
However, like I said; I do still love this book. Pick up Loveborne if you're looking for an emotional and romantic tale with a hint of sci-fi.
May 26, 2023
4 stars. I enjoyed the mixture of dystopia and romance in this one, and got very absorbed in the writing style. Normally for a longer read I'd start getting impatient for the end, but I was very content to stay in this world until completion.
I did find some of the plot uneven - i.e. it wasn't clear how old McCarthy was which is significant to one element of the plot. Also the reference to NID officers started from the first page but the acronym NID was never explained. I also felt that the year this was set in was more likely to be a lot earlier than late 22nd Century, as there didn't seem to be that much technological advancement/decay of the earth resources. To be fair, the virus is a bit of a fantasy virus so I just went with it anyway. Also there was a twist about a relative of Dehive which I thought was a little weird but the story did explain why.
I really liked that given the virus, Alias (love the name!) was very unaccustomed to contact and reacted accordingly. It felt like an extreme version of the pandemic if it had been going on for all our lives so understandable. I also like that there was good variety of characters in the story and they weren't cardboard cutouts to support the two main protagonists.
Enjoyed it, recommend it for a good read, intrigued to read other books by this author!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
I did find some of the plot uneven - i.e. it wasn't clear how old McCarthy was which is significant to one element of the plot. Also the reference to NID officers started from the first page but the acronym NID was never explained. I also felt that the year this was set in was more likely to be a lot earlier than late 22nd Century, as there didn't seem to be that much technological advancement/decay of the earth resources. To be fair, the virus is a bit of a fantasy virus so I just went with it anyway. Also there was a twist about a relative of Dehive which I thought was a little weird but the story did explain why.
I really liked that given the virus, Alias (love the name!) was very unaccustomed to contact and reacted accordingly. It felt like an extreme version of the pandemic if it had been going on for all our lives so understandable. I also like that there was good variety of characters in the story and they weren't cardboard cutouts to support the two main protagonists.
Enjoyed it, recommend it for a good read, intrigued to read other books by this author!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
May 31, 2023
Some decades ago, the loveborne virus killed some five billion people and drove the remaining residents indoors. Alias Novar lives in a small windowless apartment working two jobs remotely and only has a robot, that he repaired, for company. He barely makes enough to support himself much less pay his mother’s hospital bills. When he finds an ad for a well-paying job, he applies knowing he has little hope of getting it. But he does and he finds the work challenging because his new boss believes in social contact and Alias is not that comfortable with close contact. Nor is he used to flirting and feeling things that may be fatal as the virus can be triggered by love.
This story does call to mind our recent experiences with a pandemic. Alias has lived most of his life isolated. He found his robot and repaired him, so he did have safe contact. Finding himself working in the mysterious Hive complex for Deon Dehive leaves him feeling uncomfortable at times. Deon was a unique wealthy man. He did have the usual problems with fabrications about his life and his products, but none were really true. Inf act, he was subjected to lies and manipulations by his competitor. The two had to work for anything more than a business relationship. There is so much going on in this story and that makes it well worth your time and energy to find and get this book. You will be captured at the first word and not let go until the last.
This story does call to mind our recent experiences with a pandemic. Alias has lived most of his life isolated. He found his robot and repaired him, so he did have safe contact. Finding himself working in the mysterious Hive complex for Deon Dehive leaves him feeling uncomfortable at times. Deon was a unique wealthy man. He did have the usual problems with fabrications about his life and his products, but none were really true. Inf act, he was subjected to lies and manipulations by his competitor. The two had to work for anything more than a business relationship. There is so much going on in this story and that makes it well worth your time and energy to find and get this book. You will be captured at the first word and not let go until the last.
June 1, 2023
Excellent job, kept me interested, engaged and excited! A disease has swarmed over humankind that devestates and kills. It is highly contageous and wiped out the majority of the population. People have learned that isolation is a small path to survival. Alias, is a product of his environment and lives in isolation, poverty and fear. He supports his sick Mother and barely makes ends meet. He's desperate! Deon Dehive is a business mogul who lives in the woods outside the city. He believes mankind is safe with the antivirus and need to reconnect socially. The opportunity comes up for Deon to hire Alias as his personal assistant. An excellent story about the affects of a global disease that can mutate and keep up with the immunization process, and the effects of isolation on the human condition. Deon and Alias are great characters that evolve as do their feelings for each other. Can they stay ahead of the virus? Can they find the trust to be more than boss and PA? This is a new author for me and they did an EXCELLENT job! I look forward to reading more. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 6, 2023
This book kept my interest. The story was a scary play on "what if there was a pandemic that wiped half the people off the earth at once"? And the anti-virus that was made is now failing?
With half the world population, everyone is staying away from each other to lessen the chances of getting sick and dying. The disease is exacerbated by love.
The first third of the book Alias is so afraid and anxious of getting out and being among people. I felt his anxiety through the pages and I was glad of when he started to relax a little.
The story was just so scary with the protests and angry people. It was scary to think that something like this could happen if there were enough panicked people involved.
The love story between Deon and Alias is sweet. I also loved Alias' hubot, Ben.
I think my only issue was it seemed a little long, like maybe it needed to move faster in the beginning. But that may have been because Alias' anxiety was making me anxious. It was a great read.
With half the world population, everyone is staying away from each other to lessen the chances of getting sick and dying. The disease is exacerbated by love.
The first third of the book Alias is so afraid and anxious of getting out and being among people. I felt his anxiety through the pages and I was glad of when he started to relax a little.
The story was just so scary with the protests and angry people. It was scary to think that something like this could happen if there were enough panicked people involved.
The love story between Deon and Alias is sweet. I also loved Alias' hubot, Ben.
I think my only issue was it seemed a little long, like maybe it needed to move faster in the beginning. But that may have been because Alias' anxiety was making me anxious. It was a great read.
June 13, 2023
This book was an interesting read. And it felt completely relatable after a world that has experienced Covid. Great world building. Over the last fifty years, the Loveborne Virus has killed half the world's population. It's a fascinating take on a virus resulting from love and affection, and a unique twist on quarantining. Alias lives alone with his humanoid robot Ben and works two jobs struggling to take care of himself and his sick mother. I really liked him. There was a lot of weight and anxiety on his shoulders and I was sad for his loneliness. Deon was a good match for him, and I wish we'd have been able to get into his mind and hear his thoughts as well (though it could also be that I am used to dual POV between characters). But that would also have revealed some mysteries if we were anywhere but in Alias' head. This is the first book I've read by this author and I would read more. 4 stars.
May 27, 2023
It takes a lot for me to enjoy a book enough to give it 5 stars, especially from an author who’s work I’m unfamiliar with, but Macbeth’s Loveborne deserves it.
Firstly, the characters were well fleshed out, especially Alias. This isn’t an insta-love novel, and he comes into the story with plenty of valid fears, but the fact that we see him grow little by little throughout the whole novel makes his journey that much more rewarding.
Deon and Jaden’s characters were also well done, though I would have loved to see some of the book from Deon’s perspective.
Lastly, this one kept me guessing. There were many times where I thought I could see where the story was going only for it to take a whole new turn, which I very much enjoyed.
Can’t wait to read more by this author!
Firstly, the characters were well fleshed out, especially Alias. This isn’t an insta-love novel, and he comes into the story with plenty of valid fears, but the fact that we see him grow little by little throughout the whole novel makes his journey that much more rewarding.
Deon and Jaden’s characters were also well done, though I would have loved to see some of the book from Deon’s perspective.
Lastly, this one kept me guessing. There were many times where I thought I could see where the story was going only for it to take a whole new turn, which I very much enjoyed.
Can’t wait to read more by this author!
May 30, 2023
This was a very sweet and tender novel. The story explores what happens when people are afraid of falling in love yet give in nevertheless, set in a world where romantic love triggers a fatal sickness. Alias, our protagonist, is a touch-starved, fearful, and courageous man who ultimately comes into his own throughout the course of the novel. Deon, the love interest, is the ideal fit because he is also resolute, mysterious, and loving. And collectively, they make a difference that may be felt throughout the globe. This novel was fantastic, and I can't wait to read anything else the author comes up with next. I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
May 21, 2023
This book felt so precious and delicate. It takes place in a world where love itself sets off a deadly disease, and it's about what happens when you're terrified to love but do it anyways. Our main character Alias is a touch-starved, frightened, and brave man who comes into his own throughout the course of the story. The love interest, Deon, is a perfect match — he's determined, secretive, and loving. And together, they quite literally change the world. I absolutely adored this book and am excited to check out what Aurecie Macbeth creates next.
An ARC was provided by the author for review.
An ARC was provided by the author for review.
May 31, 2023
I felt for Alias who is living in the midst of a continuing struggle against the realities of fighting a disease that impacts the whole of society and the way humans live and interact or feel they can't to protect themselves. But we need that contact and Deon understands that. These characters do a good job of reminding us of the push and pull of what we as humans want and need - connection - while trying to survive a disease that grows and develops right a long with our solutions to try to stave it off. Love can kill but it can also give us hope. 4.5 stars for a thought provoking story.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2023
I swore during covid it would be at least a decade before I'd read any fiction involving a virus or anything similar, but here I am, lol. I found the fears in this story about love and getting close mirrored many of those people I know still have with still not being totally comfortable about face to face interactions and it was interesting to see that mirrored in a refracted form in fiction. I thought I knew where parts of this were going to go, but the author continually surprised me which was such fun. World building, plot and characters were all great in this and I'll definitely be looking for more from this author.
May 30, 2023
Don’t let the cover keep you from reading this one. I realize the look might not be appealing to everyone. I was hesitant as well but the story intrigued me and I’m really glad I took a chance. It’s a new spin on the dystopian virus genre and a really clever storyline at that. The characters were well developed and the world building was excellent. The romance was sweet if a little dramatic but overall well done. There were a few too many secrets/revolutions for me to be a 5⭐️ it just was overdone a bit but I really enjoyed the book.
June 1, 2023
This is a futuristic scifi which I guess technically counts as a dystopian due to the virus that controls all of society. Alias is even more of a victim than most because of his mother's suffering. When he gets the chance to work with their world's version of Elon Musk. His life really changes.
I will admit that I didn't emotionally connect with this story as a romance, which didn't seem to be a healthy relationship or a particularly loving one. But the virus intrigue was enough to keep me reading.
I will admit that I didn't emotionally connect with this story as a romance, which didn't seem to be a healthy relationship or a particularly loving one. But the virus intrigue was enough to keep me reading.
May 29, 2023
He has a sick mother who needs to have hospital treatment and the costs are rising. He is struggling with the bills and getting food on the plate. He will try to get another job and he will get it but he fears going out as a virus has put paid to a lot of people. Will he get the job? What if he does? Can his life get better? Will he finally have the money to help his mother? See just how it will all go
June 7, 2023
Set in a futuristic world that has been ravaged by a virus that has caused people to live in isolation. Story starts with Alias only having a robot for company, working two jobs and barely getting by. Really good world-building and I felt I got to know Alias. I wanted more insight into Deon.
Interesting story-line and good characters.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
Interesting story-line and good characters.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
April 9, 2023
I think this book was so impactful because of the recent pandemic we've been through.
You can sympathize with Alias and Deon.
You'll marvel at how 'human' AI can be.
I'm definitely reading more by Aurecie in the future!
You can sympathize with Alias and Deon.
You'll marvel at how 'human' AI can be.
I'm definitely reading more by Aurecie in the future!
May 12, 2023
Such a unique and beautiful read. I really enjoyed this story and the characters! Alias and Deon are absolutely brilliant and I couldn't put this book down. This is my first book from this author and definitely will not be my last.
Read
September 1, 2024DNF
May 30, 2023
LOVEBORNE is a brilliant story set in a post-apocalyptic world where a virus has wiped out half of the population. Sound familiar? Well, this one is worse than Covid because what triggers it is love! People are now touch-starved, working and living in solitude, apart from a few risk-seekers (riskeers) who are prepared to take that chance.
I loved the twists and turns this story took, with Alias discovering his own feelings and sorting out what to do with them. Everything about it was unexpected and nothing went the way I thought it would - which is a very good thing! The one big surprise didn't really come as a surprise as I had figured that out but I still thoroughly enjoyed how it was written and the character's development. There is lots of action in this that is completely relevant to the storyline, along with some tender and steamy moments between the two MCs.
The one thing I wanted more from was Deon. He was very much a closed book, not giving much away at all. And I really wanted more from him. Every other character was brilliant, moving the story along in their own way, but with Deon, it just felt a little flat. And I hate writing that, I really do!
This is the first novel by this author I have read and, based on this, I would definitely read more of her work. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 30, 2023
I loved the twists and turns this story took, with Alias discovering his own feelings and sorting out what to do with them. Everything about it was unexpected and nothing went the way I thought it would - which is a very good thing! The one big surprise didn't really come as a surprise as I had figured that out but I still thoroughly enjoyed how it was written and the character's development. There is lots of action in this that is completely relevant to the storyline, along with some tender and steamy moments between the two MCs.
The one thing I wanted more from was Deon. He was very much a closed book, not giving much away at all. And I really wanted more from him. Every other character was brilliant, moving the story along in their own way, but with Deon, it just felt a little flat. And I hate writing that, I really do!
This is the first novel by this author I have read and, based on this, I would definitely read more of her work. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 30, 2023
September 13, 2023
4.5 stars
Edited on 9/03/23
What a treat this book was! Alias was one of the most beautifully written characters I’ve read in quite some time. The world building was stunning and the premise fascinating. It was such a pleasure watching Alias slowly change, to begin to trust, to find his courage, and to finally dare to love. It's a gorgeous, hard-won romance, and I loved it.
I would like to have read more about the origin and mechanics of the virus. To me this was the only weakness of the novel. There were also some unrealistic events toward the end that I think might have been handled differently, but all in all this truly was a superb MM romance and will go on my Best of 2023 list. I wish there was a way to contact the author to pass along my heartfelt praise.
Edited on 9/03/23
What a treat this book was! Alias was one of the most beautifully written characters I’ve read in quite some time. The world building was stunning and the premise fascinating. It was such a pleasure watching Alias slowly change, to begin to trust, to find his courage, and to finally dare to love. It's a gorgeous, hard-won romance, and I loved it.
I would like to have read more about the origin and mechanics of the virus. To me this was the only weakness of the novel. There were also some unrealistic events toward the end that I think might have been handled differently, but all in all this truly was a superb MM romance and will go on my Best of 2023 list. I wish there was a way to contact the author to pass along my heartfelt praise.
May 15, 2023
3.5 stars
Overall, this was a good read and I finished it so that says it all.
Alias’s character was developed really well. His fear and anxiety were so very real which made him easier to connect with.
I struggled to connect with Deon. He held himself back so much and the secrets he hid just didn’t sit right with him. It was hard to believe that these two were in love when there was no trust. Alias proved his loyalty and love by doing the unthinkable but did Deon do enough to prove his love? No. For starters, he was so busy dealing with the issues and problems arising that he didn’t notice what was going on with Alias.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
Overall, this was a good read and I finished it so that says it all.
Alias’s character was developed really well. His fear and anxiety were so very real which made him easier to connect with.
I struggled to connect with Deon. He held himself back so much and the secrets he hid just didn’t sit right with him. It was hard to believe that these two were in love when there was no trust. Alias proved his loyalty and love by doing the unthinkable but did Deon do enough to prove his love? No. For starters, he was so busy dealing with the issues and problems arising that he didn’t notice what was going on with Alias.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
May 31, 2023
This book is one of those where the saying "Don't judge a book by it's cover." rings true. I'm not a fan of the cover and I almost bypassed this. I'm so glad I didn't! The premise was unique and interesting. Taking place in the future, half of humanity is gone and robots help with everything.
Alias was well-developed and he grew throughout the story. Deon was interesting, though I wish this book was told in dual-POV because it was hard for me to connect with him. There were a good supporting cast of charactesr and an antagonist, as well as the horrible LVB virus. Overall, this was an interesting story with interesting ideas
Alias was well-developed and he grew throughout the story. Deon was interesting, though I wish this book was told in dual-POV because it was hard for me to connect with him. There were a good supporting cast of charactesr and an antagonist, as well as the horrible LVB virus. Overall, this was an interesting story with interesting ideas
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