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Dead Rapture Series #1

Love in the Time of the Dead

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Laney Landry has been fighting Deads alongside her brother and friends for three years. But she has a secret. She's immune to Dead bites and has to find the right people to trust with the information. Her team rallies around her to find a doctor who can extract a vaccine from Laney which could fight the virus that ended the world.

Sean Daniels leads a colony that provides her team with much needed shelter and supplies. He is obviously interested in Laney. The question is whether he's only intrigued by her as a source for the possible vaccine, or for something more. Tests for the cure might push her body beyond what it can endure, and just as she faces a ghost from her past, her longtime teammate Derek Mitchell hints at an interest in more than just her Dead slaying abilities.

Two honorable and alluring men - one colossal decision to make. Despite historically bad taste in men, can she rise above the chaos of the apocalypse and choose the one who deserves her heart? The right choice could mean the difference between surviving...and living.

229 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2013

23 people are currently reading
1553 people want to read

About the author

Tera Shanley

14 books133 followers
Born and raised in small town Texas, Tera Shanley grew up in books. Her cousin gifted her a signed copy of Beauty by Bill Wallace when she was young and that was it for her. So smitten was she with getting lost in a story, that while other eleven year olds her age were groaning at the accelerated reader program in school, she was racking up the points just for fun.

Balancing chronic book-wormyness is her devotion to the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, camping - her soul is happiest out of doors. And lucky for Tera, her family feels the same. She grew up a wild child helping her grandma ranch cattle, and has a hundred memories out in the wilderness which tend to influence her books.

When she's not eating chocolate, slinging rifles, or soaking up some sun, she's lost in a book, but these days it's more often one she's writing. From historic western romance, to paranormal romance, to apocalyptic (zombie) romance, the genre doesn't matter quite as much to her as the love story.

She currently lives with her husband and two young children, and is owned by two crazy mini-cujos.

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5 stars
213 (36%)
4 stars
205 (34%)
3 stars
124 (21%)
2 stars
28 (4%)
1 star
20 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for ☆ Sammy ☆彡.
273 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2016
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

One of the aspects of this book that I thoroughly enjoyed was all the action and zombie battles! The fight scenes are very intense and you won't be able to put the book down as you will want to make sure that Laney and the others in her group don't get bitten or killed by the zombies. Tera Shanley's writing was very descriptive and made me feel like I was fighting zombies right along with Laney.

Another aspect of this story that I really loved was Laney's character. She was a total badass! Despite being the only female in her group and the only person who is immune to zombie bites, she fights just as hard as the guys. It was really refreshing to see a book heroine who prefers to fight rather than relying on the guys to protect her.

I also really enjoyed the love triangle between Laney, Sean, and Derek! Both guys appeal to Laney for different reasons and I had a hard time predicting who Laney would choose in the end. I absolutely adored Derek <3 He has been a good friend to both Laney and her brother Jarren for years and Laney knows that she can trust and depend on him. I loved that he teased Laney relentlessly but was very protective of her when it came to other people and the zombies. Laney and Derek also have this undeniable attraction to each other and the sexual tension between the two of them is palpable! Despite all of his good qualities, Derek is a known womanizer and Laney isn't sure she can trust him with her heart. Sean, on the other hand, is the leader of a colony that Laney and her group stays with during their search for the cure. Sean is a fair leader to his colony and you can tell that he cares deeply for the people who follow him. He is also a wonderful, caring father to his daughter. Despite the fact that Laney and Sean are attracted to one another, Sean consistently acts like a jerk toward Laney. Can Laney overcome his cold demeanor? Also, is Sean truly interested in Laney or is he drawn to the fact that she could be a source for the cure? Laney definitely has a tough decision ahead of her.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys or thinks they might enjoy books, movies, and/or TV shows about zombies. This was my first novel in this genre and I was completely hooked! It is fast paced and full of action, romance, and drama!
Profile Image for Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen.
1,692 reviews634 followers
April 6, 2015
***3.5 Dead River Stars***

This would have been a fantastic book except for the female MC - she spent half the time being annoying about "boys" (who should have been considered men).

She was a kick-ass fighter and survivor but her character was so hard to connect with - It took some time but I finally got past her bad decision making and enjoyed the book
Profile Image for Erica Ravenclaw.
391 reviews97 followers
September 24, 2014
To celebrate the release of the second book the publisher is giving away an epub copy of this book, just a simple blog comment entry to win!



☆☆☆

No spoilers and colorful language abound! I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

OK you guys. Fair warning, this book includes a speshual snowflake, zombies, and a love triangle, but truth be told, I liked all of it.

I really dig this author, I've read a few of her shorts before and she has this really wonderful way of laying down the foundation of a story without making the reader feel bogged down in mundane details. I'm a chronic skimmer, I get really fucking bored when authors hammer out paragraph after paragraph of descriptions. Shanley is just vivid enough to make you feel like you are there, but holds back in the right places, it's an art form I wish more authors had, and she has it in spades. From the first page I was engrossed and I finished this book in one sitting, without skimming a single paragraph.

It's 2020, nearly three years after the outbreak and a small group of hunters travel from colony to colony, sleeping in trees, slaying the Dead, and searching for the right doctor. Laney is our SS, brimming with uniqueness, as her blood and flesh are lethal to the Dead. No one really knows why, and although it's a clear plot facilitator, it really isn't the end all or be all of the story, which I appreciated. For being under 200 pages there is substantial flow to the book, she packs a wallop into her books no matter how many words there are. There is truly great world building, rich character development, and overall intrigue. True story, this made me cry for a hot second, it was a brief little misting, but it happened.

The love triangle is... heavy handed but not in a all consuming, "I'm going throw up on myself" way. Take that as you will.

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What I didn't love was what seemed like an endless supply of ammo. No matter where they went, there was more. Dafuq. It's been three years since civilization has crapped itself and you can still get chocolate and ammo? Uh. No.

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Also, they are super trigger happy, which seems dumb. They reach for guns before blades and frankly, I'm just not down with that survival method. Neither of the love interest are all that great, so a big fat meh to them, but Laney I liked which is more than half the battle. She's a badass and carries her own weight in this zombie infested world.It's not as heavy on the zombies as I would have liked, the focus is more character driven, and I like a bigger helping of "creeped the fuck out" than this offered. However, her story telling skills trump any minor issues I might have had with the plot.

When I got to the end of this book, there was an epilogue and closure, so I was surprised to hear there is a sequel! I have it on my Kindle, so time to get reading, I'm curious to see where she is going with it.

Profile Image for Mandy Reads Indie.
1,981 reviews91 followers
October 14, 2013
One of my favorite people over at Omnific Publishing had recommend me this book. And if she recommends something I know I am sure to love it. She has never steered me wrong before. But when I saw the blurb I knew this book was for me. I immediately emailed her to see if I could review the title and BAM! You ask and you shall receive. I quickly finished the book I was on so I could dive right into this one. I inhaled it. (No pun intended. Read on and you will understand.)

Laney has developed a sort of Dead Radar system. She can detect the Dead with just a whiff of the air. Not only that, but she seems to be immune to them. She has been bitten and was never turned. So now it is up to her, her brother, and her friends to make it to a colony with a Doctor that can help her figure out some kind of vaccine against the Dead. Just when they think they may have found that Colony, all hell breaks loose. And what the hell was that kiss about that Mitchell sprung on her? Between fighting off the Dead, trying not to get killed, and wielding advances from two different men...Laney sure has her hands full.

From the start I was hooked. This book is the epitome of what I love in a great zombie read...well, any read for that matter. There was a romance that kept me guessing on who she will end up with. Just when I thought I knew who, one of the characters would do a 180 and leave me wondering what the heck just happened. Then I would be back on the fence trying, yet again, to figure out who she would pick. Or in some cases...who would pick her.

This book was intense, intense, and more intense. Yes! That is the word I choose for this book. And saying it once just isn't enough. And I am not just talking about the Dead. I am talking about all of it. You absolutely have no idea where the author is going to take this story until the moment it happens. Just flippin’ amazing. I devoured it well into the night. Who needs sleep when you can read a good book, am I right? Yes I am!

Do I recommend this book? Most definitely. Does it have romance...and not just the Dead vying for a piece of fleshy action? Of course. Lots of it to keep you in romantic suspense. Is the story well written? So much so. This author is one you will need to watch out for. She has what it takes and I plan to read more of her goods.
Profile Image for Dominus~.
1,245 reviews34 followers
August 22, 2021
End of the world people! Lany being a fighter does not meet her actions with people.

I guess cos it is the title, "Love in The Time of the Dead," there's an obsession on her love life. I mean, she have. I don't get how she's making connections with the men in her life.
She was lovesick about a certain ex boyfriend that they thought was dead- but there wasn't even connections or even small memories about them or him. He was just a name. Then there's teammate Mitchell which was portrayed as a "I don't really like you." There was no sexual chemistry between them from the very start. There wasn't even a hint of her liking him that way. And lastly Sean who was the head honcho of a colony. His sudden change of heart from I hate you Laney to Have dinner with me is so unexpected, I don't know if it's a huge kink in the story or is it a "You know men" kind of thing.


Let's just look at the story:

I'm gonna stop now.
Profile Image for Teresa.
1,902 reviews33 followers
April 29, 2021
Meh, a love story disguised as a zombie book - but that’s exactly what the title says it is.
What was disappointing was how stupid Derek and Laney act in the last quarter of the story 🤮
Profile Image for Michelle .
2,128 reviews304 followers
October 20, 2013
This is my first attempt at a zombie book. I can't believe that I have been putting off reading the zombie genre for so long! This was an awesome book to start out with. I loved it. There was so much kick butt zombie fighting. This book was one intense ride. I thought Tera Shanley did such an awesome job keeping me guessing. That is part of the beauty of the book I think, so my review might be a little vague because I don't want to give anything away.

Laney is so interesting. She is fierce, and spunky and just the right amount of reckless. She is fearless. She always jumps right into the fray. I think part of it has to do with the fact that she is somehow immune to zombie bites, but she is also just super brave. I really admired that about her. I loved when she dove right in front of Shane's daughter, Adriana to save her from a newly turned dead. That was a turning point for me. It's when I went from liking her to completely loving her. Plus, if her badass fighting skills don't impress you, then her snarky mouth totally will. Some of her one liner retorts totally had me chuckling out loud. I think I even said "oh, snap!" at one point. Laney is a clever girl.

One of the things that I loved the most about Love in the time of the Dead, was that as the name implies, there is romance too. It's not only really cool zombie fight scenes, but there is also a love dilemma for Laney. As soon as Laney first meets Shane and he is a total jerk to her, I knew there was something there. He just seemed to get under her skin. I really liked watching the progression between the two of them as the story went on. Fair warning though, there is a love triangle in this book. I'm not going to give too much away about it though.

Love in the Time of the Dead completely kept me on the edge of my seat. I thought it was so fascinating. I don't have much zombie experience to compare it to, but I thought this was a great book! The added mystery of Laney's blood and he kind of connection to the deads was a unique twist to the story. Why is she immune to zombie bites, and it seemed like each time she was bitten her senses heightened. She is very sensitive to the scent of the deads. Fans of zombie books should grab a copy of Love in the Time of the Dead. It is well written, well thought out, and will keep you totally riveted.
Profile Image for Midian Sosa.
233 reviews18 followers
October 7, 2013
When Traci sent me this book I was so excited! Because you know, zombies…

I loved this book and I’ll review two parts, the Dead Zombies part, and the Love Story part.

I’ll try not to spoil.

******
Dead Zombies:

The story is so different! I liked the fact that Laney is immune, after the outbreak, everything was a mess, she lost her family, I mean, the world as she knew it basically ended.

These zombies are cool as shit! They can smell humans and they are pretty deadly, the type of zombie I would love to kill, because yes, I’m a badass and all that jazz.

******
Love Story:


This is where Laney pissed the hell off, because ok, I get that you still love your old boyfriend, I get that you are not so experienced with all this being in love thing, BUT DAMMIT!, why would you go and “have feelings” for this guy that, in my opinion, only wanted you around for his advantage? Yes Sean, I think you’re an ass. I don’t even think he gave her many indications that he was into her.

It pissed me off that she was ‘’confused’’ about Mitchell, c’mon, he was there since the beginning and TALKING is what makes people understand each other!! I mean, you can’t blame the poor guy for being mad afterwards.

He’s just sooooo sweet!

’’ Why do you think I’m trying to piss you off all the time? You only call me Derek when you’re mad at me. I breathe for that stupid word on your lips.’’

Bloody hell… Can I get me some Derek Mitchell please?

******
The reason I didn’t give this awesome book 5 stars is because of Jarren, way to break my heart Tera… You guys will understand after you read the book.

Also, I would like to say I love the cover and the inside of the book, the design is pretty neat, love when I read books like that!!

I’d like to thank Traci for sending the book and I would like to thank the author for writing it, well done!!

Now let me go wait for another book, because yes, I want a continuation…

Love and Rockets! M.
Profile Image for Beth  (YA Books Central).
415 reviews113 followers
October 13, 2013
I agreed to be a part of the blog tour for this book because the book's synopsis just sounded absolutely fascinating and I am all about a zombie book!! So this one seemed to be a perfect fit for me and once I started reading it...I knew I was right! I actually really liked this book! It had the perfect mix of zombies, suspense, and romance!!!

The main character, Laney, immediately grabbed my attention. She is a true survivor and the fate of the rest of the world depends on her survival. Laney knows that keeping herself alive in order to get to the nearest colony and help to discover a cure is the most important and crucial part of the worlds existence.

Laney discovered that she is immune to the virus that changes others into "Deads." When a dead bites her..she is not only immune but she causes the "Dead" to come back to life for a brief while and relive all of the horrifying moments of their last few memories before it kills them.

Laney and her crew includes her brother Jarren and two more friends, Guist and Marshall. Laney and her crew make it to a colony and from there begins their real journey. They face so many obstacles, fights, and heartache. I dont want to give away the important aspects of this book because that is what makes it so special so you will have to read it for yourself in order to discover the secrets it holds. I really loved this book and the ending was so perfect. I really like the author's writing style as well. She wrote a great zombie novel that had minimal gore and LOTS of story-telling. I loved it!!

(Also I absolutely loved the cover! The purple is beautiful and the girl walking barefooted into the woods is a perfect imitation of Laney.)
Profile Image for Jessica Komarek.
507 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2013
I was excited to get this book from OmniFic. I'm not very experienced with post apocalyptic stories and I have never read a zombie story before but I was intrigued by the premise of the book. Laney is immune to dead bites and no one knows why. She knows she holds the possibility for a vaccine and could save countless lives. She and her team have survived on their own for three years as fighters, moving from place to place. It isn't until they come to the Denver colony that Laney has to deal with some feelings and situations she never thought she'd have to.

This book was fantastic. I could not put it down! I stayed up way past my bed time just to finish it because I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep while I was waiting to find out what would happen. The characters are extremely well written. The author has done a wonderful job making you feel what they feel and feel for them. I went through so many emotions right along with them. I cried and laughed and I hurt. It was easy to put myself right there with them and feel what it would be like to live in a new world where you were constantly fighting or running for your life.

Do yourself a favor and pick up this book, even if you don't generally read this kind of book. It was a wonderful story about the difference between surviving and living. I loved it!

Profile Image for Traci.
228 reviews21 followers
October 3, 2013
This book had romance, hot sex, SCARY zombie fight scenes, and even kind of heartbreaking zombies. (you'll know what I mean when you read it).

I love a romance where I am legitimately not sure which guy the girl will end up with, and I love a heroine who's multifaceted: she's a bad ass zombie fighter, but she's also a vulnerable human with real emotions. Laney doesn't have superpowers per se, but her immunity to zombie bites comes with some very useful and unique talents.

Also there is at least one serious Joss Whedon/GRR Martin style Death of a Main Character, which makes all the zombie fight scenes more intense and enjoyable because AGH. Anything could happen! Highly recommend, great fun just in time for Halloween!
Profile Image for Jessica.
598 reviews35 followers
December 4, 2014
I hate giving books such low ratings, and while this book had a lot of promise, I just didn't feel anything. The whole dead thing was cool, I like those types of books, but I didn't feel any chemistry between the H/h. The romance was far too fast, and by fast I mean, nothing happened til like the end, so if you want to read the romance part of this book, there wasn't really any. There was a good part with brother sister love, but other then that I couldn't feel anything.
Profile Image for Amy.
958 reviews50 followers
January 9, 2016
I loved this book! The characters were brilliantly written. I loved Laney and I absolutely adored Mitchell. They just left me feeling all happy. Don't get me wrong there were some definite heartbreak in the story, but I don't want to spoil what happens. If you like a good post apocalyptic/dystopian read full of zombies then this is the book for you. A great read.
Profile Image for Northwest_booknerd.
489 reviews12 followers
February 16, 2016
Very well written and fast moving story line makes this on of the best zombie books I have read. It did walk a fine line there for a bit but in the end it won me over even more.
Profile Image for Chocolit Chick.
21 reviews2 followers
November 4, 2013
As soon as I peeled the wrapper back on this goodness, the action exploded off the page. I thought I would leisurely cruise through a chapter per night, but when I checked my clock, it was well past my witching hour and the book half finished. I was continually buried in jaw-dropping battle sequences with Laney, the heroine, jumping from trees, sprinting through woods, and slaughtering Deads as easily as applying mascara…not that she would wear any. Our main girl is anything but prissy; she is calculating and practical, which are not only admirable traits during a zombie apocalypse, but downright necessary when hunting for the perfect man.

Fans of the TV series The Walking Dead would love this story more than a double chocolate sundae because not only does the combat rival that of the show, but the author, Tera Shanley, adds a layer of delicious emotional intrigue as to who can win Laney’s heart. She finds herself immune from zombie bites, but not the hotties that surround her. The engaging skirmishes with the Dead are enhanced by Shanley’s witty dialogue. My favorite quote would be when Laney proclaims she was “spontaneously ovulating” after meeting one corner of her love triangle, Sean Daniels.

I must say, however, it was the conflict with the Deads that kept me constantly reaching into the candy bowl for more. It is when the team finds shelter at the human encampments that the plot grinds to a halt, and we're wrapped in the mire of Laney’s love life. It was tough to digest the fact that such a bad ass chick suddenly lost all her self-confidence and had angst about guys. The switch back from one side of Laney to the next was much to quick and not thoroughly developed, like the difference between hot chocolate made with milk vs. water. The killer moment however, was during the epilogue. SPOILER ALERT! She comes into the camp prego, just like her BFF. Seriously? After soldiering on her own for years and getting high on zombies chasing her as she spins cookies on a four wheeler, I found it hard to believe that without a second thought she would bring a defenseless infant into the mix. The added sugary dollop of the expectant mom’s squealing over her shared hormonal journey with her best friend gave me a bad after-taste after an exhilarating, tasty treat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for cRistina.
33 reviews14 followers
October 1, 2014
Heart stopping. Riveting. Bold.

This put my nerves on edge and took my emotions on a turbulent excursion. I clung to every page, holding my breath as the fate of these characters unraveled.

Laney Landry is a survivor in a postapocalyptic world where the Dead roam, hungry and restless, ready to prey on the weak. Laney and her team, made up of her brother and friends, are on a mission that could prove to become obsolete in an instant should Laney get herself killed. You see, Laney is immune to Dead bites, in fact, her flesh is lethal to the Dead. Hopeful that she is the key to the zombie infestation, she and her team search for a doctor who can decipher her immunity.

While on their journey, the group reaches a colony where they literally run into Sean Daniels, leader and bona fide hottie with a temper. Things between Sean and Laney quickly become charged and detrimental as they assess their interest in each other and continue to seek clarification on Laney’s condition and the troubles that arise within the colony. As the plot thickens, the pursuit for answers instantaneously becomes treacherous, and deadly, placing both expected and unexpected emotional strain on the entire team, especially in matters of the heart as a long time love is professed.

Laney is put in a gut wrenching predicament where she is forced to slaughter savage zombies, overcome devastating sorrow, sort through self inflicted insecurities, and untangle feelings she unwilling to accept.

Tremendously afflicting Shanley! Did I mention my heart stopped beating a few times? Book one in the Dead Rapture Series is heart wrenching, thrilling, and a remarkable read. The plot was fluent in nature, albeit there were a few predictable moments. The predictably in those instances did not belittle the angst created by the love story or the plot as a whole leaving the reading experience gratifying. Characters were likable and enigmatic. The heroine is sharp tongued, rough around the edges, and competent. Love in the Time of Dead is a solid read for those seeking an apocalyptic setting with a capable female lead, especially if a strong emotional response is sought.

*** I gave it a 4.5 but goodreads doesn't have that feature***
Profile Image for Ivie dan Glokta.
311 reviews233 followers
January 26, 2015
I had this book on my TBR for friggin ages. It always sounded good, and i have to admit that i was glued to it at the beginning.

The idea was amazing. A zombified world, where one person alone finds themselves immune to the virus. They can't turn, but they can still get ripped to shreds by the armies of the risen dead. And we're off to save the world!!!!!

Truth be told it fell kinds flat for me. I expected more gore, more blood, more desperate survival mode. It was a good book, don't get me wrong, it's just that i have read much better, and with the rating i kind of set a high bar. It didn't reach.

Laney had this massive weight on her shoulders knowing she was the possible cure and salvation for the human race, and despite all that she did some rather stupid things. She got herself in harm's way more then necessary for crappy reasons.

Then we have the behavior of characters like Finn, her guard. She just barged in with three men into a secure compound. Nobody knew what kind of people they were, and Finn is supposed to be a highly trained guard and a soldier protecting the people of the colony from the Deads, and all other threats. Still he didn't behave like that. He folded the first chance he got, and was suddenly on Laney's team, for what it's worth. Stuff like that happened throughout the book that made it less realistic, and automatically i enjoy the read more. The characters didn't have the mindset that corresponded to the storyline.

The romance flared as an insta-lust thing, straight after some serious hate and distrust, witch leaves the reader with some serious whiplash. It is an important factor for the story, but it was too bubbly for the apocalyptic setting.

All in all, it was ok.
Profile Image for Rie Warren.
Author 52 books674 followers
May 24, 2014
5 stars are not enough to show my love of this story. 10 might do it. I devoured LOVE IN THE TIME OF THE DEAD in one sitting because I simply couldn't put it down.

My children were ignored, housework relegated, and my own writing put off while I clung to every single one of Miss Shanley's words.

Laney Landry is the perfect heroine for this apocalyptic gold mine. She's a tough girl holding onto a heart break, waiting to wake up, yet always pressing forward. She is unapologetically imperfect, unknowingly sexy, and fully capable of taking care of herself. She is a sarcastic smart ass but glimmers of sadness and self shame show her softer underbelly.

Kill zombies? Sure. Know how to interpret a quick passionate kiss from her childhood crush? Hell no!

While the storyline keeps you gasping, the romance is nail-biting intense. Sean or Mitchell? Neither are what they seem. And she doesn't really think either gorgeous man wants her. Did I forget to mention Laney might possibly be the cure to the end of the world as we know it? Whoops. My bad. PS. I have a boyfriend crush on Mitchell.

Most amazing of all, I think of this story as a movie. I keep wondering when the next episode will come out. I visualize it continually as if it's already on screen because it is so cinema graphic and already blockbuster ready!

There are so many moments I cried, when emotions overspilled off the page. I think Laney's choice was right on. The finale was a masterpiece but I'm left bereft for more. Lucky for me there are two more books coming! I am so totally author stalking Miss Shanley.
Profile Image for Gemma Brocato.
Author 45 books286 followers
January 17, 2015
I just finished reading Love at the end of Days and it was one of those books I lost sleep over. Not because of the subject matter, survival in a zombie apocalypse. But because the author's voice in relating the story was deeply intriguing and the characters were riveting. Vanessa Summers is nursing a broken heart over Derek Mitchell who left her for Laney Landry. Sean Daniels is nursing a broken heart over Laney, who dumped him for Mitchell. You'd think that Vanessa and Sean getting together might be cliche, but it is anything but. Shanley weaves so much emotion and just the right level of angst into this story to make you turn page after page after page. I loved how Vanessa, who appeared as a mean, spoiled woman in Love In The Time Of The Dead, evolved to become the fierce dedicated warrior whose only fear is losing her heart to Daniels. And Daniels is shocked when Vanessa finally breaks down the barriers he's erected around his heart.
This isn't just a story of love at the end of days. It's the story of how strangers become friends and evolve to family due to hardship. I can honestly say I'd want to have these characters at my back if the zombie apocalypse ever actually happens.

My favorite line in the story: "She was a dam in a flood, barely hanging on, and he was adrift on the current of her sadness."
Profile Image for S.E..
288 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2014
I am a zombie fan. Even though there only so many ways a zombie tale can be told, I remain intrigued enough to read more.

Like all other zombie books, “Love in the Time of the Dead” introduces a band of survivors that do everything they can to stay alive. Cause of affliction is viral, and once bitten, the victim turns before the hour is up and munches on anyone near or dear. Lots of gore, blood, violence as expected. There is a divergence from the norm though, in the form of Laney, who is immune to zombie bites; and what’s more, any zombie foolish enough to bite her drops dead after that. Her usefulness increases with the fact that she can smell zombies from miles away, making her a warning system better than any other. The only other zombie novel introducing a protagonist that’s not popular with zombies is “Dead Living” by Glenn Bullion, but I’m sure there must be others of similar ilk out there.

Interwoven with the necessary zombie fest is romance, sibling love and camaraderie that had me feeling for the characters more than those in other zombie books I’ve read. Such writing talent is hard to come by; this may be Tera Shanley’s debut novel, and if that is so, I heartily applaud her for her effort. May not be knock-off-your-socks amazing, but definitely worth its salt in zombie lore. I almost wished that the book is a start of a series, well, almost ….
Profile Image for Nancy.
494 reviews13 followers
October 9, 2013
Laney Landry, her brother Jarren and two childhood friends have survived for over three years on their own. The Dead are everywhere but the one reason for their survival is that Laney can sense them before they are seen. Their mission is two fold: find a Dr to test Laney and possibly make a vaccine deterrent to bites (she doesn’t turn when bitten) and to find the lost member of their group: Adam. Laney’s fiancé and everyone’s friend.

Running for all those years has the group exhausted and, when the find a colony near Denver it’s the perfect place to rest awhile. But each location has it’s demons and this colony’s seems to be the 2nd in command who stages a take-over. They escape – along with the commander, a guard and the commander’s daughter. The rest, well……not so much.

Landing in a colony up in the Colorado mountains days later, they settle into a routine. Killing Dead, working in the gardens and standing guard fill their days. It’s the nights that are the problem. Laney’s mind is confused after several things happen in a short time span. Can she make a decision? And, if she does, what affect will it have n her team.

An excellent novel of the post-Apocalypse and the lives of those affected. I loved it!
Profile Image for Carol Oates.
Author 9 books222 followers
November 7, 2013
I came into this book not knowing what to expect. The last romance and zombie book I read wasn't very good. I was glad to find out this was human romance in a slightly future world where Zombies walk the earth.

After being bitten by a zombie, the main character discovers she carries a natural immunity, although the bite has left a interesting side effect. She can smell them, effectively making her a zombie detector and a potential cure. Tera Shanley created a kick-ass group of characters to root for and a few I wanted to punch. The writing flowed easily and the story turned over fast so just when I got settled and thought I knew what would come next, it changed.

A highly enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Betül.
1,067 reviews292 followers
November 30, 2016
description

4.5 stars!

After waitching the latest episode of The Walking Dead I started looking for zombie/horror books. I came across this book and the blurb piqued my interest. I couldn't put it down and I was reading till the early morning. This book was really good, I loved the friendship Laney her brother and their friends. I especially loved Mitchell, he is this laid-back, funny sexy guy that all the girls are swooning over.

Laney is special and can't turn into a Dead. She is a pretty strong character. There were scenes that had me crying, because end of the day this is a zombie/horror book and people die.
Profile Image for Jenna.
1,625 reviews14 followers
January 7, 2014
I feel bad for the 1 star but I couldn't like this book even if my life depended on it. This book was not for me. I didn't like the love triangle concept. I felt no connection to Laney. Sean was an A-hole. The cover is beautiful. The writing is not bad. I normally love a good zombie book. But I was skipping a lot of pages and this book and I were not working out.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
289 reviews7 followers
February 11, 2015
Extremely strong start. Very impressed with this author and would recommend this series to others as well as continue with it myself and explore her other titles.

I think possibly it was a tad too short and felt rushed the closer towards the end. I'm not sure why, but the five I started with became a four towards the end. I'm happy with the result, but it came limply. Something was missing.
Profile Image for Lori.
Author 2 books59 followers
November 9, 2024
Read it in a day. So good. If you like some romantic angst with your zombies, pick this one up!
Profile Image for maria :).
120 reviews
July 2, 2020
The lack of action was 😬😬 and honestly didn’t like the mc much nor the love interests
6 reviews4 followers
June 6, 2021
I really enjoyed the book, however it was too short. The story, especially the ending, felt rushed.
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