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Love and Decay (Complete Series) #3

Love and Decay, Episode Three

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

On the heels of escaping Gary and his camp of militia, Reagan, Haley and the Parker brothers are traveling south without a car and not much in the way of weapons. Conditions are bleak, but they have each other and they have hope.

When an unexpected thunderstorm hits and they are exposed on the open road, the group must fine shelter in an abandoned barn. The structure is crumbling and dirty but they are able to escape the worst of the storm. Hoping to make it through the blustery night, they make camp and hope for the best.

However, when a horde of Zombies follows them, they realize how precarious their temporary lodging is and how unlikely it is they will survive the night.

Now they must find a way to fight off the aggressive Feeders while still keeping everyone alive. They are low on ammo, fighting blind in the dark and struggling against the elements.

Reagan has come to care for this group too much to lose someone now. But staying alive until sunrise feels like the hardest task yet. She’s used to danger, killing and surviving; but nowadays she’s not as concerned with her own life as she is with those that surround her. Protecting those she loves comes with great cost, but it’s a fight she’s desperate to win.

Love and Decay, Episode Three, is the third in a novella series in a Dystopian Romance about Zombies, the end of the world and finding someone to share it with.
This story takes place over multiple episodes, with a release date every two weeks. Approximately 20,000 words.

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First published August 9, 2013

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223 people want to read

About the author

Rachel Higginson

122 books3,494 followers
Rachel Higginson is the best-selling author of The Five Stages of Falling in Love, Every Wrong Reason, Bet on Us and The Star-Crossed Series.

She was born and raised in Nebraska, and spent her college years traveling the world. She fell in love with Eastern Europe, Paris, Indian Food and the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka, but came back home to marry her high school sweetheart. Now she spends her days writing stories and raising five amazing kids.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,556 reviews258 followers
October 21, 2022
This is the third book I've read from this series and while it's very American teenager-ish I'm really enjoying it.

They are becoming a bit repetitive but I'm really interested in how this story will pan out for the group so I will be continuing the series.

At time of posting this series is available on Kindle Unlimitied.
Profile Image for Izzie d.
4,299 reviews362 followers
January 9, 2023
This is an interesting series.
It has humour so things don't get too heavy but at the same time they do loose people and there is violence and killing.

The series is a long one and these main characters stories continue for 3 seasons.
There is also a spin off series that deals with the sister later.

There is little intimacy. There is touching, hugging and a few kisses but no sex until much later in the last season.
The main 2 characters have love interests but due to the nature of the start of the virus and the constant threat there are no intimate scenes until the end of season 3.

Each season ends on a HFN with an enemy thread running through the whole series.
Each episode either ends as HFN with a goal set for the next or at times an immediate threat will run across several episodes.
At the time I read these the whole series was on Amazon KU so it was possible to read one after the other or complete in a box set.
If you start reading and want to get to a HEA you will need to read the entire 3 seasons.
There is the immediate zombie threat which is constant but also the series deals with humanities reaction to survival.
Often a bigger threat is the desire for power between the surviving groups and these at times use lack of resources and scientific experimentation to control the main threats.
Later in the series there is a love triangle situation of sorts for the heroine.
It's not exactly a love triangle but there is a dividing force between the main couple due to the interest from another man.
There are no intimate details but there is a kissing scene with the other man, but at the time the main couple are not together.
The characters are all very different, they have their flaws but they are college age so when they make mistakes and sometimes they are stupid ones I put it down to youth and although they have learnt survival through experience the threat is constant so it's not easy for them to be sensible all the time.
There is a good bit of banter between the group and a great deal of humour.
There are some serious issues dealt with too and the main human enemy threat is pretty evil.
Profile Image for Elisa.
218 reviews12 followers
August 13, 2013
Episode Three of Love and Decay continues to be amazing! There are some great moments in it this installment. I thought the scene where Hendrix is washing Reagan’s hair in the stream and they are interrupted by Paige and Nelson was funny and very well done. I also liked the interaction between Vaughn and Reagan. Some people have been commenting on how they can’t decide between Vaughn and Hendrix for Reagan. For me, right now, the only one actually in the game is Hendrix. Maybe because he is holding back nothing  I think Vaughn is going to need to step it up if he really wants a chance with Reagan. This episode provided a tiny glimmer of what a relationship between Vaughn and Reagan might be like. I also, would love an episode from Haley’s POV since her and Reagan haven’t gotten a lot of time to chat. So much of the focus has been on Reagan and the boys, that Haley has started fading into the background. It would be nice to see her front and center again. Plus I want to know her thoughts about Nelson.
Profile Image for Roz Balidio.
105 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2015
Okay. So things are getting sexier and horrible and adventurous and scary and shitty and smelly and really really sexy.

Have I said one of the bloodbaths had me almost pop-eyed?

Though really, I root for Vaughan. He's my type.
Profile Image for Sarah's Book Blog.
227 reviews927 followers
October 14, 2013

This is a spoiler free review on Love & Decay Episodes 1-7

(Giveaway at the end of the review...Giveaway if for the entire first season of Love & Decay, some are not yet released but will be sent to the winner upon release.)


This has been such a great, fun, and exciting read. I am a huge fan of zombies. Have been for as long as I can remember. Now, it is so easy to get your zombie fix so easy...we have The Walking Dead, the millions of movies out there, from World War Z, Zombieland and the classics like Night of the Living Dead but when it comes to getting a zombie fix in a book with the added bonus of a romance...Love & Decay is PERFECT.

Let me start by telling you that while Love & Decay is in fact a series of Novella's, it is also a lot like a show. Every two weeks a new episode is released. They are short quick reads but a packed full of action, romance and lots of gross gooey zombie blood.

Love & Decay reflects around a tight knit family, The Parker's and 2 young ladies. The Parker's are from oldest to youngest, Vaughan, Hendrix, Nelson, Harrison, King and the 8 year old little sister Page. They have survived the past two years by being careful of their surroundings, untrustworthy of others and relying on their awesome survival skills.

Reagan and Haley are two 20 year old girls who seriously kick ass...figuratively and literally. They lost everyone the cared for right in the beginning of the spreading zombie virus (which has a pretty funny start btw). They were not always the zombie ass kicking, bad ass girls they are now. They were the popular cheerleaders, into boys, nice clothes, girly girls. It is seriously pretty damn impressive that they have survived this long.

This whole series or I should probably should say season has been about two groups joining together and forming a bond that is a force to be reckoned with. During a zombie apocalypse, the last thing on anyone's mind is love. Finding the one, living a normal life for a girl right out of high school, well almost out of high school (damn zombies).

Reagan is the main story teller. We got one episode in Haley's POV which was nice, got to get inside her head a bit and learn more about her take on the whole zombie thing and a bit of how she feels about a certain Parker Brother. There is also a couple added members in the later episodes, brother and sister Tyler and Miller. I am now reading episode 8 which happens to be Tyler's POV so I'm hoping that I start to like her more and understand her more.

I really enjoy reading these novella's. They are super fun and you actually picture the scene in front of you. While, yes, there are a bit of editing problems here and there, I don't really pay much attention to it since the author has to be pretty darn busy to be releasing them every 2 weeks. Editing take some time and well, I'd rather have the book instead of waiting.

This book has everything. I mean everything...there is blood, guns, action, HUMOR, love, kissing, drama, fighting...I can't think of anymore to type but its all there. Rachel Higginson has a true talent. This has a mix of your zombieland humor, your walking dead action and seriousness and MORE...

I highly recommend this series to everyone. Even if your not a zombie fan you will definitely not care after this, its just so much fun to read and am so happy I found this series.


There will be 12 total episodes is this season and the author has said there is 3 seasons planned so far. The first season should end in November. We should expect Episode 9 October 25th.

My Casting:







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Profile Image for Deanna.
161 reviews17 followers
August 11, 2013
***I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review***

I'm loving this series! So so so much! Like, it's what I look forward to day in and day out.

The only problem is that they are so short and I want MORE!!!

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The story picks up with Haley attempting to pick brain guts out of Reagan's hair after Reagan blew a zombie's head to pieces of gunk. Now, right away I am totally disgusted. I can just imagine how nauseous I would be if I were in that situation and I am 100% sure that I would be gagging as well, trying to hold back the puke.

Poor Reagan is trying not to throw up and Haley has to run away to puke in the bushes because she's so disgusted, but then...

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Along comes Hendrix! Yes, he appears to me as superman in this instance. (And don't you dare say Tom Welling isn't the real superman because he is!)

He lowers Reagan into a creek and washes her hair out for her. Like WOW! Her hair is disgusting and has brain chunks all tangled in it and he has the stomach to wash it out like it's nbd. What a man. Hendrix is amazing. Like for real. He didn't get turned off by Reagan's hairy legs and now he isn't repulsed by the zombie gore that Reagan is bathed in. He's just a really loving guy.

*Sighs*

I would say this series keeps getting better and better, but honestly it is all so brilliant that I'm loving each episode with equal measure. Every single second is captivating and absolute perfection that I literally can not get bored by a single sentence. That's how I feel with each of these books.

I feel like a snotty impatient girl who just wants to beg for the next 5 books to be in my possession right now so I can read them all.

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But I'll try to be nice and resist. I can wait two weeks for more. Right? That isn't too hard. Right? I just have to tell myself that I can do this. I can be patient...

Truthfully, I can be patient. Rachel is a beast and can write like crazy. And even if she could't, I'd still wait five years for the next episode to come out. That's how much I love this Love and Decay series. I just don't want to have to wait because I love this zombie world Rachel has created. I actually think that I wouldn't mind living in a zombie world if I had the Parker brothers by my side. It would kinda be awesome...right??? Am I the only one who has this feeling?

Anyway...5 shining stars for another amazing novella from Rachel Higginson!!!
Profile Image for Caylie.
Author 6 books165 followers
August 10, 2013
Willingness to Put Down
Um…. I read this probably quicker than I read the last two. I was hooked from the beginning. I mean… there was tension. There was scenes with Hendrix and Reagan right away – that were amazing! Then it was “holy crap, fight for your life” – which were so intense, I want to see you try and walk away from it in the middle! Then you get to the “oh, they are alone – is this finally going to happen?!” And the next thing you know, they are in a van, driving away – and it’s the end of Episode 3.
It went by much too quickly for my liking… I want more!!! Yes, I’m being greedy, and I’m totally okay with that right now!!

Editing/Story/Plot/Characters
This episode has a mixture of it all. Laughing, flirting, crazy zombie fighting, intense (sad) moments… Gosh, I love it!
We finally find out who the Parker family is. We find out a little of their back story… you know, how they were able to survive for so long – and how they knew how to survive. We also find out why it is so important for them to all survive (aside from the obvious reasons).
And finally – FINALLY we see something more than just angst between Hendrix and Reagan. Like – actual, honest to God, flirting! Like – actual physical contact. Sigh…
And on the flip side, we see flirting from Vaughan too – which I slightly cringed at, because Reagan was completely flirting too… whether she knew she was or not. Quite frustrating, especially with the scene right before that!
And holy hell – that Zombie fight scene. I was on the edge of my seat reading that. Fear and dread filled me as I felt like one of the gang was going to go down. I still feel like it’s only a matter of time before someone gets Zombiefied… And that fight… that was a freaking close one.

Heart Fluttering/School Girl Giggling/Tears
I was laughing right away. I couldn’t help it… Reagan was covered in Zombie goo – and she was freaking out and Haley wasn’t much help. It was all very humorous to me.
And then my heart was fluttering with scenes of Reagan and Hendrix… Not only was that scene absolutely adorable, but we also finally saw a different side to Hendrix, than just the ridged, intense guy that he is.
Oh – and the whole swimming scene. Oh.My.Goodness. I laughed so hard!
And Chapter 2?!? Well – that one had my emotions all over the freaking place!! I was literally on the verge of tears at one point. It’s just…. sigh.. I get teary eyed just thinking of it.
Oh, and I was really expecting something, anything to happen in Chapter 4. And while some things were cleared up – it still left me wanting for more.
I swear Rachel – there better be more in Episode 4!!!
Profile Image for Christina Rod.
443 reviews2 followers
August 19, 2013
"The depth of emotion they felt for each other was both heartbreaking and life-changing. I wanted that kind of love someday. I wanted to know the intimidate complexity of those feelings- the ferocity of something so all encompassing. I wanted to know love in this world of decay. Maybe not today, but some day."

In Episode 3 of Love & Decay Reagan, Haley and the Parker family are exhausted, filthy and unprepared for what's next on their adventure. When they run into an army of Zombies they are faced with a saddening realization. The further South they go, the stronger and smarter the Zombies are. They are organzing and planning which makes them even more lethal. When a group of them attacks the group it is by strike of luck that they escape, mostly unscathed. Their adventure is changing in many ways...some good and some bad.

The good you ask?

In this episode Rachel gives us a glimpse into the Parker's past. While we learned about their parents I have to admit that I had a tear or two fall. To finally learn about what they went through post Zombie Apocalypse and the sad decision they have to make was so heart wrenching. Rachel does not disappoint with getting to her readers hearts. Be prepared for all to revealed.

And of course the Hendrix and Reagan scenes make for a wonderful read as well! I don't know if Hendrix can make us swoon any more than what he did in this book. He is just incredible in this episode as he is in the rest. And although Reagan is hesitant about LOVE in their world she can't ignore those feelings that are bubbling in her and the way Hendrix makes her feel safe. The chemistry between these two is a building fire in a volcano that will eventually erupt! :) I hope in a good way!

I look forward to finding out what's next for everyone!

Seriously what are you waiting for? Pick this up! And if you haven't read Love & Decay at all, shame on you but I will forgive you when you do decide to pick it up! :-)

BUY this. READ it. LOVE it.

HAPPY READING!!
Profile Image for Mandy Reads Indie.
1,981 reviews91 followers
August 11, 2013
As the crew slowly make their way south into Arkansas (WHOO PIG SOOIE) they come across more aggressive zombies than they have seen in the last couple years. Sure there have been rumors of these types of zombies, but in this new world there is no way to know if these stories were fact or fiction. Unfortunately it seems to be truth. Now, more than ever, they are in need of transportation and more ammo if they expect to survive these new, amped up, flesh eating monsters.

This episode of LOVE AND DECAY was an absolute zombie bloodbath. Although we didn't get much zombie action in the 2nd episode, well, Higginson makes up for it by bathing the entire story in guts and gore. Oh and a bit of romance to help balance it all out. Ok, more than a little. Things are definitely heating up between Reagan and Hendrix. I know I was blushing for Reagan when she finds herself alone with him.

This is one series I am always eager to read. When it is time for the new episode I am scouring the internet seeing if maybe Higginson released it early. And after finishing this one, I am beyond excited for #4. In #4 we will get Haley's POV. Holla! Love that girl and I dying to know what it up between her and Nelson. Aren't you?
Profile Image for Kelly.
54 reviews11 followers
August 24, 2013
Get ready for more blood, guts, romance & those sexy Parker brothers. Rachel starts off with a bang, Hendrix *sigh* helping Reagan wash zombie guts out of her hair & the excitement jumps into high gear from there! The zombies continue to become more blood thirsty & almost organized *shiver*. This puts our favorite survivors in some extremely close calls, such as a full on zombie battle & zombies literally jumping out nowhere. Ok, so enough about zombies lets talk about romance!!

Reagan has begun to let her walls down since she's realized just how much the Parker's mean to her, especially, one very hot & sexy Parker.........Hendrix. Oh yes y'all get ready because between all the hungry zombies, exploding heads & strange zombie noises a new passion & been ignited. The meaningful stares, snarky flirting oh yeah, & the hair washing reaffirms that even the end of the world can't strip us of our humanities. This story will have you laughing, gasping & sighing, keep an eye out for one of my favorite scenes in the trailer park *giggles* Enjoy!!!
Profile Image for Michelle.
14 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2013
Three episodes later and I am still hooked on the Love and Decay series! Each episode finds the action getting more intense and I have found myself on the edge of my seat biting my nails on more than one occasion. One of the things that this author does that I absolutely adore is that she creates a Pintrest page for each of her books filled with pictures of the sights and characters of each book. I like going into a book seeing what the author envisioned her characters to look like and the things that make up their world. If you are looking for a quick read filled with intense action and some nicely developing romance - you can't go wrong with Love and Decay.
Profile Image for Kristen Elliott.
6 reviews
August 11, 2013
Just when I think that Love and Decay can't get any better, Rachel goes and proves me wrong! I could not put down this book. I simply HAD to know what was going to happen next. I was terrified that one of the characters I have come to love would die in one of the last scenes. If a book makes me care so much about it's characters then it has to be good. And I couldn't get enough of the physical attraction going on!

I can't wait for the next one! Two weeks is an incredibly long time to wait for such an incredible series!
Profile Image for Lenore Kosinski.
2,389 reviews64 followers
August 11, 2013
Oh dear lord, that was a wild ride. Pumped full of even more suspense, I wasn't sure if my heart was gonna take it. And holy cow, the heat and tension between Reagan and Hendrix. It was so unbelievably satisfying, and yet left you wanting more all at the same time. Can't wait to see what's going to happen next, and I seriously hope Haley and Reagan get to have a talk, b/c I wanna know what's going on with her and Nelson too!! It's official, I'm addicted.
4 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2013
Wow!! I absolutely loved this one!! This episode is packed full of action and I love the interaction between Hendrix and Reagan! I like how more information was provided about the Parker family and their past before the apocalypse and how it ran into their devotion to each other and survival. It made me fall that much more for each of them, especially Hendrix!! Can't wait for the next episode to see what their next adventure is!!
Profile Image for Shannon Deberry.
41 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2013
Rachel does it again. Episode 3 leaves you eagerly anticipating episode 4 . Running from another zombie encounter leaves a couple encounters between Reagan and Hendrix that bring both their feelings closer to the surface. While from a close distance another brother's feelings simmer. What I love about this story is hope and faith in the love a family holds together, while facing impossible odds, and that above all else they hold strong.
Profile Image for Cheer Papworth.
337 reviews55 followers
October 13, 2013
Episode three: The journey to Peru continues as the group heads towards the Mexico border. Romance continues to build between Reagan and Hendrix as the continue to blast their way through zombie hordes. Survival is getting more and more difficult as the zombies seem to be showing signs of organisation and the group's resources are dwindling.
Profile Image for ewa.
217 reviews2 followers
January 7, 2014
Beautiful. Let me quote something about peace:
And at the end of the long, weary day, that was all we wanted. Not a pretty house, or stable government, hell, even above daily hot showers and three healthy consistent meals, I wanted peace. Above everything else I wanted peace in my life and in all the lives of those I cared about.

Oh, and there is more so much more.
Profile Image for Karla.
550 reviews16 followers
October 1, 2015
Have to read this zombie series it's epic. I ignored the call of Spain's sea and sand to read this brilliant series. Kindle one click made me read the entire series while on holidays in Spain. An epic adventure filled with lust,love, blood, kisses, zombies, action, suspense, intrigue, fear and resilience.
Profile Image for Sara.
1,039 reviews18 followers
June 24, 2017
Things are heating up. And I detect a little jealousy. I am curious to see where that will go. There were some nasty zombies in this one, and it seems they may be getting smarter. Uh oh. This is my type of zombie story.
Profile Image for Kim North.
109 reviews4 followers
November 2, 2013
Really beginning to love this series and I am so glad the swearing has declined. Zombie books always seem to have a lot of swearing, it drives me crazy but then again I've never been in a zombie apocalypse.
Profile Image for Kitlina.
2,005 reviews23 followers
March 9, 2014
Oh Reagan, I can't wait for it to be more. Hendrix is such a worthy guy.
This was so full of adrenaline, I had my heart in my throat the whole time. I'm going to die of a heart attack if the story continues like this. :)
But it will be a good heart attack, ya' know?
Profile Image for Ashley .
316 reviews20 followers
July 20, 2014
I love this series so so so much. It keeps getting better and better. I only wish they were longer!!
Profile Image for Vicki.
29 reviews3 followers
August 14, 2013
I really wish this was a full on series - I love these characters and wish there was more to read other than a few chapters every week.
Profile Image for Cora.
337 reviews6 followers
September 12, 2016
Thank you for giving us some info on the boys before zombies took over. I can not believe how much you can pack into a novella! Go you Rachel! This is such a fun ride.
Profile Image for Kimchi.
620 reviews14 followers
September 12, 2013
Hendrix, I think if she doesn't want him I'll take him in a heartbeat. Im really impressed with the back story you find out what makes the parker brother's tick. spoiler I need more .
Profile Image for Krista.
58 reviews4 followers
September 30, 2013
I cannot put these books down!!!! I really wish there were more than one episode per book. I love all the characters and I must say.... I dream wild dreams about Hendrix!
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