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Love and Decay 1 #7-12

Love and Decay, Vol. Two

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

A lot has changed for Reagan in the few months since she stumbled upon the Parker family. She has given up her isolated vagabond lifestyle and along with her best friend Haley, made a permanent home with the brothers and their sweet, little sister.

More specifically, Reagan has fallen in love with Hendrix Parker, a man just as consumed with loving and protecting her.

Their love is tested time and time again as their lives are continually threatened and put in danger, Zombies lurk around every dilapidated corner and an uncertain risk follows them across state lines.

While the undead haunt their newfound happiness, Matthias Allen and his obsessive son Kane remind Reagan and friends that Zombies aren’t the only evil lurking in this new apocalyptic world. Kane is on a mission to make Reagan his and take her back to The Colony, where his father reigns as a tyrannical overlord and Kane is second in command.

While Tyler and Miller Allen adjust to life with the Parkers, Reagan and Haley after their own escape from The Colony, the group decides to set up camp at a safe settlement that offers them refuge.

But is anything truly safe at the end of the world?

Soon they are surrounded by Zombies trying to eat them, an enemy settlement trying to rip them apart and the internal, every day struggles of trying to live together at the end of the world.

No matter the cost, Reagan refuses to give up Hendrix, Haley and the others that she has come to love so fiercely. She will fight any enemy, against any evil; she will do anything to keep her freedom and the people that have become her life and everything she lives for safe.

Love and Decay, Volume Two, is a compilation of the last six episodes in a twelve episode season. This volume includes a bonus episode from Hendrix Parker’s point of view. It is a Dystopian Romance Novella Series 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. Episode One, Season Two will release February 14th, 2014.

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First published December 2, 2013

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About the author

Rachel Higginson

122 books3,495 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
548 (60%)
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263 (28%)
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79 (8%)
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11 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,559 reviews265 followers
October 12, 2022
Second book in this series and I have to say I'm enjoying it. Yes it's cheesy and very American teenager-ish but it's a cute book. Well as cute as it can be when zombie fighting anyway!

At time of posting this series is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews490 followers
September 16, 2016
I jumped into this second volume, ecstatic that there was more to read about these characters I had grown so attached to. Boy, but do they have it rough! Every time I think they've finally caught a break, all hell breaks loose again.

Rachel Higginson pulls no punches for this band of survivors. If it isn't zombies, it's ego-maniacal leaders and the other people that are causing the problems. The Parker family has adopted Reagan and Haley as their own, and this family does what it must to protect each other and stay together at all costs. They've already been through the wringer and come out shriveled on the other side, with two knew additions to their band. This added a whole new dimension to the read. The group ideal of holding on to each other is extended to the new members, and seeing these two learn that level of respect and devotion was heartwarming. Even if they don't always get along, they become—at the least—an emotionally integral part of the team.

Reagan and Hendrix have finally given in to their desire for a relationship, but as I am coming to love from Rachel Higginson, there is no rushing into things or gratuitous sex just because they're a couple. It was, at times, almost frustratingly, achingly, slow burn intense. These characters have a chemistry that is off the charts, but life just keeps getting in the way. If it isn't life or death battles (which are gruesomely and fearfully written), it was a lack of privacy or sometimes just a lack of cleanliness. It's hard to get too physical when you're covered in zombie guts. There is such a realistic approach to these books, from the difficulties of bathing to the need to stock up on mouthwash and tampons. I loved that!

Since zombies and a daily fight for survival isn't enough, there is an ultimate bad guy going on a crazy rampage, threatening the family, the life they've established, and just generally trying to royally f- things up. When are these poor people going to catch a break? Obviously not in Love and Decay, Volume Two! ~ George, 5 stars
Profile Image for Izzie d.
4,305 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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Melonie.
28 reviews3 followers
January 22, 2016
I said this once, I'm going to say it again...this book was hil-ar-i-ous!!
Now, don't get me wrong, there were enough suspense, heart-ache, and sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat action, that will leave you royally p*ssed off...But, with the world dehumanized, how could you NOT find humor and sarcasm to keep your sanity in check? Or even a little love while Feeders were trying to catch and gnaw on your body parts?
Vol. 3..I will be reading you shortly!
Profile Image for Arianna M.
54 reviews8 followers
May 23, 2016
This was even better than Volume 1! I just can't believe this is all one season! So much happened in this first season already. Also, Hendrix and Reagan forever!
Profile Image for Amy Curley.
98 reviews
November 24, 2014
So loved this!!! I am recommending this to everyone. It kept my attention the entire time! It was truly a nail biter!! My fingers can prove it. Can't wait for the next season. And don't hate on the grammatical errors! She's self publish! Give a girl a break.
Profile Image for Greta.
561 reviews55 followers
July 26, 2015
3.5 stars

I heart all the Parker brothers. I wish there were more Hallie and Nelson chapters.
Profile Image for Michelle.
200 reviews3 followers
Read
October 7, 2015
I love this series super addictive!
Profile Image for Teresa.
645 reviews
November 1, 2019
Totally worth 4 stars

Oh I absolutely love this series. There is nothing better than an amazing heroine in a Zombie apocalypse!! I mean this series has it all..... crazed and hungry zombies, action, fight scenes, drama, love and romance with some good old humor thrown in.

Reagan is just awesome, i absolutely love her attitude. Yes her internal dialogue can be way too in depth for certain situations she gets into, but she knows how to kick butt and protect her family. Hendrix is THE man!! Loyal, protective, sexy, alpha, and so damn feisty just like Reagan - they make such a good match

This book had so much going on my mind needs to read the next one in the series straight away!
Profile Image for Carrie.
699 reviews38 followers
November 8, 2019
The second half of this "season" was just ok. Very uneven and at times, tedious to read. Reagan and Hendrix were BORING. Gah! The promise of the push/pull relationship due to their personalities didn't come to fruition. Their chemistry was nonexistent. There wasn't any Nelson and Haley and that was shame. Maybe I just love the anti-hero but Mr. Boy Next Door Bland Hendrix just couldn't hold any attention with the disturbed Kane on the scene. He's the only reason I'm moving on to "Season 2".
Profile Image for Tonya.
381 reviews14 followers
December 14, 2017
I loved seasons 1-6 but disliked seasons 7-12. First of all, this story is just too long, there's still 2 other books in this series. Secondly, I don't like Reagan, she's annoying and too "confused". Thirdly, if you're going to have trouble deciding if one of your characters name will be spelled Vaughn or Vaughan, just go with Bob - can't spell that wrong. I have no interest in what happens next. It'll take too long to find out anyway and I just don't care.
974 reviews
July 9, 2017
Great

This is a great series. So many ups and downs for these characters to face. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Megan Murphy.
121 reviews
September 13, 2017
In love

Well seriously this series is amazing I'm really loving every second of it and just can't wait to find out what happens next !!!!
Profile Image for Wati.
736 reviews
March 4, 2019
Umm.. I don't really like this volume.
Profile Image for Nora Khattab.
48 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2025
it would have been the best zombie story but the h ruined it for me i hate love triangle especially that dont make sense at all.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,290 reviews34 followers
May 2, 2014
I read Love & Decay Volume 1 less than a week ago and was hooked by the Parker brothers! They are a great group of guys, who I’d like to be stuck with if the world turns to shit and the zombies are running around unchecked. This story has a believable reason for the zombies. The Government had their hands in it. Surprise! Ok, line up for your shot, it will keep you safe. Don’t drink the kool-aid people, just don’t do it!

Anyhow we meet up with the Parker brothers, Reagan, Haley, Tyler, & Miller as they run from Kane and The Colony, but remember what Kane said – I’ll find you! Reagan seems to be clumsier in this book and making stupid mistakes and I can’t figure out why? Last book she was level headed, killing zombies like she was playing a video game, now this volume, mistake after mistake. Could Love for Hendrix be clouding her mind? Probably. They are so desperate for alone time, really I am too with Vaughan, Hendrix or Kane, but that’s not going to happen for me or Reagan! HA!

The Parker’s and their make shift family are still trying to make it south. But the Feeders are changing, they are smarter, organized, pissed off, and hungry like no one’s business. Reagan is sloppy in several situations that leaves me wondering if she has a death wish, just to be away from Kane? I will admit, Kane is intense, but she is drawn to him, she can’t deny it even to herself. As they travel Tyler and Miller become more comfortable with the group and their weapons. Vaughan is trying to help Tyler defend herself, I hope they don’t end up together. Then Kane appears, battered and bruised. Tyler wants to leave him for zombie food, but they keep him and clean him up.

On their way they run into some super-Feeders who have their brains working together, trap the food! The group loses their sweet van in the mass, but do manage to find safe hold. But how safe is it? They deal with Matthias from The Colony and he’s on his way to do business. As in bring his three children home with him, along with the Parker’s and the girls, his prisoners and he won’t be denied! Kane and Reagan end up in a bunker alone, where Reagan makes a startling realization and knows what she needs to do. But is it to late? The Feeders are closing in?

I really like this series, but independent Reagan is now clingy and unable to focus on the task at hand. I’m not sure what happened, but at the end she finally turns it around and goes back to being the girl I respect. Kicking some butt and taking names! This book was faster paced than the last book, with more plot and more action. I’m ready for Hendrix and Reagan to get on with it, I’m tired of it being drug out. Tomorrow is not a promise, they should surely know that! One word – ZOMBIES!
Profile Image for Christine.
653 reviews86 followers
July 20, 2016
Oh, boy. Just when I thought this series couldn't get any more intense. I was so wrong.

Reagan is such a strong female character but I'm so glad that she has some vulnerability along with that strength.
After being taken by the semi-psychotic-but-ultimately-tempting Kane and his family, Reagan will do whatever she can to keep all of her people safe. This includes Kane's sister and brother who see their family for the evil that they are. However, this is easier said than done.

Between a crazy man who wants to keep her all to himself, zombies (who seem to be developing some crazy smarts) who want to eat them, and the unknown of letting Hendrix have her heart, Reagan never seems to have a moment of peace.

This volume of Love & Decay is crazier and more nail-biting than the first, if you can believe it. The situations that the Parkers, Reagan, and Haley are subjected to made me a little crazed at times. I'm a girl who likes a story that can be predictable...Most of the time. However, no character is safe and no situation is impossible for Ms. Higginson. And, that was totally okay with me!

The writing is brilliant and I can't think of a single moment where I was bored. It's all I can do to not stay up till the wee hours every other Friday just waiting for the next installment.

Also, just when I thought the story couldn't be any better, Ms. Higginson gave us an extra episode from Hendrix's point of view. Ms. Higginson, if you see this, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

Christy @ Captivated Reading
Profile Image for Reese.
261 reviews6 followers
June 4, 2014
I read a lot of zombie books. I love the action. The do or die. It's a fun genre that keeps me coming back for more. I wish I could say that I loved this one. There was that possibility. The characters are engaging and deep. You are given that emotional depth throughout the story. But... Oh man. The real problem was how often the main character constantly went over the same few points about love and virginity and being a special snowflake in the zombie apocalypse. Ok we get it. Whatever. I do understand as I have a major obsessive personality. However. I have a short attention span for repetition in books. Yes you said that. Again. And again. And a-f-ing again. In almost if not completely yhe exact same words. Now. It's ok to think on it again lightly but geez. Literal paragraphs of this. In the midst of the fight scenes!!! No no no. Please. I had to skim as I was too invested on the outcome of the fight. I wanted to feel it and be a part of the action and we kept getting pulled back with her internal obsessions.

Overall it's a fun book with a great set of characters. And chapter 12 blew me away. Hot damn. But just ease up on the the special snowflake bit.
Profile Image for Lenore Kosinski.
2,389 reviews64 followers
July 28, 2015
4.5 stars -- A solid second half to the first season. Lots of twists and turns, awesome action, a bit more depth for the Allen family story, and the most AMAZING romance moments. I like the idea of these serials that seem to be popular now, but just like my tv watching, I have very little patience so I like the netflix way of binge watching...or in this case, waiting for a volume of episodes and then reading them all in a row. It requires me to wait longer between volumes (then just 2 weeks between episodes), but then I can just DEVOUR IT! So if you're like me, I HIGHLY recommend buying these volumes. They let you enjoy the serials, without going crazy waiting for more....well, until the end of the volume.

And the great part about this volume??? It includes a novella of Hendrix's POV (around the episode 1 timeline). Talk about an epic bonus!!!
Profile Image for Dominus~.
1,246 reviews35 followers
July 20, 2015
Wow! Hendrix's POV on when he first met Reagan and Haley was poetic! Haha! When I actually met them, through Reagan's POV she actually barely register Hendrix if I remember that right. But then she eventually did.
Anyway, I like Kane! I mean it sounds like Kane and Reagan have something. They really got chemistry and I like that better than Hendrix and Reagan's IF AND ONLY IF Kane isn't such a bastard. I want them to actually work but at the same time, Hendrix and Reagan is so freaking in love its like a you and me against the whole world scenario.
Tyler and Vaughan have chemistry but they sometimes do not. I can see that Gage and Tyler might work together.
The POV between Haley and Nelson was actually amazing too! I love it.
Profile Image for Mandy Reads Indie.
1,987 reviews91 followers
December 4, 2013
I see you are back considering volume 2 of the LOVE AND DECAY series. As if you need convincing, right? You obviously read the first one and now you are needing to get your grubby little fingers on the next installment. That's ok. I understand. I feel your feels. This is one amazing series and it is only right you finish it out. Lucky you, you get an additional episode told in Hendrix's POV. And I was right earlier in my review of Vol 1 wasn't I? I told you that you would be calling these awesome characters family and you are, am I right? Thought so. Come see if the crew make it out of this season alive. You are going to want to get comfortable. Once you start you won't be able to stop!
Profile Image for Dena.
4,457 reviews12 followers
February 17, 2014
The series is getting better with the drama and terror getting more climactic. I love the fast pace and the way the characters are coming more together. The stalker point of view is genius, I mean who would think of that in the middle of an apocalypse. I also love the way the characters are coming to rely on each other rather than on the self. Tyler still gets on my nerves but towards the end I think she is realizing how much her survival relies on herself.


Overall the story is compelling and I waiting for the next episode especially with the cliffhanger. I mean I hope it comes out soon.
Profile Image for Carrie.
1,304 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2014
I still stand by my previous description of Love and Decay being like the Walking Dead for the CW crowd. Reagan continues to be a strong female protagonist who is both witty and has a great sense of humor.

I was a little bit disappointed with this series of stories. I kind of felt like they blurred together. Reagan comes within inches of losing her life in every story. Rinse and repeat. I did like episode 12. I feel like the author really threw something different at us. Forced Kane to show himself. Brought out a different enemy than just the zombies.
Profile Image for Leanne Crabtree.
Author 12 books80 followers
July 30, 2016
I love this series!

Episode Twelve! Wow! They were all brilliant but Episode Twelve...Reagan, you kick arse girl!

How am I going to survive without this series?! Without Hendrix and Reagan?! And Vaughan and Nelson and Haley and King and Harrison and little Page?!

So excited to see that Episode One, Series Two is out on Valentine's Day, two days after my birthday. Treat myself time, I think :D

Rachel, you are brilliant!
Profile Image for Jocelyn.
448 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2014
Wow… this series instantly sucked me in and took a spot in my top five {and that is saying a lot, because I won't touch anything zombie with a 10 foot pole}

Reagan is strong and intriguing. I was instantly curious about how she and her gal pal, zombie-butt kicking side kick, haley have stayed alive for the past two years, because heaven help me, I would have died on day 1 of the zombie apocalypse.

The twists and turns never stop and will keep me enthralled!
Profile Image for Heather.
133 reviews2 followers
January 28, 2015
Despite the fact this author is in DESPERATE need of a proofreader....there is something about her writing that is captivating. I like how the story is written in episodes so you are always getting some degree of resolution as you go. She gets a little excessive with bad language while at the same time trying to excuse it by "the cuss jar" comments. How about we ditch the cuss jar idea and clean up our language already?
Profile Image for Jessica.
302 reviews14 followers
December 26, 2013
I am enjoying this series yes but at the same time Reagan is starting to bug me. In the start she was this strong character didn't rely on other people now she seems to be becoming weak, I know she is becoming tired with it all but she is fighting for her safety and the safety of everyone she loves, but it is almost like she is starting to give up. I hope that isn't the case!
Profile Image for Kimothy.
1,303 reviews23 followers
January 1, 2014
finished this before I put my head down after celebrating the new year.it was a hard job not reading the final chapter before now but it needed to be done to digest everything that happened to this weird makeshift family.rachel higginson you are a god all you write is amazing and so emotionally charged with the scenarios the characters get into.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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