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Love and Decay 2 #1

Love and Decay 2, Episode One

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

In the last two years, Reagan Willow has survived Zombies, kidnapping, being held prisoner, more Zombies, car crashes, a dangerous stalker, no showers and most importantly Zombies. Life is complicated in the Zombie Apocalypse but Reagan is surrounded by friends that have become family, a settlement she can trust and a man that would do anything to keep her alive.

Last spring, Kane Allen tried to take Reagan away from all those people she’s come to love so fiercely. She escaped, though, and in the aftermath of that traumatic experience, she’s learning to live with the guilt and consequences of her actions.

Life has moved on since Kane and his father Matthias attacked the compound, but that doesn’t mean it’s been any safer.

On a routine supply-run, Reagan finds out exactly how unsafe she is

Reagan may have survived Kane’s captivity, but can she escape a Zombie ambush or retaliation from The Colony? Matthias promised war, and he’s keeping his word.

The Zombie Apocalypse has never been so dangerous.

Love and Decay, Episode One is the first episode in Season Two of 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 February 5, 2014

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225 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Deanna.
161 reviews17 followers
February 6, 2014
description

This episode is my favorite so far. And that's saying a lot because I LOVED the last episode of the first season. That episode was amazing!

But so was this one.

Honestly, this novella series is just so brilliant and so exciting all the time that I can never be bored or disappointed with it. It's just fabulous, really.

This new season began with Reagan dreaming...

"You're bleeding," I whispered as I finally met the fathomless gray depths of his haunted eyes behind thick black-framed glasses.

Yes!!!! You know what those glasses mean, don't you? Gah! My heart started racing when I read that. I thought Reagan was dreaming about Hendrix. But it was Kane! Yay! I'm cool with him just being present in Reagan's dreams for a while. After stabbing him and shooting him last season, I would be surprised if Reagan wasn't affected by what she did to him.

I swear, every chapter, every line of this novella was spectacular. I couldn't get enough of it. I know I already gave away the little Kane dreaming bit at the beginning so I should probably keep from saying anything more, but can I just say how much I love all of these characters?

I feel like I say that every time, but I truly do love them all. Including Tyler. I wasn't a Tyler fan once upon a time, but now I really feel like she is a part of the whole Parker family. (And by "Parker family" I mean all the Parkers, Reagan, Haley, Tyler, and Miller. They are all one giant family and I love it.)



Profile Image for Lenore Kosinski.
2,389 reviews64 followers
November 3, 2015
What just happened?? Seriously, sometimes I just want to slap Reagan so hard.

OK, this episode started off a little slower since it contained a bit of a recap -- which is totally necessary if you hadn't just finished reading the first season, but made me want to hurry it up a bit. But it really doesn't last long at all and we're right back into the thick of things. And it gave us a chance to see how things had been progressing since we last saw our pack of heros.

I can honestly say I didn't see the developments of their raid coming. I mean, I should have. But wow. Just when you think that things can't get much worse than the usual feeder attacks, Ms. Higginson throws in a wrench. Definitely kept me on the edge of my seat.

But then we got to the end. And perhaps Lenore is going to reserve judgement until she reads the next episode, but she was not pleased with the way Reagan handled a certain something. Grrr.... (and yes, I did just refer to myself in the 3rd person).
Profile Image for Mandy Reads Indie.
1,979 reviews91 followers
February 5, 2014

It was hard to believe in God when the world around me resembled hell so strongly. But then there were moments like this. There were situations I survived when I shouldn’t have. There were minutes added to my life that should not exist. There were miraculous drives home in which a vehicle this beat up should not have made it- but it did. And I did. I continued to breathe, to think, to live. I continued to survive despite this decay, despite this horrid death that crept into every part of my existence but my own life and the lives of those people I loved most.
****

Oh glorious day! I am thrilled beyond belief to be back in Higginson's wonderful world of zombies. I was over the moon when asked if I wanted to read an ARC of season 2 episode 1. Um, would riots ensue if Daryl was killed on The Walking Dead? Hell to the yes! I jumped at the chance to read an ARC. I have missed these people something fierce. Especially Reagan and Hendrix. Hallelujah! It is about time these books returned!

****
Because as much as Hendrix loved me. And the boy absolutely did love me… He wouldn’t hesitate to put a bullet right into my temple if I happened to get bit.
And that, my dear End-of-the-World survivors, was true, everlasting love.

****

Life is somewhat better since we last heard from everyone. Meaning it is stable for the time being. The threat of Matthias is still present. But life continues. No one knows for certain if Kane is dead or alive. No one has seen him when out scouting. But no news doesn't necessarily mean good news.

I really wasn't expecting this book to be all that intense. I was actually thinking that Higginson would just give us all a read that slowly got us back into the groove of things in their zombie infested world. Kind of a 'here is what’s been going on update' kind of story. Yeah, so not happening. From the start to the very end the story was absolutely crazy. The story was intense (as usual). And the story was amazing (as usual). I loved every minute of it and so glad to be back with everyone again.

****
I was the kind of girl that strapped on a semi-automatic, and a sawed-off and blew the head off anything that tried to come near my man.
I didn’t play homemaker. I played backup. That was the only love language I could speak.

****

Another must read episode to an all new season!! I am so glad it is back and give mad props to Higginson for bringing it back with a bang!!

Profile Image for Caylie.
Author 6 books165 followers
February 6, 2014
**I received this as an ARC, in return for an honest review**

What the eff?!?

If this is how season 2 starts off, I am terrified of how the rest of the season will go.

Honestly, this episode started off a little slow for me. It was basically a recap of season 1. I thought that may be all there was going to be to this episode.

WRONG!!!!

Holy hell. A routine raiding trip that goes very.much.wrong.
I couldn't even read fast enough... My heat was beating like crazy in fear that Rachel would kill off a beloved main/semi main character... I'm looking at you Star-Crossed series!!!

Ahem.... Sorry. Got off track. But I wouldn't put anything past Rachel anymore!

Also... The ending?! What.the.hell?!? How did that get there?!? Ugh!!!

Anyway... Amazing way to kick off season 2! Can't wait for the next episode... Or hell, for the rest of the season!
Profile Image for Sara.
1,039 reviews18 followers
June 24, 2017
This series gets my heart just a racing! When the action starts, sometimes I am afraid to read on. But I do, and it is so stinkin' wonderful! I never thought I'd like a zombie series, but I LOVE this one. Rachel Higginson has started season 2 off with a bang, and the only suck is I have 2 weeks until the next one.
Profile Image for Cassandra Mello.
291 reviews18 followers
February 9, 2014
Cute one with a really graphic zombie scene which was, yes kind of icky, haha but well written!!! I did squeamishly close my eyes a few times while reading, haha. I don't quite know what's happening with the Kane angle, it's being teased out a bit. Anyway, I'm glad this is back. I'm excited to see what POVs we will get this season :)
Profile Image for Izzie d.
4,298 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 Kelly.
54 reviews11 followers
February 8, 2014
Rachel brings us back into her post apocalyptic world baptized in blood. Seriously y'all prepare yourselves, Love and Decay starts with tons of blood and doesn't slow down. As always, Rachel picks up right where she left us just in case you're super ADHD (like me). All coming from Reagan's point of view makes this recap not only entertaining but very sarcastic. Are y'all ready to jump back into the Parker's blood and gut covered zombie world?

After escaping death and Kane (not sure which is worse, although Kane is a hottie) Reagan is dealing with the emotional trauma that comes after dealing with a crazy person. Meanwhile, the Parkers and the girls are trying to live life as close to normal as possible in the safety of Gabe's compound. Rachel, as always, is a pro at adding little nuggets of sweetness into the misery of zombie life. Look for Hendrix comforting Reagan and pledging his love to her *sigh* and of course the hilariously dry comments from Harrison.

It's Reagan, Haley, Hendrix and Nelson's turn to go on a supply run. Gabe gives them a map and what starts off as a normal outing turns out to become a nightmare. Everything goes according to plan until the group reaches the grocery store. What they thought was an odd smell turned out to be a deadly new weapon. They narrowly escape the store only to face a deadly roadblock.

Reagan just wants to get back to the comfort of the compound and take a nice hot shower. Just when she's able to relax and feel safe, Reagan receives a little "gift" that shakes her to the core and makes her question the safety of her new home.

What I Thought:

WOW!!! Rachel is truly in her element with this book! Love and Decay is a fast paced, grip your iPad thrill ride you hope never ends! I didn't realize how much I missed all these characters until I was able to rejoin them in their exciting adventure. Rachel has a way of grabbing the reader by the shirt and yanking them into her story and not letting them go until the very end, which always ends in a HUGE cliffhanger by the way!!
Profile Image for Kelly.
54 reviews11 followers
February 20, 2014
ARC Review:
While Episode One came in a spatter of blood and bullets, Episode Two was a fast paced psychological thriller that will have you gritting your teeth and holding your breath.

At the end of Episode One, Kane left Reagan a little "gift". The very knife she stabbed him with, effectively shattering any illusions of safety she may have felt in the compound. She chooses to keep this from Hendrix in fear of pulling him further into Kane's sick obsessive games.

In the meantime, Tyler is consumed with the difficult task of rescuing her little brother, Miller from the clutches of their sadistic father. Of course this group would never let one of their own get into any danger without backup, so they venture out to scout Matthias' camp. If you know Rachel, you know that these errands never go smoothly (what's the fun in that?) This particular outing is no exception.....


Episode Two may not have much blood but there's plenty of tension, jealously accusations and passion to hold you captive until the end.


I really like that Rachel took the time to dive into the character's psyches to reinforce their core values in a soulless world. Love is tested with the impurity of doubt and jealousies. Friendships are fortified amidst the ever present stench of death. And the sanity of one man, threatens to overshadow them all.....
Profile Image for Shannon Deberry.
41 reviews3 followers
February 23, 2014
Season one is a must read for anyone who has not picked up this series. And this is Episode one season two.
While safe in the compound , Reagan keeps having reaccuring dreams about the last run in with Kane. With what happened she feels he must be dead, but these dreams keeps him in her thoughts. Her love continues to grow with Hendrix in whom she finds security and peace.
Hendrix and Reagan are asked to go out scouting and to gather supplies, but also asked to take a couple of other's from the compound who need the experience.
I mean things are bad enough in the zombie world but those who may not be able to help in a confrontation, yikes! The group comes into a building with supplies , and they are about ready to enter when they realize, that its a trap. Well organized, something is coating the floor. Hendrix gives the orders for them to leave, and the new guy says we cant leave this,steps out and immediately lands on his back and cracks his head, blood , yep , and here come the zombies.
This was a set up and the group is sure of it, they need to make it out of here, they need to get back to the compound.
Once back Reagan finds a note on her bed, she opens it and her heart fills with dread, its from Kane.
Great first episode for a new season.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,550 reviews37 followers
April 1, 2014
I just love this series, the characters, Reagan, Haley and the Parker Brothers Hendrix and Vaughn and the others. A romance or two going on in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. There is a bit of humor and it is just a well written exciting fast moving story.
Each episode in the series is not long, about 80-90 pages long but only cost 99 cents each and they are worth it for sure. I am totally hooked and am on episode two now of Season Two. You can get the first Season episodes 1-6 for $3.99 but I couldn't wait.
Profile Image for Ashley .
316 reviews20 followers
October 13, 2014
I LOVE this novella series!!

I can't believe I let myself get so far behind. I didn't realize how much I missed these characters until I started reading again!


I was not the kind of woman that paced in front of a fireplace for hours, wringing her hands and worrying about her man.
Oh, no. I was the kind of girl that strapped on a semi-automatic, and a sawed off and blew the head off anything that tried to come near her man.
I didn't play homemaker. I played backup. That was the only love language I could speak.



19 reviews
February 16, 2014
Episode One of season two was just right. It had the perfect amount of action, and the perfect amount of romance.

On "routine" trip to pick up supplies Regan and Hendrix run into a problem that reminds them that they are not in control as they would like to be. Their latest trial gives them more determination than ever to be together, love each other and fight stronger.

I can't wait for the rest of season two.
Profile Image for R..
121 reviews
August 13, 2021
I REFUSE TO BELIEVE KANE IS STILL ALIVE I. R E F U S E.
I feel like the only person that 100000% refuses to put up with that character. No sympathy at all. He's messed up and I was so proud of Reagan for what she did at the end of season one but DAMMIT CAN HE JUST DIIIIE?!?!?
Hendrix and the boys being cute as always and, it keeps getting crazier. Terrified and excited for season two. NOW DIE KANE.
Profile Image for Leanne Crabtree.
Author 12 books80 followers
May 30, 2014
I love this series so much! I'm glad Rachel continued it :)

She's done such a good job of writing a post apocalyptic world consumed by zombies, with few humans remaining, and with main characters that have managed to find love.

I still love all the characters!

One thing, though. Why won't Kane die?! He's crazy and unkillable (not sure that's a word but oh well) no matter what they do to him.

Looking forward to reading the next instalment!
Profile Image for Kimothy.
1,303 reviews23 followers
February 6, 2014
got this as a winning arc.what I will say will have no spoilers but rachel has done it again if your jaw does not drop open by the end of this what boom are you reading?! this is going to go down a dark path but luckily we have reagan,Hayley and the parkers there to go with and I think gage and Tyler will become more involved also x a must read
Profile Image for Fatavia.
325 reviews7 followers
August 12, 2016
Ok so I seriously think Rachel is trying to give me a heart attack. WTF??? This starts off explosive, I'm still reeling. Loved it, Love Regan and all of her bad ass-dry, and those damn Parker men. She knocked this be right out of the park. Can wait for the next installment. Totally hyped about this series....Thanks for the getaway!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Kimchi.
620 reviews14 followers
February 13, 2014
Oh my gosh , I have been waiting for this .... I cant wait to dive into this yaaaaah. Ok finally read the last page and I wish there was more. This is so good it has me on pins and needles waiting for the next book. I am head over heels for Hendrixs. His character had me at hello. And now that Kane is back and heating things up with mischief. Loved it!!!
Profile Image for Dena.
4,451 reviews12 followers
February 17, 2014
This is a compelling first book into the second season. I like how the author made it seem like war has started and we are not waiting for it. The one great thing is everything happens all at once and we are not deliberating on what goes on next. Although I hate the short part but it makes it intriguing that's for sure
Profile Image for Theresa Kay.
Author 25 books445 followers
March 3, 2014
The new season of L&D really started off in an action packed and gory manner. I loved it though. There was quite a bit of back story in this installment, but once it got moving, it didn't stop. I just love Hendrix and Reagan together, especially when they're put in life-threatening situations.

** I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review
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 Emily King.
74 reviews
February 12, 2014
These novella series are just the most awesome thing ever! They're exciting, epic, passionate, and emotional! i love Reagan, Haley, Hendrix, Vaughn, Nelson, and all the brothers! I even have this weird fascination with Kane. Can not wait to see what happens this season!
Profile Image for Melissa.
119 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2014
Uh, I want to be Reagan's best friend (I know, I know, I probably wouldn't survive an apocalypse and she already has a best friend, who I also love)but a girl can dream, right?
Profile Image for Johanna.
213 reviews
March 14, 2014
I just love her stories and this one is a great start to season 2.
Profile Image for Cassandra Mello.
291 reviews18 followers
March 18, 2014
update: read, and it was fabulous :)

and it's back!!! well almost. haha but I love the *idea* of it being back. gosh, the wait for this one will be killer and it's only a few days now.
56 reviews4 followers
February 9, 2014
Great start to season 2, jumps right in with the action and sucks you in.Wish the episodes were longer
Profile Image for Elisa.
218 reviews12 followers
February 7, 2014
This episode is a strong start to the second season of Love and Decay!I particularly loved the ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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