The Donor, Part Two

The Donor #2

by Nikki Rae

When Casey joined MYTrueMatch.com, she never imagined she would meet a man who not only helps her pay the bills, but has been nothing but a gentleman.

As the nose bleeds make way for worse symptoms, Casey can’t help the feelings she has for Jonah, despite how he may never return them. And he’s been keeping things from her. Big things. How does he make his money, and who is that girl in the picture?
With the clock ticking, can she find the answers she’s looking for?

Unknown Binding

First published August 22, 2014

About the author

Nikki Rae is an independent author who lives in New Jersey. She explores human nature through fiction, concentrating on making the imaginary as real as possible. Her genres of choice are mainly dark, scary, romantic tales, but she’ll try anything once. When she is not writing, reading, or thinking, you can find her spending time with animals, drawing in a quiet corner, or studying people. Closely.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Donor part two is the second of three in a novella series by Nikki Rae. I would have thought it impossible to connect so quickly to these characters and feel so completely invested in their lives in this short amount of pages. But, believe me, it is possible. Nikki’s writing so beautifully captures our emotions and curiosity.



Casey has traveled to stay with Jonah, as a result of meeting on MyTrueMatch.com. But Casey didn’t tell Jonah about her illness. Jonah, though, is every bit the savior as he not only lets her stay but cares for her. Casey’s illness is progressing at a rapid rate. Casey needs the money to take care of her parents and Jonah needs her blood.



Jonah is such a kind man but is still so mysterious. There are some new details revealed about him but still so very many questions. I was completely involved with this from page one. I want to THINK I know what is going on and if I am correct, that I know how I want and hope this will end. But I have a suspicion that part three will surprise me. I can’t wait to continue on and find out.

Thank you so much to Nikki Rae for providing me with a copy of this for an honest review. I love it and highly recommend it.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Song choice: "Sideways" by Citizen Cope, "Stay with Me" by Sam Smith, "I just want to hold your hand" the Beatles, "The Girl" by City and Colour

Warnings:

1) This was given to me in exchange for an honest review. And honesty is what I do.

2) This is part of a serial, this is the SECOND to be released, please don't read this review if you don't want to know what happened in the first part. I do say this because while i will do my damnest not to do spoilers for this part ^.^ cool? Cool.

First thoughts: I really did, and do love Casey, I think she was a wonderful character. I loved the way this story was told, it rough, raw and gritty. It doesn't paint this idealistic picture for you. I love that Nikki does that style. And she makes it about the simple things as well. Its about the fear of change, its about the want to just hold someone's hand and feel close to them that way. Truly amazing.

Thoughts on Plot: So this is a novella serial (obviously) XD but moving on this moved fast its a quick, amazing read. I enjoyed the first part and this part was just as good if not better. I loved the small developments in Casey's relationship with Jonah, I loved the feelings that are pulled from the reader. Unfortunately a magical cure isn't going to stop the tumor from growing, and things aren't looking as good. But at least Casey has a bit of peace right? a little slice of heaven with Jonah, that might not be shared equally but offers her something. I loved this novella for its wonderfulness.


Characters:

Casey: Seriously love her. She is so strong and awesome. I love her I really do. She is just a wonderful main lady.

Jonah: He is such a mystery. We learn a little more about him in this book. Um....I want to say something so much right now but I can't.

So the ending...



So Nikki if you are looking for ARC readers or sooner readers for the third part:



For more Becca-ness check me out here: http://theviolethourbookreviews.wordp...

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

After I finished reading ‘The Donor (part one)’ I just couldn’t wait until I could finally read more about Casey and Jonah. The first part of this novella makes you really want to read more and more because it’s just so mysterious. And it really leaves you with a lot of questions. So when I received the ARC of ‘The Donor (part two)’ I couldn’t wait to start reading.

In part two of this novella we read more about how Casey struggles with her feelings for Jonah, her strange symptoms and the money problems. Now the nosebleeds aren’t the only thing Casey has to worry about because she is getting more and more bad symptoms. Still, Casey wants to stay with Jonah and find out more about the mysterious guy and off course get some hard needed money for her parents. Even though she is getting the idea that she doesn’t know the whole story about Jonah, she feels save with him. But how long will she be able to stay with him?

Although I had to read my previous review to remember what exactly happened in part one, I also really enjoyed part two of this novella. I love how mysterious this story is and how the story develops. Even though we read more about Casey’s past there is still a lot we don’t know about Jonah and I can’t wait to read the next part. Part two is definitely a lot sadder than the first part but somehow it really fitted.

This story is very easy to read and it grabbed my attention from the very first page. I wish I could read more about this story now instead of waiting on the next part. But that’s a good sign because I just don’t want to wait anymore! :D

[Alec John · Rating 4 out of 5]

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW IF YOU HAVE NOT READ PART ONE*


Nikki Rae once again has blown me away. In Part Two of the serial novella, The Donor, Nikki tells a powerful story of a girl dying from a brain tumor who goes to meet Jonah, a vampire who collects her blood and pays her the money she is saving to give to her parents after she dies. As I stated in my last review, when I started reading The Donor, I wasn't sure what to expect, simply because vampires have become so cliche.

With this serial novella, I don't feel as if I'm reading a sappy romantic vampire love story. I feel as though I'm reading about life, about something many people deal with on a day to day basis. We've seen all the shows, watched all the movies, and read all of the books, and Nikki Rae's twist on this story of cancer really has struck something inside of me. It's powerful, brilliant, and I have never quite read anything like it. If you're looking for something unique and emotional, The Donor is the novella to read.

[Paranormal Books R Us · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part two of Nikki Rae's serial novella is just as amazing as part one!
It's hard to believe I could get so completely wrapped up in the characters in such a short amount of time but Nikki Rae never fails to amaze me. She has this uncanny ability to create such unique and in depth characters that even though this is only a serial you feel like you've known them forever. The suspense and foreboding that constantly fills Casey and Jonah's story keeps me on the edge of my seat with not knowing what will come next. I very much look forward to the conclusion of this story and for me part three can't come fast enough!
In my opinion The Donor (Part Two) is absolutely recommended.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awe man! I have such a love hate relationship with short little parts! Again, I cannot wait for the next and final installment! I never realized it was possible to really feel and get attached to a set of characters after such a short story. The Donor part 1 had me locked onto the story and part 2 had me hooked on the characters. I adore her bravery. I adore her attitude. I love the mystery and calmness that he resonates. More! I need more!

[Louise Seraphim Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

So the story continues. The Donor Part 1 saw Casey Williams struggling for money, since an accident in her family left them living in a trailer with no money for hospital bills or college. Casey is introduced to MyTrueMatch.com by a work colleague. Somewhere she can meet someone, who will pay her to spend time with them. She just has to share herself with her match and she will have some decent money. Which is going to come in handy since she also is suffering with some nasty headaches and other symptoms, but can't afford to go to the dr's. She needs this money badly and quickly. Thankfully, she finds Jonah. They get to know each other online and arrange for their first meeting.
Casey goes to stay with Jonah as arranged, yet once there. Casey has a turn for the worst. It would seem Casey is pretty bad off and Jonah had no idea. Luckily, Jonah is a perfect match in many ways, he suggests a different arrangement for the both if them, which is perfect. If only circumstances were different, Jonah would of been literally Casey's True Match. Plus Jonah's circumstances also make for quite a shock, when Casey realises what she is actually there for.
So Part 2 continues straight on from the last scene of part 1, Casey and Jonah agree on a longer term for her stay with him. Jonah now knows the full circumstances of Casey's illness and wants to help where he can. It would seem this is put to the test as Casey's full symptoms rapidly start to progress and can be quite debilitating. This second part, is more focused on Casey and her struggle, and how Jonah helps her. Through some quite sad and harsh yet real scenes Jonah continues to prove his support and kindness to Casey. The Donor Part 1, was all about the intrigue. I was curious about everything happening, who was Jonah, what was up with Casey. Basically learning all about the characters and what their story and circumstances were. Part 2 had a completely different feel, it now became more about the pain and showing what Casey was going through. I felt it showed the brutal and sad aspects of Casey and Jonah's story. Although it was mostly about Casey's pain, we also find more out about Jonah. Why he is what he is and how that came about. He also shares something of his past, proving he trusts Casey and is willing to open up to her. Considering the small about of time that has passed since the beginning and the fact that it hasn't been quite like Casey expected. Jonah and Casey have managed to get to know each other and find they are comfortable in each other's company. They share some things in common too, which helps. The underlying interest in aquatics. Jonah keeps seahorses and for some unknown reason, they seem to be dying. Casey, has always loved aquariums and visited one every year of her birthday, with the dream to go to college to study marine biology. That is until her life made a sudden and abrupt nosedive.
Just like Part 1 in this series, the writing is beautiful and shows the raw and brutal picture of Casey and Jonah's story. It remained captivating and enthralling as it flowed straight through this next part. Although it would seem the outlook is bleak, I still hold out the hope that something can happen. Something big, to bring light on a really sad story. The possibility is there, which is what I love about this series and the characters, there is always the possibility that anything could happen. I never really know what to expect and love the shock factor. It was something that I loved in the Sunshine series by Author Nikki Rae. I never knew what was around the corner, yet the journey was intriguing and emotional to get there.
Another fantastic part to this series. I'm unbelievably excited and curious about part 3!


**I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.**

[Amy (Lost in a Good Book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I was provided a copy for review

This second installment in Nikki Rae’s novella The Donor doesn’t waver one bit from the interest sparked in part one. It is captivating and generates great curiosity, even offers a few more answers. The intriguing nature of the story gets you in and it is very easy to read, making it hard to drag yourself away from the story. Being so brief it does not take long to get through but despite being short, Rae manages to put a lot of mystery and interest into the story.

While there was a lot of unspoken things in part one, part two allows us to see more of Casey and Jonah’s relationship, as well as learn a bit more about Casey and why she went to MyTrueMatch.com in the first place. Flashbacks are again used in how Rae tells us about Casey’s life and her motives, but through clever dialogue and a creative narrative we are also given a few clues about the mysterious Jonah. Hints and clues are gradually dropped throughout but Rae does not spell anything out obviously.

I love how Rae is slowly revealing things to us, making us piece it together. She uses Casey’s thoughts, her conversations, and the events around her to tell us what is happening rather than giving the reader information just for the sake of knowing. The mystery is what makes this a great story and it keeps you guessing and makes you excited when you figure things out. So while we are learning a bit more about these characters but we are also given a puzzle to solve which is great.

In terms of style, Rae captures the uncertainty between the pair and the new, strange relationship they have with one another extremely well. Casey’s uneasiness and embarrassment about her condition are evident as you read, but you also see Jonah’s compassion as a result. The other complexities of Casey and Jonah’s relationship are expressed well and there is a nervous uncertainty coming from them both that gives the story a believable element. Rae uses these feelings to express great compassion from each character but also manages to draws it out from the reader as well.

Reading this story makes you realise Casey knows a lot more than the reader, she knows what she is doing and what she has gotten herself in for, and it is only slowly that the reader is able to find out. Rae does not write like Casey is telling us her story exactly, aside from flashbacks a lot of information is provided in dialogue or through Casey’s thoughts; we are mainly observers, having to piece it together ourselves. This is a great approach in my opinion, especially being a multi-part novella there is limited space and in focusing on the story there isn’t a lot of room or opportunity to stop and explain to readers, especially without ruining the surprises.

As evident with her Sunshine novels, Rae is a wonder at surprises and great, gripping narratives and this is another example of her skills. By the end you are hanging out for the third instalment and you are left excited and curious about where the story and characters will end up.

This review was also posted on my blog http://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/20...

[Mareena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Casey Williams, a recent high school graduate, has left her sick and impoverished parents and moved to Boston. In an effort to earn enough money to help her family - to secure their financial future in the face of her dire medical diagnosis - Casey had turned to the website MyTrueMatch.com; and to the mysterious Jonah Black; willing to do almost anything for him. For the past several weeks now, she has lived in Jonah's Boston apartment - suffering from an inoperable brain tumor of which her parents know nothing.

During her time with him, and despite the fact that Casey signed a contract which effectively allows Jonah full access to her body - to do whatever he wishes - Jonah Black has conducted himself like a gentleman around Casey. When she joined MyTrueMatch.com, she never expected to meet someone who would help her pay her bills, and who still treated her decently. She finds herself actually liking Jonah. Quite a bit.

As Casey's nose bleeds eventually progress to worse symptoms, she can't help the feelings she's developing for Jonah, despite how he may never return them. And Jonah's been keeping secrets from her. Big secrets. Such as how he makes his money. And the identity of the little girl in the framed picture. With the clock ticking, can Casey find the answers she's looking for?

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. In my opinion, Jonah Black is not quite as frightening as he once seemed, although he still is just as mysterious. I can't wait until September to read the final part of this story; as this part ended in a cliffhanger that had me champing at the bit to learn what happens next. I give The Donor Part Two by Nikki Rae a definite A!

[El · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review and more on So Bookalicious


After I finished the first part of The Donor I couldn't wait to read the next part. Casey and Jonah were such interesting characters and I liked them both from the moment I met them. Part one left me with so many questions and I am glad that part two answered most of my questions. But of course part two had some questions of its own so I can’t wait to read the third part.

Part two shows Casey struggling with her feelings for Jonah and her symptoms that are getting worse every day. Still Casey decides to stay with Jonah for a longer period and keep her parents in the dark. What they don’t know won’t hurt them, right? Jonah can offer her everything she wants, money, comfort and friendship. Still he’s a mysterious guy, he’s keeping things from her but at the same time she feels really safe when she’s with him.

I love how mysterious this book is and how all the answers to my questions are slowly revealed. I remember that had a question in my character interview about the seahorses, so I was thrilled when I found out the story about Jonah’s obsession with seahorses. We get to know Casey a lot better, we get a lot of glimpses from her past but Jonah is still a closed book. So I can’t wait to read the next part, because I really hope that he will finally let all his walls down.

This story grabbed my attention right from the very first page, just like the previous part. It’s really amazing how Nikki can drag you into the story just in a couple of pages. I’m really excited to read the next part!

[Kirsty Bicknell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the fact that The Donor #2 is another short story, which took me no longer than 15 minutes to read, I was eager to continue the series after my interest was piqued in book one.
Nikki Rae further explores the relationship between Jonah and Casey and from their conversations we learn more about Jonah's life, pre-change.
The author finds an original connection between the characters, but I admit that the fish and seahorse references were probably meant to be deeper than I found them!
I was disappointed that Casey remains relatively one-dimensional and tragic, and Nikki Rae plays on her desperation, as a result of both her illness and family situation, which she hopes we will be sympathetic of. I want to like Casey, I really do, but now given the predictable way she reacts towards Jonah, I feel unable to.
It is a clever decision by Nikki Rae to divide this story into these short parts because she gives her reader time to dwell on the events and cliff-hanger endings, leaving us anticipating the next installment.

[Desiree Putaski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated 4.5 stars!

If you haven’t read part one, you probably shouldn’t read this… even though I will try my best not to give away too much.

Casey has flown to Boston to be Jonah’s donor. Her character continues to grow in this novella. One thing I love about Nikki’s writing is that she doesn’t paint everything with sunshine and rainbows. Life isn’t always pretty, and yes, we read to escape into another world (to maybe get away from life not being pretty)… but when you connect to characters and you realize that not everything in their lives are peachy either, it just makes it so much easier to associate with them. Her characters are so real and so raw that it just draws you to them.

Jonah is still a mystery and, while we do get a little insight into his life before he was turned, we don’t know much about him. When Casey asks him what he does for work, his answer is very vague. Which seems to be typical Jonah.

Casey’s feeling for Jonah are growing. And while he might not return her feelings, he’s definitely feeling something beyond her just being his donor.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Donor part two is the sequel in the novella series by Nikki Rae. You get to know more about the story of Casey and Jonah.

Casey doesn’t know how this donor thing works and she’s figuring it out, day by day. And Jonah figured out that Casey has cancer, but he doesn’t refuse her blood. Which is good because Casey needs the money to pay the bills.

Casey isn’t sure what kind of man Jonah is, but in part two you get to know more of Jonah. He is mysterious, but also kind and caring. He asks is Casey needs something, he takes care of her by looking after her, he wants to make her feel comfortable.

You have some flashback in the story; you get to know how Casey reacted when the doctor tells her what kind of disease she has, her aquarium experiences, Jonah transforming into a vampire,... But the flashbacks aren’t unpleasant, they’re interesting.

But then, at the end, I’m shocked. Jonah? Serious?
I have to read the third and final part!

-I want to thank Nikki Rae for the ARC!

[Jonel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This segment of the story is intensely emotional. Rae deals with the very real and difficult decisions her characters have to make, while allowing us to get to know them a bit better. I love how you really get in close with the characters and where they both come from. At the same time, you also get to understand where they’re both coming from. It is an intensely emotional ride, even considering the short page length. This is definitely a story that will stay with me for a long, long while.

My final thoughts? Holy cliff-hanger! I’m dying to know what happens next. I don’t know if I can wait!

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle Cornwell-Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Donor (Part Two) left me wanting more at the end! Jonah and Casey's story tugged at my heart. These two lonely, broken individuals each hold the piece to the puzzle that would heal the other. I liked finding out what brought Casey to the place she was now in and I hurriedly flipped from page to page, wondering what would happen next...what would finally (hopefully) bring them together...the end completely was unexpected and now I cannot wait to read Part 3!

The novella was well written and another example of a great read from this talented author!

[Shayna Varadeaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG Nikki!!!! I'm not sure how long I can wait before I lose my mind! I NEED to know what happens next! LOL Aaaah!

Okay people seriously this short story series is a MUST read!! And may I say it would be a great TV show too. :) I'm just saying...

You so NEED to read The Donor Part One and The Donor Part Two by Nikki Rae!

Check out The Sunshine Series while you're at it! It's so so good!!!

[Casey, with a book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't get enough of this woman's writing. Seriously good.

[BestChickLit.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was mightily frustrated, as only a bookworm hooked on a new book can be, when part one of The Donor ended so I was over the moon to get my grubby paws on part two recently.

The second novella takes you straight back to where Casey is staying with Jonah, in an attempt to secure her family’s financial situation. A lot of questions are raised in the first instalment and this one begins to develop and really push the story along. It’s as heartbreaking as the first, as Casey struggles to come to terms with her mortality and bears more weight on her shoulders than a kid her age should.

Jonah is a total gent and feelings begin to get tangled between the two as you realise he’s more than meets the eye. There’s no way of knowing exactly what the outcome of this story is going to be because of the constant cloud of dread that hangs over the plot and calls your common sense into question – you want Casey to survive but you know there’s no way she can. The overall feel of the story is emotionally raw, as two people look for comfort and find it in the most unlikely places. It’s a fascinating read that not only hold your attention but demands it.


review by Charlotte Foreman on behalf of BestChickLit.com

[Gabby (What's Beyond Forks?) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?

The Donor Part Two by Nikki Rae was just as good as Part One, only now I just keep liking Jonah more and more. He treats Casey so well and is such a gentleman. He has a heart. I read it from start to finish in about thirty minutes more or less, and it left me not wanting it to end yet. Nikki Rae is excellent at keeping her readers wanting more!

The ARC of The Donor Part 2 by Nikki Rae was kindly provided to me by the author for review. The opinions are my own.

[EndlessReading · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't get enough of this series.....

FULL review to come during tour ~ October 30th