River Arrow

New Guardsmen #2

by Ella Drake

Jared Covington is about to veer off course. He’s survived the end of known civilization by staying focused. His crew, his community, and his own life demand he take no chances. Working the Mississippi River carries enough risk, but it pays to avoid trouble where he can, including never getting involved with the ragtag communities on his trade route. He doesn’t count on Mari and how involved he wants to get.

Mari is a survivor. An attacking drifter gang has captured her entire village and she’s the only one who can stop them. If she’s going to die saving her people, least she can do is finally get her hands on Jared, the man she’s dreamed of since she first set eyes on him. When her entire life is upside down may not be the best time to get him in her bed, but she’s not taking chances.

Mari knows Jared is her lucky break. She just has to convince him of that. Later. For now, their sizzling attraction is put on hold. Because, unless they free the village from the drifters, there is no future.

Genres: Romance

50 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2014

About the author

As a child Ella read books under the covers with a flashlight. There she found a special love of elves, dragons, and knights. Now that she's found her own knight in shining armor and happily ever after, she loves to write tales of fantasy, hot enough to scorch the sheets. No flashlight needed.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mari was a fighter and her character is great from start to finish. She cares about her people and won’t leave them behind or trapped. Jared is like a lone ranger who travels the river and keeps everyone at an arms length. This was a quick read but enjoyable.

[Jenny Delandro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Environmental Dystopia caused by scientists trying to play God..
He is a river trader... ferrying goods and people up and down what used to be called the Mississippi river...
She lives in an isolated village... he notices her
one day he finds a body in the river but when he pulls it on board he is confronted by mystery..
She is alive
There are drifters who have attacked her village and if they do nothing all will be killed.

Even though he does not want to get involved with this little war he has no choice as she is committed to this settlement.

Lots of fighting and daring-do.. a good David v Goliath yarn..

In the aftermath he must return to the river... because lots of people depend on him and what he trades...

it is revealed that all in her community are of dark skin... he does not even think about it as a reason to stay in their isolated village... but she indicates that racial discrimination is something that survives the collapse of the worlds economy.. They fell safe when they are together..

She surprises him in the end
Good story
Solid world building...
I am now exploring more by this author..

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dystopian book that was okay. Mari is a village girl who is trying to escape. Jared is a good trader and notices her. To me it was okay and i did enjoy reading it but there just wasn't much else to say about it.

[Jennifer Erwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got this in the Taming the Alphas box set, Kindle edition. It was an ok story. Don't know that I'd read the rest of them though.

[Puna · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Inanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad!