She never wanted to be a cyborg and refuses to love one.
Restored Cyber Soldier, Marcus 582, thinks the chances of dating partial cyborg, Rachel 235, are slim. His cyborg mind can’t calculate his chances with any accuracy, but his human side can feel Rachel's resistance to his every romantic overture.
Marcus understands how Rachel feels. After all, her conversion wasn’t voluntary like his was. She wants a life without any cyborgs in it, including herself. Too bad he can’t give it to her. He’s lost all he can stand to lose in his life. He refuses to lose Rachel too.
I am an active dreamer and find writing to be the best way to use my creativity. Needing to satisfy both sides of my brain, I have become a cross-genre author of contemporary, romantic comedy, fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal romances.
I feel blessed that my books appear on bestseller lists for humor, romantic comedy, space opera, and more. I crave laughter from all my readers and focus my attention on making that happen as often as possible.
I love to hear from anyone who has read my books. Each reader is a hero or heroine to me. I am inspired by you.
I love the series as a whole and the thought that was put in the stories but individually I was not that excited with the books. The writing has evolved for the better from Peyton and King's stories however the intimate scenes still feel awkward and weird. I was not to excited about them because they lacked chemistry. I didn't get the attraction between Marcus and Rachel. I though that military men, cyborgs for that matter should be strategic and on defense-offense all the time and mostly bad-asses but with every book and story they were always unprepared and their women taken from under their noses. Working in the enemy camp didn't do anything for me. I feel that they are chasing their tail around a lab and the bad guys just get to do more bad things. I am used with macho, bad-asses cyborgs on the move and action and here I did't get it... And to top it all they were all afraid of Kyra....really?!
The sci-fi fan in me loved this story, but the part that wanted the romance felt it just a little lacking. However, despite the lack of a love fest I was hoping for between the main characters in this book, I truly enjoyed the action this story had packed in. There’s a lot going on and it had great side characters. I believe the side characters each have their own books and I am definitely interested in reading them, especially Peyton and Kingston's story.
A cyborg (short for "cybernetic organism") is a being with both organic and biomechatronic body parts. That is just what many of the characters in this series are…part human with additional components that they were not born with. Most have had a rough time of it and are learning to cope.
Marcus has been Rachel’s bodyguard for some time and has developed romantic feelings for her. She is anti-cyborg even though she, too, is not 100% human only. In addition to their budding romance there are bad guys to thwart, a kidnapping, a new villain on the loose, a new female cyborg introduced that will show up in book four and the continued camaraderie of the military team.
The book is well written with interesting characters that will eventually all have their stories told. I know the bad guys cannot all be done away with before the series ends but hopefully they will eventually get their comeuppance.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This series just keeps getting better and better with each book. I actually never thought I would enjoy cyborg books until I started reading this series. With each book I remember why I love both sci-fi and romance. Donna just tells an amazing story and I'm so glad I'm along for the ride. She gives you an awesome read but leaves you crumbs here and there and at the end wanting more.
INTELLIGENT, RIVETING, SEXY AND ENTERTAINING !!! Title: Marcus 582 Series: Cyborgs: Mankind Redefined Designation: Book Three of Series, Standalone, No Cliffhanger, HFN Author: Donna McDonald My Rating: FIVE DIVINELY ENTERTAINING STARS***** Wow! I love, love, love it! Marcus 582 is the third riveting book in the Cyborgs: Mankind Redefined series by Donna McDonald and she totally knocked it out of the park - again! I discovered Donna McDonald last year and became a diehard fan after reading Peyton 313, the first release in this amazing series. I adore a sexy romance, fall head over heels for anything with suspense or intrigue, and truly love an intelligent science fiction/fantasy tale but combine those elements into one fabulous read and I'm in heaven, especially when they're well done and Donna McDonald is definitely a master of her trade. McDonald is not only a skilled storyteller with a boundless imagination but she's also a wonderfully gifted wordsmith whose talent never ceases to amaze me. Although this is the third book of the series, it can most definitely be read as a standalone and does NOT end in an actual cliffhanger but there is a common underlying premise and conflict with recurring characters and continuing storyline that run throughout the entire series. The author does a remarkable job of including ample backstory so that each book can be enjoyed as a standalone read. However, having said that, I would highly recommend reading at least the first book since it establishes the premise and sets the stage for each of the future releases in the series. The first story featured brilliant cyber-scientist and cyborg code co-creator Dr Kyra Winters and dashing Marine Captain Peyton Elliot aka Cyborg Peyton 313 who both reappear in each subsequent release along with several other characters who were also introduced in the first book. The sexy cyborg heroes featured in this series are a combination of genetically and bionically engineered super soldiers who were cybernetically imprisoned, reprogrammed, enslaved and sold as 'Cyber Husbands' after aiding the United Coalition of Nations to end a near apocalyptic global war. Dr Winters and her team are now working diligently to rescue, reprogram and restore the humanity of all the cyborgs whose freedom, memories and lives were stolen by Norton Industries acting under the purview of the UCN. But their efforts are being sabotaged by a malevolent unknown entity known only as Creator Omega who continues to covertly engineer the failure of Dr Winter's campaign to free the cyborgs and prevent their reintegration back into society. And unfortunately, the lies, deceit and heinous machinations are, surprisingly, even more complex than they could ever suspect. Each book in the series deals with a different restored cyborg finding true love while attempting to recover their humanity and regain a semblance of balance in their new life. Each couple do get their happy ending but all of the books follow a unified underlying plot in which an unknown enemy wants their efforts to fail. In this story, we follow beautiful former college student and singer, Rachael Logan aka Rachael 235, and restored Marine Lance Corporal Marcus Kells aka Cyborg Marcus 582. I fell in love with both Rachael and Marcus when they were originally introduced in an earlier book and was over the moon when I learned they would have their own story and even more excited after discovering it would be together. They quickly worked their way into my heart and have now become my favorite characters to date.
But I digress, let's talk about this book. I found this story to be well researched, well crafted, well executed and exceptionally well written and edited. The language, terminology and science is intelligent, imaginative yet realistic. The characters are well developed, engaging, endearing and surprisingly, at times, laugh out loud funny. They explode from the pages, come to life in my mind and completely stole my heart. I cried for them, empathized with them and sometimes, laughed with them. I became completely vested in their well-being, their survival and most of all, their happiness. I especially loved the added elements of romance, mystery, intrigue and suspense that are brilliantly interwoven into the story. The dialogue is smart, witty and flows effortlessly. And the premise for this entire series is a stroke of genius. We all know that real life research and inventions often mimic science fiction, and although the general public may not be aware, bionics and AIs do already exist so who knows what they future may hold! The two protagonists are long suffering Lance Corporal Marcus Kells West aka Cyborg Marcus 582 and lovely former college student and now Norton Industries lab assistant, Rachel Logan aka Rachael 235. These two characters play off each other brilliantly and their sexual chemistry is smokin' hot. Their interaction is seductive and arousing but their relationship is also so much more and I don't mean just more sex. It's sexy without the nonstop sex, if that makes any sense. Don't get me wrong, there are some sex scenes but these two characters start out with somewhat of a love/hate relationship, progress to a very tenuous friendship of sorts and despite the odds, finally give in to their feelings to form a strong and meaningful connection that's based on more than merely physical attraction. The relationship and situation with the couple in each book is different, unique and not cut from the same cookie cutter mold so it always keeps me on my toes, never knowing what to expect. I love that about this series! Marcus and Rachael's relationship doesn't really start out as instant attraction and OMG, you're my soulmate. In fact, it's just the opposite with these two unlikely lovers. Marcus is just doing his job as part of Dr Winter's team and sees himself as much too old and damaged for Rachael, and Rachel initially resents him and barely tolerates his presence. But I loved it and just as in the first two books, I found myself on the edge of my seat, glued to every page with my heart pounding and gasping for my next breath. I was immediately drawn into this story, completely immersed, happily lost in a wonderful new adventure with hours passing as minutes and completely unaware of the passage of time.. It was utter perfection! I loved it!
This story begins with the restored, somewhat older Lance Corporal Marcus Kells, a restored cyborg serving as a bodyguard and now self appointed protector for lovely lab assistant Rachael Logan. Rachel never served in the military as did most of the other cyborgs and she certainly never volunteered for any of the cybernetic alterations that were made to her body against her will. Rachael was just a twenty six year old college student and singer whose only mistake was dating and trusting the wrong man. That man was Dr Bradley Smith, self-serving evil genius and former protege of Dr Kyra Winters, who decided that Rachel would make the perfect Cyber Wife - for him. He drugged her, kidnapped her, held her captive, altered her cybernetically and tortured her, taking away her freedom, her free will, her voice, and even her name, all in an attempt to create 'his perfect woman'. Rachael never wanted to be a cyborg. She hates her very existence and what she has become, and has no intention of allowing Dr Winters to make any improvements or upgrades to make her even more of the thing she has come to despise. She is determined to never repeat her mistake of trusting the wrong man and certainly has no plans on becoming involved with a cyborg much less date one -ever. But that doesn't prevent her from admiring the handsome restored cyborg Marcus Kells who for some inexplicable reason, seems doggedly determined to protect her. So every morning, without fail, Marcus shows up at her door to walk the short distance with her to work and reappears every afternoon to escort her home. And he's bossy! What the heck! No matter how ugly she is to him, Rachael can't seem to get rid of the man. But does she really want to? Hmm....I think not! And it's a good thing too because Rachael is still in danger. Brad Smith may now be a cyborg under the control of Dr Winters and no longer a threat, but there is someone else who is even more of a threat and he wants Rachael for himself! Oh no! Oh yes!
Cyborg Marcus Kells formerly known as Marcus 582 has lost everything and has no one to blame but himself. He had a wife and children, a wonderful family he sacrificed in order to do what he felt was his duty. He lost his family long before he was imprisoned as a Cyber Husband. His wife had never wanted him to volunteer for the cyber soldier program but he ignored her wishes and now he must accept the responsibility and the consequences for his actions. He doesn't deserve any happiness and never expected to find it until he began protecting Rachael Logan, a lovely young Norton Industries lab assistant. He suddenly realizes that he finds her very attractive and strangely, just being around her, now makes him happy. And her sparkling conversation skills is certainly not the reason since Rachel can hardly speak at all as a result of the torturous procedure Brad Smith performed on her to guarantee her silence. Marcus has no intention of allowing anyone to ever harm Rachael again. Unfortunately, he may not be able to stop it. Oh my! Will Marcus be able to save her? We'll see!
If you love cyborg science fiction, romantic suspense, spine-tingling intrigue and thrilling adventure, then I highly recommend trying this remarkable series. It's divinely entertaining! What did I love about this story? Everything! What didn't I like? Not a darn thing! Would I recommend this book? You bet and I am! Will I read this author again? Absolutely! Just as soon as I can one-click the next book in the series. Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read! I can hardly wait to read Book Four which has already been released.
Marcus is a cyborg. He volunteered for it. Rachel is a cyborg. She did not want to be one. Someone wants her dead. Marcus has feelings for Rachel and he wants to keep her safe. So many plots within plots. They don't know who to trust. Tension is every where. I really like this series.
A new series to me, and quickly became one of my favorites. HEA, humor, graphic sex, graphic violence...all the good things. Great installment on the series.
Marcus 582, former super soldier and "cyber husband" is still getting used to being released from the hell that was his life for the last 10 years. So what if he's grumpy and distant? He lost his wife and family when they thought he was dead and he still can't decide what he wants from his new life. His one highlight is looking after Rachel as she goes to and from work.
Rachel is also an enhanced human, although in her case it wasn't done voluntarily. Evil Brandon mucked about with her and made her into his own little monster. She now hates what he did to her, including taking her voice from her. Her processor is failing but to fix her she'd need further upgrades, the last thing she wants is to become more Cyborg. Even though she helps restore them all day, she isn't ready to take that final step towards what she thinks will be losing more of her humanity. Marcus feels to old and broken to be good for Rachel and Rachel can't understand her fascination with the looming, forbidding cyborg. But when secret cybernetic experiments rear their ugly heads, Marcus and Rachel have bigger worries on their hands.
Whilst set in the future, the various gadgets of the day make you feel like you are in just a different Earth from now. The characters are engaging, funny and endearing. Marcus is the fabulously grizzled round the edges cyborg. Rachel was a wee bit harder to like but I got there. Their romance is more of the "life keeps getting in the way" kind rather than Instalove/lust kind which was a nice change too. Can't wait to read the next!
I have read Donna McDonald’s paranormal books, Nano Wolves, but none of her other works. So it is a treat to read Marcus 582 (Cyborgs: Mankind Redefined) which is a science fiction romance. Similar to the wolf series there are some very bad scientists in this one. Also some political gray areas. Add characters with dubious agendas; not clear even by the end where their ethics lie and you have the ongoing overall theme of the series.
The plot is character driven and right where I thought it was slowing down more than I wanted it too there is a major twist in the story. I did not see that coming but well done in keeping my interest. I liked Marcus no matter how his processor was working. At heart, he is one of the truly good guys. Rachel took a little more effort to appreciate. I wanted her to see the true Marcus earlier on in the story. Then she has trouble making the decisions needed. I guess she reminded me of someone who in my own life which really is frustrating. So realistic but still frustrating, I wanted to say, “No decision is a decision, wake up and choose wisely!” However, I did like that the romance is allowed to build over the course of the story, since I am not a fan of instant love stories.
Not having read the two previous books in the series, I can say this reads just fine on its own. I did find Peyton and Kyra to be a very interesting couple.so I was thrilled to see that the first book, Peyton 313 was free (not sure if it still is now). Now the second one is on my-to-purchase list.
Copy provided by the publisher through Net Galley for an honest review.
This is a quick entertaining read that has action, romance, suspense and intrigue. It continues the story threads present in the previous books but it is also a complete story in itself. As the titles suggest, each book deals with a different cyborg's individual story, rediscovering both their humanity and freedom and in the process also finding their capacity to love. Even though this story is mainly about Marcus, the plot intrigue, deception and action threads from the other books are interweaved well into this story. You can not help but feel sorry for Rachel, abused and cybotically altered without her consent, she is not only to adjusting to what happened to her but also to being part cyborg. Marcus is still struggling with his country's betrayal, as well as the loss of his old life, his only pleasure is guarding Rachel and that seems to becoming more than just a job for him. These two characters are appealing and your heart aches for their losses. You easily form connections with the various characters in this story and their interactions are humorous and entertaining, especially the rhetoric between Eric and Marcus. I enjoyed the characters, twists and action in this entertains story. I received this book from the author in a giveaway.
Ghost in the Shell meets romantic suspense. This is a must read! I loved the way that Marcus's and Rachel's relationship developed. I truly came to root for this couple. I wish that we had a little more detail on some backstory, but it didn't detract from the story.
The other characters in this story that are either introduced or expanded upon were a great addition here. It just goes to show how much both of the main characters have been through, and unfortunately, will still have to deal with.
The Big Bad Guy needs to be dealt with soon. I really wish that he or she would stop playing God with people's lives. I almost wish that Kyra had gone through with her threat to the councilmen at the end of her book. Oh well, I guess that it could still happen.
With all of that, go get this book and read it now! My inner three year old is already whining for the next one.
This is book three in the series and you really should start with book one. Much of the back-story and world building was done in the first two books. There are some new characters but you get to visit with most of the characters from the previous stories. There is a lot of tension between the two main characters. Marcus is looking out for Rachel and as she finds herself in danger he comes to her rescue. There are several surprises in the story as well as a nice HEA. A nice series for Science Fiction Cyborg fans.
I love the way Donna comes up with the different personalities of her characters and how they interact with each other. It was so fun to read Marcus and Rachel’s story: Marcus working through his cyborg tendencies in his pursuance of Rachel and Rachel learning to change her feelings about cyborgs in general.
Also, I just love the friendship between Marcus and Eric!!! I’m eagerly waiting for the next book in the Series.
I jumped from Kingston's book straight into Marcus's book. Marcus and Rachel's story was amazing. I knew their story was going to be great from the bits and pieces you seen of them from the other books. There was a lot of suspenseful moments in this book that had me on edge and it was so great I had a hard time putting it down. I will be jumping straight into book 4 next! Another great job by Donna McDonald!
This is the third book in the series and like the others I loved it! The romance is off the charts and the intrigue has you guessing until the last page. These cyborgs are super sexy and Donna McDonald gives them such warmth and humor. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who loves sci fi and romance. A perfect combination.
Who is Creator Omega? Who killed Dan (actually strike that I don’t really care he was an….)? Please don’t let this be the last book. Rachel and Marcus deserve happiness after the hell they have had thrust upon them. I couldn’t imagine the pain of looking at your boys and when they look at you they see a stranger. This was a wonderful series that was a complete Joy to read.
Loved this book and all the characters from the previous stories,it has a lot of action. You feel so much for the people involved and what they're going thru. The fear of the unknown and even i want revenge for them against the bad guys. The series is definitely worth the read!!
I am enjoying this twist of cyborgs. The storyline is very interesting with lots of adventure and action. The characters are all amazing and in this story we follow Marcus and Rachel. They make a interesting pair and I was excited for them when Rachel could finally talk again. Wonderful adventure.
Again congrats to Ms. McDonald. I really enjoy reading this series so far. Its interesting and entertaining. I appreciate the changing dept of the characters as the story develops throughout the series. Keep it up and keep them coming until all their stories are told and I will keep reading.
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. Having read the first book I had my doubts about this! But I was surprised and found it so much better than the first. Still a easy read and fairly predictable though.
The author knows how to write because with each book it gets more exciting and keeps you at the edge of your seat. So far each book has not disappoint in anyway and I am excited to read the next one.
In two days I have read three books of this series I’m starting on the 4th now. I love the characters and the hope that each book brings. This is awesome and I’m keeping them on my device to re-read.
This was the first of the books I have read in the series and found it to be very interesting reading. The characters are well made and the story is very intriguing.