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Dead Heat
**Thank you to everyone who read this first edition**
It is no longer available, link to new version below
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
It is no longer available, link to new version below
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2015
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57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 12, 2020
Me²: So what are we watching on our weekly movie night? (Sees me toying with my zombie keychain)
Me²: No, hell NO!
Me: Oh c'mon, I haven't watched it in ages.
Me²: Let's read instead (thinking that she's winning)
Me: I do have a zombie apocalypse book that I have been saving for blood work emergency (jumps up and down)
Me²: But x 1OOO
Ren Thompson should write more, doesn't matter what she writes about - Maths, How To Care For Garden Gnomes, 1O, OOO Ways To Use Baking Soda, I will buy 'em all and read them at my leisure.
A zombie apocalypse set in Toronto with a hardass Zombie Hunter aka Rider and the woman she has been bumping into for a few years. Fate finally gives them a break and brings them in contact and when that happens, you may experience a heart, a swoon, and a clit attack simultaneously so get ready for them. When I read, I don’t want to notice that I’m reading, I want to feel completely immersed in that world, I want to feel the passion, the angst, the craziness, I want to have questions and be able to seek answers, I want an EPIC read and that's what I get.
I'm convinced that this story is going to make your fingers and toes curl. It's advisable to have a bucket of cold water on standby so you can cool off now and then. The sex scenes are scorchingly hot. You can feel their bodies tremble, the air is saturated with heat and sparkling electricity. The damp skin, the drops of sweat trickling down bare skin…it's mesmerizing. The thrill of anticipation, all the sensations, the blazing heat that surrounds these two whenever their bodies are melding together it's going to leave you breathless. The leads' chemistry is truly explosive and the urgency, need, lust, passion, and longing will push you over the edge.
As for the Zombies element, the best I have ever read in Lesfic. Ms.Thompson ventures into the unimaginable, sickening, everything about them is simply stunning and should be experienced on your own.
Bravo, Ms.Thompson. Yes, You Canada!
Me²: No, hell NO!
Me: Oh c'mon, I haven't watched it in ages.
Me²: Let's read instead (thinking that she's winning)
Me: I do have a zombie apocalypse book that I have been saving for blood work emergency (jumps up and down)
Me²: But x 1OOO
Ren Thompson should write more, doesn't matter what she writes about - Maths, How To Care For Garden Gnomes, 1O, OOO Ways To Use Baking Soda, I will buy 'em all and read them at my leisure.
A zombie apocalypse set in Toronto with a hardass Zombie Hunter aka Rider and the woman she has been bumping into for a few years. Fate finally gives them a break and brings them in contact and when that happens, you may experience a heart, a swoon, and a clit attack simultaneously so get ready for them. When I read, I don’t want to notice that I’m reading, I want to feel completely immersed in that world, I want to feel the passion, the angst, the craziness, I want to have questions and be able to seek answers, I want an EPIC read and that's what I get.
I'm convinced that this story is going to make your fingers and toes curl. It's advisable to have a bucket of cold water on standby so you can cool off now and then. The sex scenes are scorchingly hot. You can feel their bodies tremble, the air is saturated with heat and sparkling electricity. The damp skin, the drops of sweat trickling down bare skin…it's mesmerizing. The thrill of anticipation, all the sensations, the blazing heat that surrounds these two whenever their bodies are melding together it's going to leave you breathless. The leads' chemistry is truly explosive and the urgency, need, lust, passion, and longing will push you over the edge.
As for the Zombies element, the best I have ever read in Lesfic. Ms.Thompson ventures into the unimaginable, sickening, everything about them is simply stunning and should be experienced on your own.
Bravo, Ms.Thompson. Yes, You Canada!
November 27, 2015
4.5 bloody (<- pun intended) brilliant stars
Scary/zombies/nail biting/FF loving/edge-of-your-seat brilliant roller coaster ride.
I’m a huge fan of ‘The Walking Dead’ so I jumped at the chance to read to review this story the minute I saw the word zombies! Whether you are a fan of the show or not, if you enjoy stories with a post-apocalyptic setting, people fighting for survival and to rebuild a new world, this is a story for you! And before I continue I must state the story did not ‘mirror’ the show, therefore it was far from predictable.
The descriptive writing was great, although given the circumstances, not always easy to read. If blood and guts make you squeamish, you might find yourself reading between your fingers, or having to look away a time or two.
At the start of the story our heroine is put to the test while out on a survival mission and her own squad turn on her, teaching her a very harsh lesson. My heart broke for her, as it did when her at the time girlfriend, Jess, confessed her transgressions.
The characters were well fleshed out, no pun intended. I felt like I knew Dana and Kelly, and enjoyed being taken on their journey – both as individuals and together.
The sex scenes were sensual and smoking hot, exactly what I expect to find when reading a lesbian romance! In addition, they complimented the story, rather than overwhelm it. My inner lesbian purred in delight.
There’s a subplot with zombie porn peppered throughout the story, which kept me guessing to the very end. Hoping the douche bags would get discovered and receive their comeuppance.
The reason I didn’t give this a solid five stars is because the ending felt rushed. Just when my heart was pounding, anticipating a ground breaking conclusion, I turned the page to read the words – ‘epilogue’ and the story to continue more than a decade later. Granted it summed up everything but that was via telling versus the unfolding of events. To quote our heroine Dana – ‘It felt too perfect’.
I highly recommend this story to those who love fast paced stories, can handle a bit of gore, and who enjoy post-apocalyptic settings. And more importantly, a story of love and survival.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest review
Scary/zombies/nail biting/FF loving/edge-of-your-seat brilliant roller coaster ride.
I’m a huge fan of ‘The Walking Dead’ so I jumped at the chance to read to review this story the minute I saw the word zombies! Whether you are a fan of the show or not, if you enjoy stories with a post-apocalyptic setting, people fighting for survival and to rebuild a new world, this is a story for you! And before I continue I must state the story did not ‘mirror’ the show, therefore it was far from predictable.
The descriptive writing was great, although given the circumstances, not always easy to read. If blood and guts make you squeamish, you might find yourself reading between your fingers, or having to look away a time or two.
At the start of the story our heroine is put to the test while out on a survival mission and her own squad turn on her, teaching her a very harsh lesson. My heart broke for her, as it did when her at the time girlfriend, Jess, confessed her transgressions.
The characters were well fleshed out, no pun intended. I felt like I knew Dana and Kelly, and enjoyed being taken on their journey – both as individuals and together.
The sex scenes were sensual and smoking hot, exactly what I expect to find when reading a lesbian romance! In addition, they complimented the story, rather than overwhelm it. My inner lesbian purred in delight.
There’s a subplot with zombie porn peppered throughout the story, which kept me guessing to the very end. Hoping the douche bags would get discovered and receive their comeuppance.
The reason I didn’t give this a solid five stars is because the ending felt rushed. Just when my heart was pounding, anticipating a ground breaking conclusion, I turned the page to read the words – ‘epilogue’ and the story to continue more than a decade later. Granted it summed up everything but that was via telling versus the unfolding of events. To quote our heroine Dana – ‘It felt too perfect’.
I highly recommend this story to those who love fast paced stories, can handle a bit of gore, and who enjoy post-apocalyptic settings. And more importantly, a story of love and survival.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest review
January 26, 2020
As zombie novels go, this one met my expectations and then some. The sick and twisted horror that people do for money - considering the crap that's out there online, was unexpected but still believable.
Seeing Dana go from a scared trainee to a full blown, knuckle busting and elite zombie killer was pretty awesome. The interactions with Kelly softened the book rather nicely as well as setting fire to the pages, as there were some hot scenes between them too. The ending was bittersweet... which I rather liked 'cause it was so different to anything else I've read before, but annoying just 'cause I wanted so badly for Dana and Kelly to find happiness together.
Seeing Dana go from a scared trainee to a full blown, knuckle busting and elite zombie killer was pretty awesome. The interactions with Kelly softened the book rather nicely as well as setting fire to the pages, as there were some hot scenes between them too. The ending was bittersweet... which I rather liked 'cause it was so different to anything else I've read before, but annoying just 'cause I wanted so badly for Dana and Kelly to find happiness together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2020
3.5 ⭐
March 20, 2015
Brainycat's 5 "B"s
:
blood: 4
boobs: 5
bombs: 2
bondage: 1
blasphemy: 2
Stars : 3
Bechdel Test : PASS
Deggan's Rule : FAIL
Gay Bechdel Test : PASS
Full review at booklikes.
blood: 4
boobs: 5
bombs: 2
bondage: 1
blasphemy: 2
Stars : 3
Bechdel Test : PASS
Deggan's Rule : FAIL
Gay Bechdel Test : PASS
Full review at booklikes.
January 16, 2015
I received this book in return for an honest review.
I know it says I give this book 5 stars... no, I really give it 10!
This book was AMAZING! Now THIS is epic zombie book! One of the best I have ever read so far to be honest. It had the perfect amount of action, romance, drama. I have no complains at all. Now there were a few things that were very risqué, that I actually had to look up from reading and go "Well that's new." but eh. You get past it. Haha. Oh my gosh. That ending though. The author just straight up ripped my heart out and stomped on it then beat it with a hammer. I cried then dang near fainted at the sudden plot twist. REALLY didn't see THAT coming! It left me with that sudden rush feeling, going "whoa" Amazing book. One of a kind that will suck you into it's world and you will be lost. I still feel lost there. Book hangover, much? Haha!
I know it says I give this book 5 stars... no, I really give it 10!
This book was AMAZING! Now THIS is epic zombie book! One of the best I have ever read so far to be honest. It had the perfect amount of action, romance, drama. I have no complains at all. Now there were a few things that were very risqué, that I actually had to look up from reading and go "Well that's new." but eh. You get past it. Haha. Oh my gosh. That ending though. The author just straight up ripped my heart out and stomped on it then beat it with a hammer. I cried then dang near fainted at the sudden plot twist. REALLY didn't see THAT coming! It left me with that sudden rush feeling, going "whoa" Amazing book. One of a kind that will suck you into it's world and you will be lost. I still feel lost there. Book hangover, much? Haha!
September 3, 2022
Pay no attention to the gorgeously misleading cover. Dead Heat is a book that was pitched to me as a "horror / zombies / lesbian novel" with a trigger warning for "dark themes and also for snuff" - and that pitch is exactly what this novel is all about.
The post-apocalyptic zombie genre has been done to death, but Ren Thompson has managed to do something fresh and original with it that I really enjoyed. This was dark, twisted, and extremely creative in the telling.
Before I get into the story itself, let me geek out for a moment. This may be a near-future zombie apocalypse, but the soundtrack here consists of classic Motorhead, Iron Maiden, Guns 'n Roses, and more. Thompson uses music to set the scene in a number of places, and the rumbling bass and racing guitars are perfect for getting the heart racing. Also, this is a story that unabashedly Canadian, taking us from the abandoned ruins of Ontario Place, to the streets of Etobicoke, to the Scarborough Bluffs, Wasaga Beach, and even Niagara. I'll be honest, that makes my heart bleed red and white all day long.
Okay, so back to the story. This is a book about zombie hunting, brutal cage matches, and near-homicidal rules of conduct that involve beating strength into people . . . and tenderness out. As the story opens, we see Dana Layton falter in the face of true zombie horror, putting the rest of her zombie hunting team at risk. It's completely understandable but, in this world, just as completely inexcusable. Upon return to camp, she's summoned before their leader, who proceeds to invite the team - including her girlfriend - to beat her nearly to death.
And that's the normal part.
So, where does the WTF element come in? Well, in a world torn apart by a zombie apocalypse, there are always people who are willing to sink lower than zombies. In this case that means zombie snuff porn . . . and that means precisely what you think it does. We're talking women riding zombies bound to the bed, some of whom are zombified in mid-coitus, while others are left to be fed upon as an after-orgasmic snack. Thompson spares us the truly pornographic details, but there's no question what's going on - and getting insight into the minds of the producers is even uglier. It's not just darkness for the sake of being disturbing, it's a crucial element of the plot, and it all plays into the final climax (no pun intended).
That's not to say it's all doom and gloom. There are glimmers of hope, including an East Coast refuge for repopulating the Earth, and some interesting studies into whether zombies are evil, sick, or just soul-less animals. Then, of course, there is the romance between Dana and Kelly that grounds the two women, gives them hope, and counters the blood and darkness they face night-and-day. The romantic element is definitely secondary to the horror, but still an integral part of the plot . . . and an interesting part of its telling.
What really amazed me about the story was Thompson's use of language. The frantic, passionate, almost hungry scenes of erotic romance between Dana and Kelly deliberately echo the description of zombies feeding, while their playful bedroom bondage scenes echoes the darker, dirtier, much deadlier restraints used in the snuff films. It's a contrast that isn't immediately apparent, but once you start making the connections, it's really remarkable.
Dead Heat is not your standard zombie novel. It's something deeper, darker, and more delightful. Thompson plays with emotions almost as well as she does with words, crafting a novel that completely delivers on its pitch.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
The post-apocalyptic zombie genre has been done to death, but Ren Thompson has managed to do something fresh and original with it that I really enjoyed. This was dark, twisted, and extremely creative in the telling.
Before I get into the story itself, let me geek out for a moment. This may be a near-future zombie apocalypse, but the soundtrack here consists of classic Motorhead, Iron Maiden, Guns 'n Roses, and more. Thompson uses music to set the scene in a number of places, and the rumbling bass and racing guitars are perfect for getting the heart racing. Also, this is a story that unabashedly Canadian, taking us from the abandoned ruins of Ontario Place, to the streets of Etobicoke, to the Scarborough Bluffs, Wasaga Beach, and even Niagara. I'll be honest, that makes my heart bleed red and white all day long.
Okay, so back to the story. This is a book about zombie hunting, brutal cage matches, and near-homicidal rules of conduct that involve beating strength into people . . . and tenderness out. As the story opens, we see Dana Layton falter in the face of true zombie horror, putting the rest of her zombie hunting team at risk. It's completely understandable but, in this world, just as completely inexcusable. Upon return to camp, she's summoned before their leader, who proceeds to invite the team - including her girlfriend - to beat her nearly to death.
And that's the normal part.
So, where does the WTF element come in? Well, in a world torn apart by a zombie apocalypse, there are always people who are willing to sink lower than zombies. In this case that means zombie snuff porn . . . and that means precisely what you think it does. We're talking women riding zombies bound to the bed, some of whom are zombified in mid-coitus, while others are left to be fed upon as an after-orgasmic snack. Thompson spares us the truly pornographic details, but there's no question what's going on - and getting insight into the minds of the producers is even uglier. It's not just darkness for the sake of being disturbing, it's a crucial element of the plot, and it all plays into the final climax (no pun intended).
That's not to say it's all doom and gloom. There are glimmers of hope, including an East Coast refuge for repopulating the Earth, and some interesting studies into whether zombies are evil, sick, or just soul-less animals. Then, of course, there is the romance between Dana and Kelly that grounds the two women, gives them hope, and counters the blood and darkness they face night-and-day. The romantic element is definitely secondary to the horror, but still an integral part of the plot . . . and an interesting part of its telling.
What really amazed me about the story was Thompson's use of language. The frantic, passionate, almost hungry scenes of erotic romance between Dana and Kelly deliberately echo the description of zombies feeding, while their playful bedroom bondage scenes echoes the darker, dirtier, much deadlier restraints used in the snuff films. It's a contrast that isn't immediately apparent, but once you start making the connections, it's really remarkable.
Dead Heat is not your standard zombie novel. It's something deeper, darker, and more delightful. Thompson plays with emotions almost as well as she does with words, crafting a novel that completely delivers on its pitch.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
March 19, 2019
The short blurb bit: In a not-too-distant future Toronto, the world is crawling with zombies and policed by Riders. The Riders are a rough-edged, no-holds-barred group of zombie assassins. At the beginning of the novel, Dana Layton is just finding her footing as a newbie. After a nasty break-up and a tuning in by her colleagues, Dana meets Kelly. Kelly was a nurse whose life was derailed by the zombies. The second time she and Dana meet, there are sparks. But, the world they live in is full of dark people and monsters and it's difficult to love in that kind of place.
The descriptive bit: If you're looking for edgy, post-apocalyptic romance/erotica, then the first half of this books is definitely something you'll want to read. Thompson doesn't pull any punches. The opening of this novel is fiercely violent and paints a picture of people who have adapted to live in a hostile world.
My thoughts bit: Thompson's skills definitely lie in the area of writing action! The first third of Dead Heat is a crazy leap into Zombie killing, biker-like retribution and the disgusting mounds of flesh that are now wandering around Toronto.
The descriptions of the putrefying Zombie flesh, the sights, sounds and smells that Thomspon writes about, really help to create a visual image of the Rotters and the violence and death they leave in their wake.
One of the issues I had with the characters in the book, was that they seemed to be very stereotypical. The Riders were all either hyper-masculine beasts or very butch unfeeling women. I think that Thompson was trying to illustrate how a world filled with violence and depravity can harden people and shape them into a being that is only about self-preservation. I would have enjoyed seeing the characters a little more well-rounded. That could be personal preference though!
I loved reading a Canadian version of the Zombie apocalypse! I was quite thrilled to see Barrie, Ontario mentioned, as that's where my partner's family is from! I will always support Canadian authors.
And kudos to Thompson for continuing her commitment to describe the bleakly violent and shocking world right to the twist at the ending ... no, I'm not going to tell you! But, I love that the story doesn't resolve in a nice, tight, little, happy package at the end.
The warnings bit: Necrophilia (sex with zombies), forced drug use, abuse against women, extreme violence, kidnapping, torture, hints of homophobic thoughts directed at a character, not HEA in some ways
The descriptive bit: If you're looking for edgy, post-apocalyptic romance/erotica, then the first half of this books is definitely something you'll want to read. Thompson doesn't pull any punches. The opening of this novel is fiercely violent and paints a picture of people who have adapted to live in a hostile world.
My thoughts bit: Thompson's skills definitely lie in the area of writing action! The first third of Dead Heat is a crazy leap into Zombie killing, biker-like retribution and the disgusting mounds of flesh that are now wandering around Toronto.
The descriptions of the putrefying Zombie flesh, the sights, sounds and smells that Thomspon writes about, really help to create a visual image of the Rotters and the violence and death they leave in their wake.
One of the issues I had with the characters in the book, was that they seemed to be very stereotypical. The Riders were all either hyper-masculine beasts or very butch unfeeling women. I think that Thompson was trying to illustrate how a world filled with violence and depravity can harden people and shape them into a being that is only about self-preservation. I would have enjoyed seeing the characters a little more well-rounded. That could be personal preference though!
I loved reading a Canadian version of the Zombie apocalypse! I was quite thrilled to see Barrie, Ontario mentioned, as that's where my partner's family is from! I will always support Canadian authors.
And kudos to Thompson for continuing her commitment to describe the bleakly violent and shocking world right to the twist at the ending ... no, I'm not going to tell you! But, I love that the story doesn't resolve in a nice, tight, little, happy package at the end.
The warnings bit: Necrophilia (sex with zombies), forced drug use, abuse against women, extreme violence, kidnapping, torture, hints of homophobic thoughts directed at a character, not HEA in some ways
August 26, 2024
4.5 stars. I've been cleaning out my kindle all day and ran across this one. I'm glad that I decided to read it and not just remove it because holy shit was this good! That ending! I did NOT see that coming at all and it had me all in my feelings. I liked the writing style a lot. The dialogue was sharp, the world was violent and gritty and there's zombies! The romance in this was great as well and it was super sexy. Dana and Kelly had great chemistry and I loved both of their characters. Kelly is kind and caring, Dana is a zombie hunter and is a total bad ass and I loved watching her be vulnerable with Kelly. It was beautiful to see. Again, no spoilers, but fuck that ending hurt. So good but ouch. I'm so glad that I finally read this because it was a wild ride and a damn good time from start to finish.
March 11, 2019
The book starts off with a slam-bang, good action beginning. The story pacing was well done. The sex scenes were not too over the top and just as believable as the action scenes. The ending whiplashes you and manages to stun and sting youFirst book I have read from this author but would definitely read another
November 14, 2024
another tragic ending, no
March 14, 2019
Zombies aka Rotters are multiplying, a bite, a scratch and turn. The story follows a female (Dana) that is on a military like team that has the task of hunting and wiping out the rotters. She is intriguing character - and end a relationship with a coworker not too far into the story and starts a new one with a woman who opens up her narrow world. The journey is action packed and each piece meaningful and a realistic view of a world with zombies - not always easy and never clean. The side characters are background; but enough is described to gain an understanding of their relationship to Dana. The story kept my interest from start to finish and the relationship parts were pleasurable to read.
June 15, 2015
It's easy to tell when a writer of zombie fiction truly loves zombies. Ren Thompson is such a writer. Dead Heat has all the essential zombie tropes but it also strikes out to new territory, satisfying the urge to read about zombies without ever becoming cliche or predictable.
The story focuses on Dana, a rough cage-fighter and member of a zombie-killing military unit. Dana has been hardened by her years with team, and come to live a very narrow life focused on her work - until she finds herself intensely attracted to Kelly. Kelly is a former nurse training to rehabilitate zombies - trying to save them, when Dana is trained only to kill. She is hopeful to Dana's cynicism, and prim and feminine to Dana's sharp edges. But the two find themselves both single on the same evening, and both undeniably attracted to each other. They are opposites, but both trying to find a way to fit - and to fit together - in a flawed world.
This isn't the common snapshot of a zombie outbreak, or a view of a bleak post-apocalyptic wasteland. Instead, it's a fully thought-out near-future science fiction world. Near-future science fiction builds worlds much like today but with small changes which, in some ways, is more difficult to pull off than setting a story on an alien world or a far-distant space ship. It's not enough to just drop new technology into a modern setting; writers need to consider social implications.
Dead Heat is mostly set in the year 2033, roughly 20 years after a zombie outbreak affects some of the population. There are rapid advances in weapons and medical technology - including augmentations to night vision - but other advances have been slower. It feels like a very accurate representation of society after a long war, with military advances as the priority before attention is given to government and plans for the future. Most people can have normal lives - they can still go to university, concerts, bars - just with curfews and rationing, but a seedy underbelly has developed and people are used to seeing guns and the military around.
It feels like Dead Heat is a glimpse into a wider world, which is how sci-fi should be but which is hard to pull off when the main focus is on telling a romantic story. To write near-future sci-fi this well is difficult, let alone to write it with zombies. There are lots of subtle details dropped into the story, and only a few passages of awkward exposition.
Dead Heat has frightening subject matter and some vividly-gross descriptions to go with it, but the romance plot is more thriller than horror or 'dark' romance, without the dwelling on trauma and angst that can be expected from the latter. It's up to personal taste, and if you seek out post-apocalyptic romance for darkness and pain you might be dissatisfied with the core romance.
I thoroughly enjoyed the sweetness of Kelly's character, and the way the near-future setting let zombies sit beside modern things like roommates and bars and browsing the internet when you're bored, the disparate elements meshing into a cohesive whole. An element that made me particularly happy was Dana's love of metal music and how that was more confusing and frightening to Kelly than zombies. It's details like that which reinforce the central conflict and make the story focused on characters and daily life, rather than the frantic focus on zombies that we're used to from most movies.
Dead Heat isn't what I expected, but I'm glad I read it.
The story focuses on Dana, a rough cage-fighter and member of a zombie-killing military unit. Dana has been hardened by her years with team, and come to live a very narrow life focused on her work - until she finds herself intensely attracted to Kelly. Kelly is a former nurse training to rehabilitate zombies - trying to save them, when Dana is trained only to kill. She is hopeful to Dana's cynicism, and prim and feminine to Dana's sharp edges. But the two find themselves both single on the same evening, and both undeniably attracted to each other. They are opposites, but both trying to find a way to fit - and to fit together - in a flawed world.
This isn't the common snapshot of a zombie outbreak, or a view of a bleak post-apocalyptic wasteland. Instead, it's a fully thought-out near-future science fiction world. Near-future science fiction builds worlds much like today but with small changes which, in some ways, is more difficult to pull off than setting a story on an alien world or a far-distant space ship. It's not enough to just drop new technology into a modern setting; writers need to consider social implications.
Dead Heat is mostly set in the year 2033, roughly 20 years after a zombie outbreak affects some of the population. There are rapid advances in weapons and medical technology - including augmentations to night vision - but other advances have been slower. It feels like a very accurate representation of society after a long war, with military advances as the priority before attention is given to government and plans for the future. Most people can have normal lives - they can still go to university, concerts, bars - just with curfews and rationing, but a seedy underbelly has developed and people are used to seeing guns and the military around.
It feels like Dead Heat is a glimpse into a wider world, which is how sci-fi should be but which is hard to pull off when the main focus is on telling a romantic story. To write near-future sci-fi this well is difficult, let alone to write it with zombies. There are lots of subtle details dropped into the story, and only a few passages of awkward exposition.
Dead Heat has frightening subject matter and some vividly-gross descriptions to go with it, but the romance plot is more thriller than horror or 'dark' romance, without the dwelling on trauma and angst that can be expected from the latter. It's up to personal taste, and if you seek out post-apocalyptic romance for darkness and pain you might be dissatisfied with the core romance.
I thoroughly enjoyed the sweetness of Kelly's character, and the way the near-future setting let zombies sit beside modern things like roommates and bars and browsing the internet when you're bored, the disparate elements meshing into a cohesive whole. An element that made me particularly happy was Dana's love of metal music and how that was more confusing and frightening to Kelly than zombies. It's details like that which reinforce the central conflict and make the story focused on characters and daily life, rather than the frantic focus on zombies that we're used to from most movies.
Dead Heat isn't what I expected, but I'm glad I read it.
December 1, 2015
As a lover of post apocalyptic stories, and FF erotica, this story totally worked for me!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews