Sojourn

Bellator Saga #3

by Cecilia London

Haunted by her experience at The Fed, Caroline tries to create a new identity. A new present, a new future. She can’t escape the memories that dog her when she least expects it, leaving her mired in a depression that she finds difficult to escape. Caroline needs to regain her physical and mental strength if she intends on surviving the journey to find the elusive rebellion. But that’s easier said than done with the ghosts of the past constantly whispering in her ear.

The road is long and dangerous, and there are no guarantees. She and her companions have no idea what they will find when they arrive at their destination. And what they finally discover may change everything.

Sojourn is not a standalone and should be read after the first two books in the Bellator Saga.

For readers 18+. Ends in a cliffhanger.

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Politics, Suspense, Adult

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 7, 2015

About the author

Cecilia London is the pen name of a native Illinoisan currently living in San Antonio, Texas. She's filled several roles over the course of her adult life - licensed attorney, wrangler of small children, and obsessed baseball fan, among others. An extroverted introvert with a serious social media addiction, she is the author of The Bellator Saga, an epic, genre-crossing romance series. You can catch all of her quirky updates on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or at her website.

Reviews

[TeriLyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's LIVE!


**Sojourn generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**

5+++ "You'll never break free of me..." Stars

The Bellator Saga hails as one of my favorite series. This book - book 3 Sojourn, which can only be read AFTER reading books 1 & 2 - can really be summed up with one glorious word - EPIC! One of my favorite books of 2015!

Cecilia London holds nothing back in this series, in this third installment. Through a brilliantly executed plot that shifts between present day and Caroline's memories, we live a tortured existence right along with Caroline. The many elements in play with this series give so much to the reader. The political and dystopian aspects provide a thickly constructed, captivating plot. And on the flip side, with the erotica and romance elements, we fall in love with the story of Jack and Caroline all over again just as we fell in love with them in the first two installments. Never have I read such intense, intimate, honest scenes of sexual discovery as I have through the words of Cecilia London. Her mastery at creating such vividly real scenes is quite mesmerizing. It's like the words relay to your reading mind in the form an HBO series playing across your eyes like a TV show.

We meet a new reach of secondary characters in Sojourn crucial to this story and the movement going on within the exquisite plot. A lot is happening outside in the world bringing to light the dystopian elements of the story. That element and each of these male characters provide Caroline and us as readers something different yet completely natural. Although our hero will be forever be Jack, their presence in this book greatly increase our connection to the heroine and her plight - all of their plights - united in taking a stand against the corruption and destruction of their world.

Caroline Joan Gerard McIntyre is a heroine who's a BAD ASS in a multitude of ways. As an honest, charismatic, kind, sexually adventurous, intellectual, natural leader - even in her darkest hours - her vulnerabilities and her strengths play an essential role in the readers connection to her alone. From the third person point of view, we journey alongside Caroline through a maelstrom of beautifully painful memories perfectly juxtaposed to the chaos of her present day life; a life hijacked by a rogue government. In Sojourn we see a darker side of Caroline; the true composition of a person forever changed by traumatizing events and the ill effects to the emotional and psychological make up of a person. Through the help of a wonderfully cohesive band of brothers (see new character pitch above) who have come together to stand against the rogue government threatening to destroy the nation, Caroline shines. She's a woman you want to be, the woman whose strength you want to emulate.

And she's married to bad ass too. A silver fox, sexually dominant, sharp tongued, kind, loving, brilliant, only-vulberable-to-her, BAD ASS. Jack McIntyre is my ULTIMATE book boyfriend. It's like Cecilia London crawled into the psyche of my deepest desires and created Jack McIntyre just for me. Wishful thinking, right? But I'll pretend anyway because he's PERFECT - the arrogant billionaire, the deep intellectual, the savvy dominant, the kind nurturer, the fierce protector. Boosted by their banter, their play, and their emotionally revealing conversations the love of Jack and Caroline hooks you with every new memory Caroline procures. There are just so many scenes in this book that left me enamored. Not only is the romance perfect but the depth of it so enhanced - thanks to the intelligence of how it's written.

Sojourn contains darker elements psychologically. Demons are not strangers to this story and rightly so. There is so much depth to this journey with the author showcasing her incredible talent and intellect for her story-telling craft. It's political and dystopian all wrapped up in the ULTIMATE love story perfect for ANY romance reader.

Irene and I have been fortunate enough to be able to read this series together and I've stated to her that The Bellator Saga is like the adult, way better version of The Hunger Games trilogy. Caroline Gerard McIntyre parallels Katniss Everdeen except she fights with her intellect and her story is for mature, insightful audiences who enjoy depth, mystery, angst, darkness, and sexual discovery in their romance. I can't recommend this series enough. It's one for any contemporary romance reader, any Hunger Games lover, any dystopian lover, any fans of erotica. I IMPLORE you to read this series. You don't want to miss it.

PS) This third book is technically a "cliffhanger" but it's not a throw-my-Kindle-off-the-nearest-wall cliffie, if you catch my drift - so don't let the "cliffhanger" deter you.

BR with my reading partner for life, Irene, find her 5 star review here.

My 5 star reviews for the first installments:
Dissident
Conscience

[Dee Montoya · Rating 5 out of 5]

6+++++++ Stars******

FAVORITE BOOK**** FAVORITE BOOK*** FAVORITE BOOK****

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review)

Breathtaking. Brilliant. Stunning. Those three words among other equally impressive adjectives come to mind, when I try to describe this story. While I admit that I've cried, yelled, and even thrown my kindle across the room when reading this saga, I wouldn't change one thing, or one ounce of angst. Nothing. My love and devotion for this story grows as I read more. I LOVE IT!!!!!!



Finally Caroline has been able to escape the hell that was The Fed. She's made friends with her rescuers and together they make plans to resume their mission to make it to the safer part of the country.

These characters are living through very trying times. The United States is no longer a free country where people can express themselves and be who they are and while the everyday lives of the American people may seem the same they are in fact completely different.

Caroline needs to look and feel like someone else. Being the first lady of Pennsylvania, who she used to be, is not only dangerous but also very painful. She struggles with her memories, those beautiful times she experienced with her loved ones, now hurt her, haunt her dreams.



Just like in the previous book we go from past to present. In the past we finds answers that slowly complete the puzzle of what's been building for years and is now a cruel reality in the life of Caroline. We learn about the events that lead to the demise of the Governor of Pennsylvania and his first lady. How they prepared in case of bad events. Bittersweet moments in the story, but probably my favorites...

A whole set of wonderful secondary characters are introduced in this third part of the story. I enjoyed these new friends of Caroline, while I'm still mourning the loss of others.

Caroline is the only girl in the safe house and even though the men are the ones helping her and nursing her back to life, she has claimed the spot of leader as she helps and guides them into safe territory.

She's not the same Chicago girl she used to be. She is now using her pain to shape into a new woman who is simply ready for battle, one she wants to desperately win. The sweet Caroline who used to have it all, now has nothing but loneliness and her memories of wonderful and sexy times with her husband, the one she cries for every night and is afraid to even say his name, because it just hurts too much.

The steamy scenes get even hotter and yet more romantic. It's pretty clear by now that this couple communicate best in the bedroom. Their love and devotion translates so intensely in those private moments between husband and wife. They become fearless inside the embrace of one another. The beauty of those moments was too much for my heart and other parts of my body to take...






Caroline and her friends are looking to get to the other side, join the rebels and fight for what's right. Will they make it? And if they do, what will they find? More enemies or the allies they so desperately need?

Reading these books is like eating a delicious and very expensive box of chocolates, each piece is unique, some sweet, some bitter but in the end you simply can't have enough...

I'm a very passionate reader, and there are so many stories I love and adore but never before have I felt so inside and so connected to a story. I'm so consumed by this saga that I'm desperate for EVERYONE to read it. If I could purchase the books for every person I know, I would. That's how much I believe in this wonderful story.

Cecilia London has a wonderful playlist for each book on Spotify. So make sure to check out the fabulous tunes that inspire this "Evil Genius" author while she creates her masterpieces.

I can't leave my review before thanking my friend Irene for once again recommending me yet another mind blowing series. I'm convinced we are book soul mates and I'm so grateful that you always think of me, when sharing amazing reads. I owe you a few drinks and a few hugs. Thank you!!!

[S.M. West · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 TORMENTED STARS

She did it AGAIN! Ms. London never ceases to amaze me and also emotionally gut me. After having read Conscience, which left me ravaged and crying like a baby at the end, I seriously didn't think this one would affect me as deeply. But it did, in a completely different way!

This one picks up right where book 2 left off with Caroline rescued but barely alive. As she's nursed back to health by an unsuspecting band of budding revolutionaries, she struggles to recover emotionally. She's plagued by her recent horrific ordeal with the Fed and also the ghosts from her past.



Caroline tries to lose herself and become someone else in the hopes of shattering all the memories, the heartache, the guilt and the pain.



This was a somber read and not easy although there was hope and like Caroline, a force that drove me to the end.

There are scars and then there are scars. The second book was very much about the brutally physical abuse and inevitable disfiguring and painful scars to Caroline's body. And the formidable strength this woman has. This book is very much about another aspect of Caroline's strength and also her deep, wide and dark emotional scars as she takes us back through her past when the present day triggers intense emotions and loss.

“Even if she wanted to be alone, darkness was a step she wasn’t willing to take.”

“She was trapped – caught between the nightmares that made her scream and the memories that made her weep.”

I can't recommend this series enough. The Bellator Saga is PHENOMENAL. I don't know how she does it but Cecilia has created this brilliantly intelligent, sexy, suspenseful and moving saga with both light - hope, love and friendship - and dark - hate, abuse and evil. Each book has a distinct feel, direction and somehow each one manages to hit you at a completely different emotional level.

The ending for this one left me with optimism and I can only hope the tide is turning.

***An ARC was generously provided by Cecilia London in exchange for an honest review.***

For more reviews and blog posts.

[Jx PinkLady Reviews ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

*LIVE! *Amazon US * Amazon UK"



SOJOURN is the third book in The Bellator Saga, a political suspense about a couple who're deeply in love but have been torn apart by the Administration of their country. The star of the story and the leading force in terms of strength, sorrow and depth of feeling is Caroline; she is the shining light with the development of her character wonderfully depicted within the story arc.

Once again the format of this installment is to alternate between past and present. The past showcasing the memories of Caroline, the female protagonist. I love her reaction to past memories in her bleak present. The seamless transitions between the two time frames offer a stark contrast between her current lonely reality and the splendor and romance of the past with Jack, our leading man.



I very much enjoyed the protagonist's open lines of communication with one another and the depiction of their close connection and compatibility. The erotic scenes showcased in the past are luscious but in many ways they're not a necessary element. It's the tone and feel of the story, along with the suspenseful aspect, that drives the saga forward and engages the reader in high anticipation.



When I'm reading this series it's like watching an addictive political drama with suspense, intrigue, depth and power. The ending of Sojourn is epic and exquisite in the way it tore through my emotions. It's complex, intelligently written and requires a certain level of patience to allow the story to grow and develop into the saga that it truly is. Three books in and I am hooked and ready for the next part. The story now feels like being with old friends who I want to succeed with a passion. If this sounds like something that would grip your reading attention too, then I highly recommend picking up this series.

The first two books-->
DISSIDENT (Book 1) http://amzn.to/1XQ5QV2
CONSCIENCE (Book 2) http://amzn.to/1HR8lj0

Note: The first three books of the intended six book series are now available and although not all elements are tied up, the first three books mark the end of the first part of the story making it a natural place to pause ready for the next in the series

My review thoughts for Dissident & Conscience

Advanced copy provided for my honest review thoughts
*Teasers made with stock image purchased from deposit photos*

[Deanna❤Pink Lady❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Breathtaking Stars



Book 3 in The Bellator Saga was Exquisite, Heartbreaking, and Perfect. The epic journey of Caroline Joan Gerard McIntyre navigating the Hell that she has been placed in comes to a crossroads. Death is not an option for Caroline- that would be an easy option if it was available. Instead she must live among the living, looking like someone else but remembering who she was daily. The past can't be forgotten, at night it comes to her, tormenting her, reminding her of the breathtaking love (Jack) she had and then the daylight comes and lets her exist, to move on in her solitude.

This book tugs on your emotions. Caroline is alive but with her memories she would rather be dead. But somehow, she survives and is nursed to health by 3 unlikely characters. Caroline has always been strong, fearless, and one who believes in her convictions. These men believe in her and come to admire and respect her. They believe in her convictions and want to help her and themselves get to safety. It's two step forward and one step back.......her past reminds her of why she is where she is but she knows she need to continue her journey or all those she has lost will have died in vain.

This book can't be read as a standalone. You must read Dissident, Conscience and then Sojourn. This is a Saga. There will be 6 books once the journey comes to an end. These first 3 books are a set up of how the present comes together. But to understand the present, the past needed to be told. The who, how's and whys......the Loves, the Sensuality, the Passion.......all beautifully told in past and present events to Captivate you, Mesmerize you, and Grip you. The ending will keep you breathless and amazed.

If you want a high adrenaline, intensely moving and feeling story, The Bellator Saga is for you. It's intelligent, sensual, breathtaking, disturbing and fantastic!!!

Arc given by author in exchange for an honest review

[✰ Liz ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

~5 I NEED MORE JACK and CAROLINE NOW~

"She wanted him inside her. Forever. She dreaded the thought of being without him. Without his touch, his voice, his smell."

Sojourn is the thrilling third book in the Bellator Saga. The action and terror have increased, and only one question remains, where is Jack?

"There were times when she was so blinded by pain that she'd almost forget the reasons behind it."

Caroline is in trouble. The mounting pressure is pressing her down, and it is questionable if she will be able to survive. The Feds have put her through torture and the emotional combat warring in her mind is starting to take a toll. The memories of her past, which had previously brought her so much joy, now serve as a weapon of mass destruction.

"She'd never be okay. Not with the ghosts of the past dogging her every step."

"Her memories had no rhyme or reason. No order, no predictability. They'd engulf her, choke her, pull her under."

And yet, hope still remains. Caroline's determination to remain true to herself and stand firm as a patriot of the United States is what keeps her grounded throughout the terror. As the story shifts from the present to the memories of the past, we grasp onto the love between Jack and Caroline. Their sexual desires are explored (and enjoyed) while the government is falling all around them.

"What do you say I suck your clit for a couple of hours while you practice calling me Mr. Governor?"

Sojourn is like a roller coaster ride. In one moment you are holding your breath from the pain Caroline is experiencing and then in the next Jack and Caroline are acting out their sexual desires that make even that "shade of grey" book pale in comparison.

"How about Fucking your Wife on the Dining Room Table?"

Yes! Yes, please! I think I would like that! And you will too!

"Whether he was angry or sad, joyful or indifferent. He was hers and always would be."

Told in mostly Caroline's POV, Sojourn was a nail biting addition to the series. I was utterly terrified of what was to come (or more accurately stated, what might not come!). The complexity of the plot continues to amaze me. The characters are developed more thoroughly through each book in the series. As each layer is revealed, my love and devotion to Caroline and Jack increased. My heartbreak for the terror they experienced became my personal terror because of the close connection I felt to them both. Additionally, there are some secondary characters introduced in Sojourn which brought, even more, depth to the plot. I have no doubt they will play a pivotal role as the series continues to develop.



Sojourn is by far my favorite in the series to date. It truly brought me to my knees. There were moments of tears, laughter, and heartbreak all mixed to create an unforgettable blend! Every character is critical. Every moment is unforgettable. Every choice matters. I am simply hooked on this series. My only complaint is that I have to wait a few more weeks to read the next installment. Thankfully, Phoenix will be released soon! I am on pins and needles waiting to see what happens next. I cannot recommend this series enough to my book buddies that enjoy a challenging read full of dark twists and turns and super sexy scenes! Bravo Ms. London! Bravo!

***The Bellator Saga***


*ARC graciously provided via author in exchange for an honest review!*

For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

May contain spoilers

My heart still hurts.



Every time Caroline succumbed to her memories further fractured my heart. I was petrified each time she fell asleep and yet I was excited to see everyone again.

This story was about loss, pain, grief, love, strength, perseverance, and determination.

Part of me wondered why Caroline was willing to accept Murdock's word. His job was to torture her, both mentally and physically. Obviously some deaths were real because she saw and heard them. But with regards to Jack? Her children? Even Christine and Tom? She was a former U.S. Attorney, so why did she believe circumstantial evidence (although the evidence was pretty strong)?

But I guess that's the point. Murdock unfortunately succeeded in killing Caroline's hope. And that just broke me. Throughout this book her grief was tangible and I think she's suffering from PTSD.

The highlight for me (other than every flashback with Jack) was the end.



I'm so freaking happy right now!!

Now I'm off to read Phoenix because I have to see what Cecilia London has planned for me.

XO

[~IreneOust~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity to read the third installment of Cecilia London's BELLATOR SAGA early. So when I finished it this morning, I finished what I can only describe as 'a perfect book'. I am talking FLAWLESS. From start to finish. And then I cried. For over an hour after I was done because that last chapter ... it was ... BEYOND. I am addicted to this series. Addicted to Cecilia's exquisite writing & meticulous storytelling. Addicted to these amazing characters she created. Addicted to every scene in this saga because there is so much depth and meaning to every single one. Not to mention some of THE sexiest sex scenes I've ever read that happen to have very little sex in them. Now THAT is what I call 'less is more' SKILL!

I was lucky enough to read this title with my book soulmate & buddy reading partner, TeriLyn, who 'digs' this series as much as I do, which only enhanced my reading experience.

I can go on and on singing it's praises but Bellator Saga is something you must experience for yourself.

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book – Sojourn
Author – Cecilia London
Series – Bellator Saga #3
Publication Date – December 7, 2015
Genre – Romantic Suspense
Type – Part of Series 
Cliffhanger – Yes
Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

My Thoughts - Story
Ms. London is one of my favorite authors and I get so excited every time I see  her email pop up…cause I know it’s going to be informing me that she would like my feed back on her newest book.

And this one did not at all disappoint. Now, while I was reading it…I kept getting antsy wanting Caroline to find Jack…it broke my heart that she is told that he is most definitely dead. Especially how I bawled at the end of Dissident thinking that both of them would never find the happiness that they both so deserve.



Is this all fairy tale and unicorns?? Hell no… this book is gritty – it is painful but in the same sense – BEAUTIFUL!

That is what I love so much about Ms. London’s writing.  I have been with her from the beginning…waiting in anticipation for each book while she writes. I have lived through Jack and Caroline and their EPIC love story.

Will this book leave you happy and finally sighing with relief? Hmmm…yes and no. This ain’t no fucking fairy tale.




Re-Cap
I can’t say much except that Caroline is barely alive and being nursed back to health by a couple of renegades.  They must work together to get across to the West and California.

Jack is probably dead since no one  has heard from him since they were captured and Caroline must take on a new identity and mentally distance herself from her one true love.
 
Reason for Reading – Author Request
Story Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars
Angst Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars
Writing Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars
Would Read More from Author? Definitely
Recommend to – Anyone who loves a great love story with suspense.

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 "could have done without all the sex stars ..."

I suppose my reading choices have evolved over the years. A number of years ago I would rarely read a book that didn't have "sex" in it! Nowadays, I do read books that don't have sexual content - not many mind you - but some.


I beg to differ. I thought there was WAY TOO MUCH SEX in this book. Book One reeled me in. Intriguing, original storyline. Great characters. Book Two was maybe not as strong for me but still a good read. I was getting bored halfway through this one.

And where the fuck was Jack?


Granted, maybe reliving the sexual encounters she had with Jack was the only way that kept Caroline sane ... but one minute he was banging her in the bedroom, licking her in the library, paddling her in the pantry - you get my drift!!

CAROLINE.


I just felt it was a bit of a turnaround for Caroline to be so submissive (in the bedroom, or the library or the pantry!!)

I suppose the ending of the book did redeem itself. I had a sappy little grin on my face.


Will I continue with the series? I probably will but I think I will wait for the final book to come out. The ending of this one, while some might say is a "cliffhanger", isn't really one that wanted me to throw my kindle at the wall and rant.

Well worth the 99 cents I paid for all three books. Not sure if it still available at this low price.

[Elfina Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much devastation! It's hard describing how shattering Conscience & Sojourn is. I bawled big ugly tears feeling Caroline Gerard's loss, destruction and despair. How in the hell do you overcome that and not wanna check out. Not that's what I'm advocating but a person does have a limit! So nerve racking... you literally can't put it down.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine having all you heart could desire, the love of a good man who knew how to share his heart, mind, body and soul, to live the life of the powerful, to be an “A” lister and then to have the political machines of the day bulldoze through your life and shred it into tattered and beaten pieces of bloody pulp. Caroline has lived the nightmares of fleeing for her life; being separated from Jack and assuming he is dead. Captured and tortured mercilessly by the new regime, for information she doesn’t have, she is rescued by a ragtag group, more dead than alive. Battered, broken, and bloody, no one would believe she is the former First Lady of her state. Was it true grit, sheer determination or the ghosts of her past that keep her alive and set her on the journey to the west coast to join the rebellion?

For Caroline, this trip is dangerous, painful and haunted by memories of Jack, their love, their passion for life and each other, and all of the hopes she once held in the palm of her hand, dashed against the oppressive walls of depression. What were once their dirty little secrets are now shattered memories, slicing at her heart, bleeding it into a dried husk of despair. Only sheer determination that he will not have died in vain keep her going, mile after mile. But, what will they find at the end of their journey? Will their journey be one of futility or will hope lie ahead? First, they have to survive…

Prepare for pain, prepare to be shredded by the rapier-sharp words of Cecilia London a she forges another chapter in the Bellator Saga, and prepare to never forget her words. Dark, jagged and filled with brutal scenes that come to life, rare scenes that show human compassion in a world where it is becoming non-existent, love becomes a memory and hate becomes all-consuming. Follow Caroline as her metamorphosis begins, from a feisty, yet fragile dragonfly into a killer wasp, determined to sting first or die trying. See the world through Caroline’s eyes, her memories and feel what she feels as she grasps to hang on to her final thread of sanity.

A true word master, Cecilia London pours on the acidic turmoil, threatening to crush her own characters, taking us with them as collateral damage. This is crafting a story; this is telling it with enough sincerity to make it come true in our minds. Sojourn is from the gut writing with the power to stay with its readers for a long time after as we ask ourselves, could we hold up under this torment? Not for the faint of heart or those who want a neat little package with pretty bows, this is the underbelly of our lives we never see, just hope we never experience it.

I received an ARC edition from Cecilia London in exchange for my honest review.If you haven't tried this series, you are missing out on powerful reading.

Series: The Bellator Saga - Book 3
Publication Date: December 7, 2015
Publisher: Cecilia London
Adult Dark Romantic Drama
Available from: Barnes & Noble

Coming Soon to Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[★Moonrise · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!
This third installment in the Bellator Saga starts with Gabe, Crunch, and Jones bringing the horribly broken, abused, and clinging to life Caroline to a safe house after a daring rescue. Alive, but mentally and physically scarred, Caroline must rely on others if she is to survive. She begins training, and learns how to fight, as she prepares herself for an uncertain future...

This is a fantastic story, with fully developed characters, and plenty of action. Romantic elements compliment the plot, and the pacing is superb. While book two had some cringe-worthy violent scenes, this third installment was much less jarring. Still, there was plenty of suspense, and a realistic unfolding of events. The slow-build up to romance was very well done! Set in a futuristic world, the possibilities are frightening, and the story gripping! Reading this series, it's easy to feel fully invested in Caroline's world. And I won't rest until I read the last book!

Click here to read full review: http://www.moonrisebookblog.com/2015/...

[Cecilia London]

Well, I'll give this my best shot. Thankfully, my readers do a better job of capturing the emotions in my books than I do, which is strange since...I wrote the damn things. LOL.

Sojourn is a bit of a transition book. It isn't a light read by any means, but it doesn't contain the same kind of darkness that is present in Conscience. It's more psychological, more angsty, and (as impossible as it may sound) more sensual than the first two books.

We see Caroline's internal struggle with what happened to her at The Fed, and we know that it's something that isn't yet resolved. But as always, there is hope. And love, both platonic and romantic.

I hope you enjoy this next step in her journey.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review will be split into three parts. But backwards so please start with part one at the bottom.





Part 3




Since book one and especially the second and now this book I was and am too emotionally involved which takes a lot for me to be and to be able to deal with the circumstances there was a point in the book that I didn’t actually want to continue reading that much because my heart was bleeding for the situation. 4 ‘The Devil wants into Hell then take him there’ Stars.

Caroline was on the brink of death but was saved by my three heroes of the book Jonsie, Crunch and Gabe. It took them a week to plan. By trying to kill her they kept her alive. No food, broken bones and a whupping to within an inch of her life.

Gabe is nondescript but smart. Jonsie is an ex con and Crunch is gay. So tough going. I could have punched Caroline when she should have realised and been grateful that that band of misfits saved her life.

Gabe has feelings for Caroline. This is where I nearly through a hissy fit as she was going through some major issues but it came close to her taking a step she shouldn’t I don’t think I could have taken any more past memories of Caroline and it was beginning to depress me in more ways than one.

She got a new identity Diana Pascal. She tried to be Diana but in the end she is Caroline and sweetheart you need to be Caroline too emotionally involved here.

Things change, the world can change in the blink of an eye or if you don’t want to see what goes on in front of you. The moral aspect here is once again. What we are as humans if there is no law? Is the law the only thing that keeps us civilized?

We aren’t all as tolerant as we think we are. Faced with what was written in this book then how far would you go?

There are parallels in everything that has been done, that is being done and that will be done. The Santos administration was destroying everything. Small men with big complexes are good at getting at what they want especially when people think that they can be controlled.

Human behaviour is far too unpredictable for that to happen throughout history there have been enough events to prove it.

They get to California, to Camp Pendleton via Chicago, Texas and Mexico by then crossing over to California. When they arrive at Camp Pendleton (The Rebel Base) Code word they were the head of the rebellion and they will be again.

”There is no week, nor day nor hour when tyranny may not enter upon this country, if the people lose their roughness and spirit of defiance.” –Walt Whitman-

In all regards to Jack but fuck





There is no concrete evidence but I fucking knew it, I knew that Ms. London would pull through for me. And she did.

They both thought that they were dead.

“Your intelligence is bad. I was left to die after I refused to talk. They were sloppy. The men I came here with me rescued me. They were part of an underground movement. Two of them worked at the prison.”
She’d been through hell.

”Wipe the smile off your face bitch” “Do you know how many bones there are in the human hand? Twenty seven.”

He was being cruel and mean but I get it. Not to get your hopes to prove that it could be the real deal.

Part 2

When I begged (majorly exaggerating here) to get this book I was like:




Book from author in exchange for an honest review via Jeri's Book Attic.

Part 1

Sorrow turned to regret to guilt. Perpetual, overwhelming guilt. Guilt over her bad decisions, guilt for abandoning her children, guilt over the agony she caused Jenny and Ellie, guilt for wishing that she could have had a quick bullet to the head like them.

"We're here to help you," he whispered. "I'm going to need you to hold very still. I'm going to give you something to lower your heart rate so we can get you out of here. Understand? Blink once if you do."

They started wheeling the gurney out the door and down the hall, hoping it wasn't going to be the last thing they ever did. It was going to be a long night.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

***6 STARS***
My heart. I can't. OMG Cecilia London, what are you doing to my emotions?!?!?!?!?!
This series is amazing and completely underrated!!


--------
OMG.
I NEED. GIMME GIMME GIMME!!

[Carol***BeautyandtheBeastlyBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Dissident, Cecilia London introduced us to Jack and Caroline and their story was mostly told from flashbacks from 5 years before the present. We had an idea of what would happen to America but in Conscience we get to see more and experience so much more! Conscience brings more flashbacks too and the present parts of it were full of a raw darkness that more than once shocked me. They are not “dark romances”.Not by a long shot. But the darkness in this story will have you on the edge of your seats and will have you wanting to get inside your devices or books to help Caroline.



Cecilia didn’t hold back. We can feel and experience every injustice Caroline suffered and there are times you’ll need a breather and you think “she can’t possibilly suffer more!”, until Cecilia surprises us once again.



But Sujourn? It brings a whole new level to the story. If we experienced whatever the characters did in the previous books, in Sojourn we can feel EVERY SINGLE feeling they do. Specially Caroline’s.



” She should have known that no matter what she did, she’d never be able to contain the memories. She wondered if there was a safe and convenient way to induce selective amnesia.”





We can clearly see how the story changed and how it is evolving book after book. Not only Cecilia’s storytelling, which is amazing. But the story itself. We get to see the transformations in Caroline too. I felt her despair, I felt her sadness, I felt her anger. I could feel everything and it amazed me how Cecilia has consistentially make her change. After everything she went through she couldn’t possibly be the same person. Or even close to it. There were moments I didn’t recognize Caroline and the flashbacks she had (in this book we get fewer flashbacks than the other two and it’s focused more in the present) couldn’t make ME, the reader, see any light anymore. Even the flashbacks weren’t enough to bring the old Caroline back. And you know what? I LOVED THAT! Because it was BELIEVABLE!


This level of writing is always so refreshing! Writing a complex story like The Bellator Saga and making it, not only believable, but also relatable? That’s no easy feature, guys! Seeing how the story and the characters are evolving? It’s like watching a snow ball become an avalanche and I honestly can’t wait to see Cecilia unleash more into us!!!


Sojourn marks the half of the series (there will be 6 books in total) and we can see that our heroine is at a crossroad. She’s between what she was and belived and what was done to her made her become and belive too. There’s also the question of Jack! Because the in present situations we don’t get to know what happened to him and her children. We get hints of what might have happened and they got me curious and worried at the same time!


Now, I said Caroline was at a crossroadS, but in a way she already chose the path she will follow. The hard choice now is HOW she will do it. And I’m so glad we get to see it now and in the next three books, because not only do I feel like she is my friend (and I’m always rooting for her), but I also want to see who and what she is going to become and how her path will be, because no matter the changes that were very much imposed to her, one thing is for sure, she will never lose the essence of the fighter inside her. I don’t think she would ever be able to abandom the fight for justice and a better reality. The question now is what will keep feeding this fight, if it’ll be revenge, if it’ll be justice, anger…


“She didn’t care if she had to stay awake for every moment of every day and every night for the rest of her life. She wasn’t going to play this game anymore. She had to be free. No more fucking memories.”


Even though the story has so much loss and violence and some serious tones, the flashbacks deliver the HOTNESS. Two words: Jack McIntyre! We get all kinds of sexy times with Jack and I LOVE every single one of them. Not only those, but the sweet moments of them together. Well, who am I kidding? I LOVE EVERY MOMENT OF THOSE TWO TOGETHER!!!


Jack will entice all sort of swoony feelings you! He can be sweet, he can be sexy (always). Jack is romantic and kinky. Loveable and cocky. Jack McIntyre is EVERYTHING! And their love story? Even if it’s just flashbacks what they had? That will make everything worth it!!!


Cecilia is doing a MARVELOUS job with this series. Her whole concept is amazing and the way she writes? She can put her ideas into paper (or screens lol) in a way that makes us connect with the characters and relive what it’s happening, or what has happened, to them like we were there too.


But let’s not forget about our background! What is happening to America? What will be done? Who will stop the evil Santos??? Even if you don’t like politics, the story Cecilia created is FASCINATING. To think that the land of the free could become what it has in the story? It’s super scary. To see what censorship and the lack of basic freedoms can do to, not only a country, but a nation? It’s VERY scary!


I want to see our heroine kicking some butts!!! I can’t wait for it. Not that she hasn’t before, but now I want to see her doing it more actively and to see others paying for all the suffer she and her friends endured.


After Conscience I didn’t think it was possible for her to suffer more, but seeing the emotional scars of what was done to her was very hard. Because we got to know Caroline and seeing her becoming someone else? It’s hard. Really hard. We can see and feel every one of her frustrations.
Caroline is a strong woman. There was no doubt in that, but at the point the story is now, she is now I can honestly say she’s one of the strongest female character’s I’ve ever read about!


But every strong woman also has her moments of doubt and of loneliness. And seeing someone like her doubting herself is desparing. Someone so strong shouldn’t have to had proven over and over her strenght. And that leaves marks. Not only physically and not only “just” her emotional scars. It leaves marks to her soul and it changes her.
You can see I’ve used the word “change” so much. But if I had to define Sojourn with one word that would be it. CHANGE. Not only the changes in Caroline and other characters as well. But also the change in the story. The change in America. The change in the writing. Cecilia’s writing was good from book 1, but now we can see yet another facet of her talent. The story hasn’t changed that much, but the little change it had was not only palpable (and necessary), but amazing to see!


Cecilia’s voice is getting louder and louder and I seriously can’t wait for the next three books because the curiosity is killing me! Not only to see what will happen in the story and to the characters, but also to see Cecilia’s writing growing more and more. To experience it is being very fullfilling! To see an author’s writing growing alongside with her characters? There’s not enough money worth of a book like that, that’s for sure!

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Sojourn picks up right where Conscience left off. If you were like me, you ended book two in tears. But nothing could have prepared me for Sojourn. Nothing. The title is perfect as Caroline is now left to deal with the new identity she must consume. But her painful past creeps in from time to time, overwhelming her and bringing her back into the dark. It’s her new companions that encourage her to push on and take it day by day. But deep down Caroline knows that her broken soul may take a long time to heal, if at all.

Adjusting to this new life isn’t easy for Caroline. If she thought she had to fight while in captivity, then this time period is easily the fight of her life. Her soul is shattered, her heart broken, her spirit non-existent, Caroline must find it within herself to get better and lead her companions on an arduous and unpredictable journey. Similar to the other two books, Sojourn ignited me. I felt pain, disappointment, but most of all, I felt love and hope. You escape to the past with Caroline as she remembers her time with Jack and her daughters. Her love for him, despite her current circumstances has never dimmed or wavered. If anything, her love is stronger. So remembering those times is painful. But so necessary for her survival. This thrilling and captivating read kept me on edge, overwhelmed me with emotion, and reminded me of the profoundness of hope and love even in times of despair and darkness.

Once again, I am blown away at the magnitude of just how much this book affected me. I found myself thinking about it when I had to put it down. The writing is phenomenal. The author easy takes you to places as a reader I have never been. I am weaved through the pages of this story and feel every single emotion endured by her characters. She not only places you in their hearts, but she allows you to understand their souls. And everything they stand for. Speaking of characters, the author continues to exhibit her talent at character development. We are introduced to some new ones that have such heart and soul and play such an intricate part in this time in Caroline’s life. Nothing is as it seems. The depth of this story is unreal. Your heart will race as this unique and enthralling story unravels.

Can we please talk about the last chapter? Seriously? Cecilia London. You MOVE me. Your words OWN me. That had to be the most intense, beautiful, tragic, hopeful romantic chapter I have ever read in my life. I found myself reading it over and over several times. And each time, the words slayed me. I was IN that moment. This gut wrenching and heartfelt scene will forever hold a place in my heart.

Sojourn and the rest of the books in this series has easily become one of the most unforgettable reads of my life. This riveting and compelling story gripped me. Stole my heart. And I don’t think I will ever get it back. The author brilliantly feeds my romantic soul as she expertly balances the gritty life Caroline endures with romance and suspense. The scenes in this book are so passionate and sensual. You have no doubt that the love between Caroline and Jack is timeless. The ending left me breathless and in awe. My heart is so full. So ready for what’s to come for the rest of this series.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sojourn, could book three be even better than book 1 and 2, YES!!!
I so wish I could give this book the right words that it is so deserves. I love this story so much.

To heal, to try to forget, to remember what you endured
and learn to go on is exactly what Caroline does in book three.
It is not easy but this is where you learn how extremely tough
she is. With the help of three men with back stories of their
own each day they give her the strength and love and healing
words to come back from the hell she endured.

Past and Present chapters again you begin to get the answers
you so desperately want. You read even more about the life
she had before her life went to hell. You learn how she struggles
to break free from her thoughts and dreams. Her dreams haunt her
with the love and the awesome sexy times that her and Jack shared. Other dreams haunt her with the horrific thoughts of what happened
to her family and friends. The despicable men that kept her captive also haunt her present. Her saviors help her with her journey and
the plan that she and Jack tried to attempt in book 1 and 2.
To save their beloved country.

I cannot explain to you how I felt as I read this book, I really do
not have the correct words to explain the details on how you read
the heartbreak, the struggles the fight she goes through to succeed
with the plan to get the answers she so desperately wants.

The plan to reach California with the determination and help from
others that they have to trust and hope that they can survive with
each step to reach there destination. Do they make the incredible
hard journey? Does she get stronger? Can she survive her thoughts
which haunt her? Do they succeed to get the answers?

As I was getting to the end of this book I was shaking. What was
going to be the outcome. I did not stop shaking or let a breath
out until well after I was finished. These books are so detailed
as to the settings, what there wearing, how they feel, how they
look you become immersed in this book like you are right inside
of the brilliance of this story. The last chapter is epic!!!

I was so extremely honored to receive an arc of this brilliant book.

[Sybil aka Lala · Rating 5 out of 5]

sojourn
ˈsɒdʒ(ə)n,-dʒəːn
formal
noun
1.
a temporary stay.
Sojourn offers a brief reprieve from the intensity of the first two books in The Bellator Saga.

After Caroline is saved from The Fed she has to set herself on a journey of seemingly impossible recovery, not only from the physical scars, but the emotional damage too. She has to somehow find a way to put herself together and adapt to this new life she finds herself in. They only way to do that may just be to completely reinvent herself. She takes up with the misfit band of would be rebels that saved her and together they hatch a plan to not only save Caroline, but the rest of them as well. This book stretches across Caroline’s transition and healing period but it is not without its own set of twists. She’s dealing with so many complicated emotions and scars and losses, but her strength remains throughout.



I read the whole book with a sense of impending doom while I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. I couldn’t trust anyone and I expected the absolute worst to happen. The journey the gang takes is filled with danger and twists and as we follow along on their journey we learn more about them and their motivations. And when I thought I couldn’t possibly love Caroline more, she became even more of a badass. Sojourn is just a perfectly written and perfectly paced story. I appreciated this book for what it was, a period of transition for Caroline.

Of course there is another cliffy at the end and I cannot wait to read the rest of this Saga.

(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)

[Becky Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give it 10 stars I would. I am blown away, yet again, by Cecilia London and her political thriller, romance and personal journey that is the Bellator Saga.

This is the third installment in Cecilia London's Bellator Saga, Sojourn. I am amazed at her writing skills and how I feel like I am living in a movie while I read. The maturity level of her writing is so impressive, especially in light of the fact that these are her first novels. Dissident was her debut novel and was spectacular.

Sojourn picks up right where Conscience left us, which I can't tell you where that is or I will spoil the plot. You have to read Dissident and Conscience and catch up with me so we can chat about it. There are some flashbacks in Sojourn that would help you understand the time line if you wanted to read it without reading the first two but I would suggest reading them first, though it is not absolutely necessary.

I will tell you Caroline is still on her painful journey and is struggling with the things that have happened to her and her horrible losses. She has made some new acquaintances who are doing their best to help her but her own mind is driving this train and isn't going to let her off anytime soon. Gabe, Jones and Crunch are all great guys, each in their own way. Their humor and banter are great break from the stress of Caroline's agony.

The level of conscience and subconscious exploration into Caroline's tortured psyche is so very real. Her fears, her nightmares and her memories are so difficult to experience. I seriously feel like I know Caroline and I want to reach into my Kindle and give her a hug and a shoulder up.

Lordy, the scenes with Caroline and Jack are so dang steamy and filled with so much love, I don't know how she wrote it without blushing, but I know how I read it...well that's kind of personal so never mind.

"Your are my everything, Caroline. My world, my life, the reason I exist. We're going to get through this. I promise."

The political cluster happening in the Bellator Saga I could easily see our government falling into...if it hasn't started already. I don't know how Cecilia came up with the premise but dang if it isn't a little creepy to think about it happening for real.

I love this series and wait with tenterhooks for the release of Phoenix.

I received an ARC for an honest review.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks
http://joandisalovebooks.com/
http://joandisalovebooks.blogspot.co.uk/

[Myla · Rating 5 out of 5]

We learned that Caroline was being transported from the FEDS holding facilities to a safe house barely alive. And the people who helped her didn't know exactly if she's going to make it with all the things Caroline just went through. Slowly but surely Caroline health begun to improve as each day passed. Memories from her past continue to come and go either it helps her or not, still, Caroline is one resilient woman determined to overcome whatever trials that come her way. She just wants to find answer to all the questions that keeps haunting her about her husband, children, and friends. Will she be able to find what she’s looking for without being caught by the enemy/government?

I'm in awe how Cecilia London wrote Sojourn with so much finesse. I love this book...what an ending...

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received an ARC of this title from the Author in exchange for an honest review*

…and I honestly absolutely LOVED and devoured this book! I began the series late this summer and fell in love with Caroline and Jack. In the second book I was so sad and hurt at what was happening with Caroline that I didn’t think anything was every going to go her way again. Until I read Sojourn! This has been the best book hangover I’ve EVER had and I just can’t wait to see what is next in this series!

Sojourn picks up right after Caroline is rescued from The Fed by three young men that are part of the rebellion. Two of them even work for The Fed as their cover. I fell in love with these new characters in Sojourn so much! The story of how everything plays out with them and the safe house is so well written and brings so much life back into her character that has been so beaten down and struggling for something to keep her going everyday and give her motivation to not just give up entirely.

Caroline struggles both emotionally and physically in this third installment as she recovers from the mental trauma she has experienced loosing all those close to her, hearing them being executed or being dragged off to their deaths, as well as physically recovering from them breaking bones in her face, hands and other injuries she will have to struggle to move forward. She spends time with these men at the safe house as she recovers; Gabe, Crunch and Jones become her saviors in many ways. These three really do help her during their time together both physically and mentally. They are there to help her recover from everything she’s been through.

Where the last book was a nail biter because of reading all the gruesome details of the things that happen to her at The Fed, this book has softer notes of healing, recovery and still some very steamy flashbacks of her and Jack! The sex scenes were hotter than ever and this book is very sensual in nature in regards to their relationship as seen through her dreams, or nightmares as she begins to see them as. Although very pleasant memories, they become nightmares to her as she will never see him again or any of her friends and family, and these memories does torment her throughout the story.

“I relish doing things like this to you,” Jack said. “I love to give you a good spanking but this is so much more intense. I can see how much you enjoy it too. I’ve never met a woman who wants to please me as much as you do, not just in bed, but in all aspects of life. You’ve given up so much for me, Caroline, and given me so much in return.”

This book ends in a place I tried to see coming one of my own theories, but most people just won’t see the ending coming. The last chapter I was biting my nails and crying so much, I am still raw and vulnerable from reading these book days even after the last sentence. You won’t regret picking up part three of the series, as you will too gain a whole new perspective on the character Caroline is and meet some new characters to love along the way!

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★]

Book 3 of 6.

Books in The Bellator Saga should be read in order:
Book 1: Dissident
Book 2: Conscience
Book 3: Sojourn
Book 1-3: The Bellator Saga I-III
Book 4: Phoenix
Book 5: Rhapsody
Book 6: Triumph

ARC provided to me by author Cecilia London in exchange for an honest review.

[dreamerinexile · Rating 5 out of 5]

The journey continues 5 stars

*An ARC was provided for honest review for Wicked Women Book Blog*

The highly recommended Bellatore Saga continues from where it stopped in Conscience with Sojourn. If you haven’t read the first two books, Dissident and Conscience, then go buy the first two, finish and come back and read the review.

To say I am in love with this series would be an understatement. Cecilia London has captured my attention and has kept me hooked to Caroline and Jack’s story since the day I was introduced to this series. The Bellator Saga has the perfect combination of intrigue, mystery, with a healthy dose of violence incorporated with heart at the bottom of your stomach thriller. And to tie the series up into a perfect little twisty red satin bow, is romance between the uber sexy politician, Jack McIntyre, who has the penchant for making every women swoon in his vicinity and his smart and sassy opposition, Caroline Gerard-McIntyre. And I give you the Bellatore Saga.



Caroline is considered a dissident and was captured and heinously tortured in Conscience. We all wondered whether she will come out of this insanity whole or will she scatter into pieces. Will Jack finally be able to rescue his wife? Or will Caroline find out once and for all that her family and friends have all been killed but the power hungry monster that resides in the highest office that can be.

In Sojourn, Caroline finds herself rescued. Yet she isn’t capable of celebrating her escape because he only knows one thing, her past is now a living breathing monster that is ripping her apart from the inside. She is stuck in her mind, stuck in the memories of her past life. Though her rescuers are doing everything they can to heal her body, her mind is slowly but surely eating her alive with the stories from her past. Her perfect life with her children and Jack, her dear friends and colleagues, all of them feature in her memories and are playing havoc on her conscience.

This book was an insight into Caroline’s mind, her struggle to free herself from the physical torture as well as the mental ones. We watch her fight and grow strong but just when she grew strong enough to take the gauntlet and forge ahead, Caroline was struck hard once more. It was heartbreaking indeed to read the ending; to say that her heart was eviscerated would be the ultimate understatement. Will this be the final blow that ends Caroline Gerard-McIntyre? To know more 1-click this book to see what transpires at the end of Sojourn.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathtaking! Powerful! Mesmerizing! Magnificent!

These are just a few of the accolades I give this book. I feel so lucky because I didn’t find out about The Bellator Saga Series until the first two books, Dissident and Conscience were already released with Sojourn releasing soon. I say this because I don’t know how I ever could have waited between each release!! The entire time I read these books, I felt like I was watching a movie of epic proportions, because that is the way it is written. Think Gone With The Wind, the book and then the movie. It is that type of series which is compelling to the point where you are sitting on the edge of your seat with nervous anticipation, or tears are rolling down your face because of sheer joy or total horror.

I want to give Sojourn all the credit it so deserves because the writing is nothing short of perfection as with all the books. Sojourn picks right up where Conscience ends. It is solely about Caroline and a continuation of her journey that brings new people into her life as we mourn the ones that are left behind. It is told in the past and present tense and both are equally soul shattering, but through it all, you see the herculean strength of a woman who should have fallen apart both mentally and physically and just given up considering what she had been through. But her sheer will and determination with her all consuming love of Jack and the love of her country kept her going until there was no stone left unturned. This journey is one no woman would not want to take because of the passion and love she shared with Jack, but on the other hand never would want to take because of the unbearable pain, suffering and sorrow that she goes through.

The ending of this book is sort of a cliffhanger but with some questions answered. To say I was an emotional mess reading this last chapter is an understatement. The tears will just fall out of your eyes, it is just that type of story that grabs your heart and doesn’t let go. I am so thankful to Irene for giving me the opportunity to read this series. To Cecilia London, please know that this saga, these characters, this story and your words, combined together is simply perfection! Thank You!!!

I was very fortunate to be given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a different kind of read for me, but I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. I've invested in it similarly to the way I did years ago reading Gabaldon's Outlander books. After the losses experienced in Conscience, Sojourn had me on pins and needles worrying which character I loved would be sacrificed for the cause. I won't say whether London went there again or not, but it's great to read a book and have that on edge feeling. As I've said previously, reading these books is a bit like watching Homeland in their ability to have you in nervous suspense as well as encouraging you to pay attention to current societal issues outside the world of fiction. It's certainly a topical series in light of events in the last decade and more recently. Sojourn is certainly a transitional novel in the series and the journey is necessary for the overall plot. It is a long road - but with good pacing and a very satisfying stop point. I'm so looking forward to Phoenix.

Whoops. Almost forgot to comment on the erotic love scenes between Jack and Caroline: sizzling hot, but they do not overpower the plot of the novel - just provide interludes from the suspense level mentioned above - as well as depicting a really great marriage imo, and that is all I'll say so as not to spoil.

Oh, I received this book as an ARC, but that in no way has anything to do with the way it's reviewed :).

[Bibi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gaaaahhhh...this book....this entire series...




Review to come

[Kay (❦ ᴗ ❦ ✿) BooksandMe · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing Conscience, I actually stopped myself into diving and reading this installment because you know, I liked to keep myself in check and prolong the suspense. Well, okay. It only took me 20 minutes, to be honest. At least, I was able to hold that long.

Sojourn, as the title suggest, is a transition in Caroline’s journey. Dissident was easing me into the whole picture of the story, Conscience was intense and letting me know the hard facts, and Sojourn I can describe as a reprieve. It was perfectly written in a way that soothe the intense feelings I had with the previous installment.

It was a small hope, but it was hope nonetheless. The past doesn’t follow a definite timeline and is triggered by anything random that is happening in the present. But nonetheless, it was something I was eager to read, and at times dreaded.

I actually wanted to rush reading and finishing this book because I wanted to know if that small hope will blossom and give me that something I was hoping for, and prolonging because I’m afraid it might not be what I wanted. Still, I have to stop at some point, get a rest and think of all that is happening. Although this may be a reprieve as I’ve describe, it still sat heavy with me. Caroline’s journey is a hard one and I can’t chase away the dishearten feeling within me.

But glimpses of all and hope that what might be keeps me going. And it’s like how Caroline’s journey is. The ending was somehow bittersweet. And I’m feeling a little hungover. Okay, maybe a lot. A lot like book hangover. Think I need space, maybe a lot more than that but I can’t wait to read the next in the series see where everything might lead.

This book is something I’d be proud to recommend. And a little warning though, not for the faint hearted. I may have shed a tear, or two. As much as Jack and Caroline’s interludes were hot as fuck, the other parts of the book were something that happened to people who have gone through a government whose people in position exploited it.

I can’t wait to read more from this writer and I’m just glad I was given an opportunity to read such a wonderful book. Okay, I think I need to stop as I’m getting a little sappy.

Pervert. We’re in a library. Isn’t some reverence required?
It’s not a church sweetheart.
It is to me. Books are holy.

Books in the series:




For more about me and my crazy ramblings and post, reviews, giveaways and other stuff:

[J-ME · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Sojourn and .... Jesus, there are no words. So much has happened throughout this series, and we're only on book three. And as always, it's nearly impossible to write a review about a book you intensely loved without giving anything away. But just know - Caroline is in a very different place both physically, and emotionally. She's stronger, yet still damaged, she's courageous and scared to death. As much as she'd love to cling to hope, she knows that she shouldn't.

It's dark - dangerous, and sexy as hell, which says a lot because there's actually very little sex in it. But Jack & Caroline's relationship.... damn. Some of these scenes were the best I've read all year, they left me with tears and my toes curled. I'm obsessed with this series and Sojourn just left me desperate for the 4th installment - (hint hint.)


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This series…. what is there to say, that hasn’t already been said? The Bellator Saga has been one of my absolute favorite reads of 2015 – and though Cecilia London loooooves to rip your heart out, it’s in the best possible way. Sojourn took us on an adventure – and one that is packed with hopeful suspense, because after everything…. and I mean everything that Caroline has suffered through? This woman, good lord, she deserves some light at the end of the tunnel. But the journey is long – and full of danger.

Everyone has put their lives on the line for this woman in the hopes that she has the answers to getting to someplace safe – and she’s not even sure if she can handle the outside world anymore. After everything Caroline endured in The Fed – she is fragile, she is broken and her mind is wandering into the past, giving us glimpses of her hope that Jack and her daughters are out there some where safe, even though she’s trying not go kid herself. She knows, deep down that there is no reason to have any hope. And the dreams and memories of happier times aren’t giving her the muscle she needs to carry on, they’re keeping her bogged down in a depression so thick, she’s not even sure she can find her way out to save them all.

This story is a dark tale, but an spectacular suspenseful love story – because in the heart of it all is Jack & Caroline – the love they have for one another, the passion – Jeeeezus. The passion was prolific in Sojourn and really had me mapping out a way to build a library in my house – telling my husband we REALLY need to buy a piano and he needs to learn how to speak french. He’s not on board yet, but there’s still hope.

This being the third installment I’ve gotten to know these characters very well, fallen in love with a lot of them and it choked me up so much through this book as Caroline’s memories of those people were scattered throughout …. knowing The Fed destroyed so much more than Caroline’s spirit.

Sojourn broke me – gutted me and I’m not sure I’ve ever highlighted a book so much before, because even though Caroline is going through a bit of a transition in this story, there is still the best banter I’ve ever read throughout. Caroline and her quick whit – her smart mouth, and the flirting with Jack? Some of my absolute favorite parts about this book. They had me laughing – tearing up and my toes curling more than once. That moment when you read an absolutely perfect scene between these two…. you get the chills? I felt that through this entire book -because with all the danger and chaos in this story there is hope… and there is love. Caroline has to hold on to the past no matter how much she wants to ignore the pain …… the thoughts and memories because she knows, deep down inside. She’s lost everything…. and she has to go on – she has to keep fighting.

I read this ending a dozen times – I sent tear stained tweets to Cecilia afterwards – she broke me – gutted me and brought me back to the brink…. leaving me begging for the fourth book!

If you haven’t checked out The Bellator Saga yet – grab them ASAP!