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Gideon’s Riders #1
Ashwin
The first book in the follow-up to Kit Rocha's bestselling BEYOND series...
Gideon's Riders, Book One
Lieutenant Ashwin Malhotra is a Makhai soldier--genetically engineered to be cold, ruthless. Unfeeling. His commanding officers consider him the perfect operative, and they're right. Now, he has a simple mission: to infiltrate Gideon's Riders, the infamous sect of holy warriors that protects the people of Sector One.
He's never failed to execute an objective, but there's one thing he didn't anticipate--running into Dr. Kora Bellamy, the only woman to ever break through his icy exterior.
When Kora fled her life as a military doctor for the Makhai Project, all she wanted was peace--a quiet life where she could heal the sick and injured. The royal Rios family welcomed her like a sister, but she could never forget Ashwin. His sudden reappearance is a second chance--if she can manage to touch his heart.
When the simmering tension between them finally ignites, Kora doesn't realize she's playing with fire. Because she's not just falling in love with a man who may not be able to love her back. Ashwin has too many secrets--and one of them could destroy her.
Gideon's Riders, Book One
Lieutenant Ashwin Malhotra is a Makhai soldier--genetically engineered to be cold, ruthless. Unfeeling. His commanding officers consider him the perfect operative, and they're right. Now, he has a simple mission: to infiltrate Gideon's Riders, the infamous sect of holy warriors that protects the people of Sector One.
He's never failed to execute an objective, but there's one thing he didn't anticipate--running into Dr. Kora Bellamy, the only woman to ever break through his icy exterior.
When Kora fled her life as a military doctor for the Makhai Project, all she wanted was peace--a quiet life where she could heal the sick and injured. The royal Rios family welcomed her like a sister, but she could never forget Ashwin. His sudden reappearance is a second chance--if she can manage to touch his heart.
When the simmering tension between them finally ignites, Kora doesn't realize she's playing with fire. Because she's not just falling in love with a man who may not be able to love her back. Ashwin has too many secrets--and one of them could destroy her.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2017
223 people are currently reading
1429 people want to read
About the author
Kit Rocha
70 books2,648 followersOnce upon a time, two best friends decided to write paranormal romance. And while that was awesome, they also sometimes wanted to write insanely dirty stuff that wasn’t paranormal at all. This is that stuff.
Kit Rocha is the dystopian-erotic-romance writing alter-ego of writing duo Moira Rogers.
Kit Rocha is the dystopian-erotic-romance writing alter-ego of writing duo Moira Rogers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 315 reviews
June 15, 2019
****An advance reading copy of Ashwin by Kit Rocha was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
I did not expect to get Gideon's Riders book so soon after the end of Beyond series. Overall it was a bit calmer than the Beyond series was which is pretty logical if you take into account where the previous series ended.
I like how Ashwin is calculated and strictly logical. He can find a logical explanation for anything he does or almost for everything.
But ever since we met Kora, I had the feeling that she was more washed up than him. Except for healing others, I could not see anything else to her. But through this book, I could finally see that there was also more to her. And I got an explanation why I felt like that about her before.
I would just like more scenes with Gideon. I got used so much to Dallas looming everywhere that I expected the same from Gideon. I would love some scene between him and Kora. I always liked Gideon, but now I like him even more. He is brilliant! or if I use Ace's words: "Goddamn genius."
As for the rest of the Riders. The next to get a book is Deacon then Ivan . But the Riders I like the most are not listed in a book yet. But I hope that it will change soon.
The one I like the most is Reyes who got some sort of inner Ace in him. He is just adorable, wicked and bit crazy.
A shot rang out, followed by another. Reyes was on his feet, his gun still in his hand, standing
over the now-dead deserters, he’d fought with.
Hunter pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “If you were going to fucking shoot them, man,
why didn’t you just shoot them?”
Reyes dragged his across his bloodied mouth and shrugged. “Didn’t seem fair not to give ‘em
a fighting chance.”
I did not expect to get Gideon's Riders book so soon after the end of Beyond series. Overall it was a bit calmer than the Beyond series was which is pretty logical if you take into account where the previous series ended.
I like how Ashwin is calculated and strictly logical. He can find a logical explanation for anything he does or almost for everything.
But ever since we met Kora, I had the feeling that she was more washed up than him. Except for healing others, I could not see anything else to her. But through this book, I could finally see that there was also more to her. And I got an explanation why I felt like that about her before.
I would just like more scenes with Gideon. I got used so much to Dallas looming everywhere that I expected the same from Gideon. I would love some scene between him and Kora. I always liked Gideon, but now I like him even more. He is brilliant! or if I use Ace's words: "Goddamn genius."
As for the rest of the Riders. The next to get a book is Deacon then Ivan . But the Riders I like the most are not listed in a book yet. But I hope that it will change soon.
The one I like the most is Reyes who got some sort of inner Ace in him. He is just adorable, wicked and bit crazy.
A shot rang out, followed by another. Reyes was on his feet, his gun still in his hand, standing
over the now-dead deserters, he’d fought with.
Hunter pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “If you were going to fucking shoot them, man,
why didn’t you just shoot them?”
Reyes dragged his across his bloodied mouth and shrugged. “Didn’t seem fair not to give ‘em
a fighting chance.”
February 19, 2017
5 Love Conquers All Stars
Ashwin Malhotra was "bred" for one purpose only, to be the best, most loyal, most efficient soldier he could be. As a result, he is feared by all, as only a dog trained to kill by birth, can be feared. As a Makhai soldier, emotion should have been tortured out of him long ago. And it is... or so he tells himself. The one true exception to that rule is the most forbidden of them all.... Dr. Kora Bellamy.
Kora is everything a Makhai soldier isn't. Emotional and compassionate to an extreme degree, she is the best at what she does, which is saving other people's lives. Being naturally kind, she sees in Makhai soldiers what other people overlook... emotion may be hidden deep within after someone teaches you to relay it with pain but it doesn't really go away. And especially in Ashwin's case, she needs to believe that the emotions he stirs in her aren't one-sided.
But a relationship between them isn't simple... Ashwin is a man not allowed to love and Kora is a woman many would kill to have. But the worst enemy may not be outsiders but Ashwin's fierce need to protect her, no matter how much protecting her may damage them...
I was curious how Kit Rocha would go about spinning off the Beyond series. I was both hopeful that it would be as awesome as the original series and apprehensive that it would be exactly the same and have nothing fresh to offer. I shouldn't have worried. Sector One is just as complicated as Sector Four, just as interesting, just as captivating but at the same time, completely different. The cult-like political structure isn't something we see often, at least not on the good guys' side, but it has great potential. Mostly because the people in power are actually nice people.
Unlike Dallas who ruled his sector with brutal strength but also complete loyalty to his people, Gideon doesn't need strength or brutality to rule. In Sector One, Gideon Rios is god and his word not only law, but also followed with complete faith that it is right by his people. A man with that much power could have easily been corrupted but Gideon is well aware of the burden that being worshipped like that can be. Insightful, loyal and compassionate but also ruthless when the situation demands it, Gideon is what a leader should be. It will be a treat watching his character's development.
The romance aspect was as expected my favorite part. While I enjoyed the Beyond novels, the romance sometimes felt... completely sex-based. Don't get me wrong, the emotions where there but most of the time I thought that they were too widely spread with all the different partners and public sex. I'm not against it, hell, I loved Beyond, but this felt more real. Probably because I can't imagine wanting to share someone you're in love with. And the "only you can make me feel" storyline always hooks me. There's just something incredibly romantic in managing to bring a man, trained to feel nothing, to his knees. Not to mention that both characters were beautiful people, and I don't mean externally.
And then we have the secondary characters... The Riders are just yummy! And the women sufficiently sassy and independent to satisfy my high expectations. I can't wait for Zeke's, Deacon's and Maricela's books. And of course, creating a male or/and female strong enough to be with Gideon and all the responsibility he carries on his shoulders will definitely be a challenge for the author but I have every faith in them. We also had a few cameo appearances of characters we know and love, mainly our favorite O'Kane trio.
All in all, this was a great start to the series. I look forward to seeing what comes next!
*************************************
I was so happy when I saw this on Netgalley, my fingers went on autopilot requesting it. But, it being Friday, I thought I'd have to wait for Monday at least. So here I was, browsing my shelves, trying to find something interesting to read, when I get my reply... less than 10 minutes later!!!
I'm so happy to see what Kit Rocha have done with this spin-off!!
Ashwin Malhotra was "bred" for one purpose only, to be the best, most loyal, most efficient soldier he could be. As a result, he is feared by all, as only a dog trained to kill by birth, can be feared. As a Makhai soldier, emotion should have been tortured out of him long ago. And it is... or so he tells himself. The one true exception to that rule is the most forbidden of them all.... Dr. Kora Bellamy.
Kora is everything a Makhai soldier isn't. Emotional and compassionate to an extreme degree, she is the best at what she does, which is saving other people's lives. Being naturally kind, she sees in Makhai soldiers what other people overlook... emotion may be hidden deep within after someone teaches you to relay it with pain but it doesn't really go away. And especially in Ashwin's case, she needs to believe that the emotions he stirs in her aren't one-sided.
But a relationship between them isn't simple... Ashwin is a man not allowed to love and Kora is a woman many would kill to have. But the worst enemy may not be outsiders but Ashwin's fierce need to protect her, no matter how much protecting her may damage them...
I was curious how Kit Rocha would go about spinning off the Beyond series. I was both hopeful that it would be as awesome as the original series and apprehensive that it would be exactly the same and have nothing fresh to offer. I shouldn't have worried. Sector One is just as complicated as Sector Four, just as interesting, just as captivating but at the same time, completely different. The cult-like political structure isn't something we see often, at least not on the good guys' side, but it has great potential. Mostly because the people in power are actually nice people.
Unlike Dallas who ruled his sector with brutal strength but also complete loyalty to his people, Gideon doesn't need strength or brutality to rule. In Sector One, Gideon Rios is god and his word not only law, but also followed with complete faith that it is right by his people. A man with that much power could have easily been corrupted but Gideon is well aware of the burden that being worshipped like that can be. Insightful, loyal and compassionate but also ruthless when the situation demands it, Gideon is what a leader should be. It will be a treat watching his character's development.
The romance aspect was as expected my favorite part. While I enjoyed the Beyond novels, the romance sometimes felt... completely sex-based. Don't get me wrong, the emotions where there but most of the time I thought that they were too widely spread with all the different partners and public sex. I'm not against it, hell, I loved Beyond, but this felt more real. Probably because I can't imagine wanting to share someone you're in love with. And the "only you can make me feel" storyline always hooks me. There's just something incredibly romantic in managing to bring a man, trained to feel nothing, to his knees. Not to mention that both characters were beautiful people, and I don't mean externally.
And then we have the secondary characters... The Riders are just yummy! And the women sufficiently sassy and independent to satisfy my high expectations. I can't wait for Zeke's, Deacon's and Maricela's books. And of course, creating a male or/and female strong enough to be with Gideon and all the responsibility he carries on his shoulders will definitely be a challenge for the author but I have every faith in them. We also had a few cameo appearances of characters we know and love, mainly our favorite O'Kane trio.
All in all, this was a great start to the series. I look forward to seeing what comes next!
*************************************
I was so happy when I saw this on Netgalley, my fingers went on autopilot requesting it. But, it being Friday, I thought I'd have to wait for Monday at least. So here I was, browsing my shelves, trying to find something interesting to read, when I get my reply... less than 10 minutes later!!!
I'm so happy to see what Kit Rocha have done with this spin-off!!
May 5, 2017
I know a lot of reviewers are telling you that you could read this series without having read the "Beyond" series by the same authors, but if you haven't read Beyond, you will be more lost than an elderly man in Victoria's Secret. You will find yourself thinking "huh?" a lot, and you will wonder if you missed out on something important. Again: lost old man.
You shouldn't have, honey. Really. Don't do it again.
This series is set in a dystopian world where food and electricity are scarce but condoms are more than plentiful. The future world people are having a lot more sex than today-people. You would think that building a new society, scavenging for food, and not having a shower would put a damper on the sexy times. But, you'd be wrong. These people are trying to repopulate the world, dammit!!
Surprisingly, though, the district featured in this book is more religious than our last series' districts. This means that they are having more monogamous sex and less three-ways, four-ways, and whatever-the-hell-those-people-are-doing sex. But, this is still smut, don't worry! It just means we have to let the couple build their relationship a little bit first. And, then it's on!!
Ashwin is our guy and he is some sort of mutated super-soldier who is unable to feel emotions. Supposedly. But, he is feeling all kinds of things about Kora. Look at this emotional confession he makes to one of the other guys:
"Seeing her sad is... unsatisfactory."
Ashwin, you romantic devil you! You had me at unsatisfactory.
Kora is also a mutated freak but doesn't know it. Her problem is feeling too much. She is emotional and oozes empathy. This relationship is going to work out great!!
She was just as helpless as Ashwin when it came to emotion - he couldn't feel it, and she felt too much.
Creepy Spidey is right. I see great things for their future. Mainly her crying and screaming at him while he is completely clueless. You know, marriage.
So, basically the book is setting us up in this world, introducing us to all of the guys who will undoubtedly be getting their books next, and waiting for the tin man to get his heart from the wizard.
If you liked the Beyond series a lot, but maybe thought the smut got a little too out of control and you were so ashamed of yourself that you bought extra girl scout cookies to help charity (not at all for the thin mints), then this is the book for you. If you are a smut-loving machine with no remorse who thought the Beyond series was a "starter" book for the porn, this one may not have enough bow-chicka-bow-wow for you.
You shouldn't have, honey. Really. Don't do it again.
This series is set in a dystopian world where food and electricity are scarce but condoms are more than plentiful. The future world people are having a lot more sex than today-people. You would think that building a new society, scavenging for food, and not having a shower would put a damper on the sexy times. But, you'd be wrong. These people are trying to repopulate the world, dammit!!
Surprisingly, though, the district featured in this book is more religious than our last series' districts. This means that they are having more monogamous sex and less three-ways, four-ways, and whatever-the-hell-those-people-are-doing sex. But, this is still smut, don't worry! It just means we have to let the couple build their relationship a little bit first. And, then it's on!!
Ashwin is our guy and he is some sort of mutated super-soldier who is unable to feel emotions. Supposedly. But, he is feeling all kinds of things about Kora. Look at this emotional confession he makes to one of the other guys:
"Seeing her sad is... unsatisfactory."
Ashwin, you romantic devil you! You had me at unsatisfactory.
Kora is also a mutated freak but doesn't know it. Her problem is feeling too much. She is emotional and oozes empathy. This relationship is going to work out great!!
She was just as helpless as Ashwin when it came to emotion - he couldn't feel it, and she felt too much.
Creepy Spidey is right. I see great things for their future. Mainly her crying and screaming at him while he is completely clueless. You know, marriage.
So, basically the book is setting us up in this world, introducing us to all of the guys who will undoubtedly be getting their books next, and waiting for the tin man to get his heart from the wizard.
If you liked the Beyond series a lot, but maybe thought the smut got a little too out of control and you were so ashamed of yourself that you bought extra girl scout cookies to help charity (not at all for the thin mints), then this is the book for you. If you are a smut-loving machine with no remorse who thought the Beyond series was a "starter" book for the porn, this one may not have enough bow-chicka-bow-wow for you.
March 7, 2017
Ashwin is the first book in the new Dystopian Erotica series by Kit Rocha. They write some of the best erotica out there in my humble opinion and while the
Beyond
series is not for the faint of smut this might be a little bit tamer but just as hot.
General FYI’s
Ashwin is my catnip. He is so broken. Ashwin has trained his entire life to be an elite soldier and told that he has no capacity for emotion. He is highly intelligent and resourceful and has been sent in infiltrate Gideon’s Riders because the military is afraid that he will gain too much power and go bad like his Grandfather before him.
Kora and Ashwin have a past. She had been his doctor for years, cleaning up his scrapes and boo boos from different missions and she was sure that there was more to him than what the base tried to make him believe he was. Kora escaped the military base and is in hiding within Gideon’s inner circle. Ashwin didn’t think he would ever see her again and she believed he was dead. Now Ashwin is torn because he feels a great need to protect her but he also wants to complete his mission and he will have to chose just one. One path will lead to his destabilization and a possibility that he will go crazy, while the other means he will betray Kora the only person he has ever had any kind of connection with.
I loved this book. It is rare in erotica that I’m just as into the story as I am into the sex scenes or more into the story than sex scenes *gasp*. But this is one of those times that there is a great blend of story to sex that makes everything fantastic. Ashwin is so great!!!
I liked the set up of the new series. There are a lot of possibilities and Gideon, well I’m totally interested in all the faces of that guy. He is like a new king in a Dystopian world and the people around him lords and ladies. But he also gets people and I think he was one of the most interesting characters in this world.
There are some really cool sub stories going on and I totally wanted to get to the other characters stories right after this one…but alas they aren’t written just yet. Deacon and Zeke are the ones I’m most interested in seeing next.
Very excited about this new series from Kit Rocha. But if you want something totally dirty with a great story line as well try out there other series Beyond.
Thanks to Kit Rocha and Netgalley for the ARC for review
General FYI’s
1 – You do not have to have read any of the Beyond books to start this series. It is set in the same world and so there are some cameos from characters from the Beyond series in it but you don’t need to have read those books to enjoy this one.
2 – There is sex, some really hot sex BUT it was completely monogamous. If you read the Beyond series you know that was a very sharing anything and everything goes kind of series.
3 – There are a few religious undertones to Gideon’s Riders. I was worried about the mixing of religion of any kind with my smut. However it is more a cultural lifestyle and the Riders protect the community. I never felt like it was weird, everything worked for the set up of this story and series.
Ashwin is my catnip. He is so broken. Ashwin has trained his entire life to be an elite soldier and told that he has no capacity for emotion. He is highly intelligent and resourceful and has been sent in infiltrate Gideon’s Riders because the military is afraid that he will gain too much power and go bad like his Grandfather before him.
Kora and Ashwin have a past. She had been his doctor for years, cleaning up his scrapes and boo boos from different missions and she was sure that there was more to him than what the base tried to make him believe he was. Kora escaped the military base and is in hiding within Gideon’s inner circle. Ashwin didn’t think he would ever see her again and she believed he was dead. Now Ashwin is torn because he feels a great need to protect her but he also wants to complete his mission and he will have to chose just one. One path will lead to his destabilization and a possibility that he will go crazy, while the other means he will betray Kora the only person he has ever had any kind of connection with.
I loved this book. It is rare in erotica that I’m just as into the story as I am into the sex scenes or more into the story than sex scenes *gasp*. But this is one of those times that there is a great blend of story to sex that makes everything fantastic. Ashwin is so great!!!
“I want you in my bed, Kora. But not until you’ve considered all the risks. Not unless you know that the possibility is there.”
“Which one?”
“That I’m empty,” he answered simply. “That I’m broken. That I can promise to protect your body, but I may never have the capacity to make the same promise about your heart. That I might destroy it without meaning to.”
I liked the set up of the new series. There are a lot of possibilities and Gideon, well I’m totally interested in all the faces of that guy. He is like a new king in a Dystopian world and the people around him lords and ladies. But he also gets people and I think he was one of the most interesting characters in this world.
“Have a seat.” Ashwin crossed the room, but hadn’t yet sat when Gideon continued, “And decide which conversation you want to have, too. We can have the one where we tell each other barely concealed lies and analyze the subtext of every word, or we can have the one where we tell the truth and make a wager.”
There are some really cool sub stories going on and I totally wanted to get to the other characters stories right after this one…but alas they aren’t written just yet. Deacon and Zeke are the ones I’m most interested in seeing next.
Very excited about this new series from Kit Rocha. But if you want something totally dirty with a great story line as well try out there other series Beyond.
Thanks to Kit Rocha and Netgalley for the ARC for review
May 17, 2017
This is the first book in the new series 'Gideon's Riders' and while I've been looking forward to this I've also been a little apprehensive hence the reason for my delay in starting it.
The 'Beyond' series was fabulous, the world these authors created is simply fascinating, my only problem was in some of the books, for me anyway the balance was out, too much sex and too little story. Now don't get me wrong I love a nice hot read but I need the balance, enough actual story to hold it all together and a couple of the books failed on this.
Now I know the O'Kanes are a debauched lot and we loved them for it but with Ashwin I was hoping for something different as opposed to more of the same and we get it.
In Ashwin the balance is exactly right, well for me anyway.
Lieutenant Ashwin Malhotra is a Makhai soldier genetically engineered to be cold, ruthless and unfeeling.
He's always been an intriguing character on one hand he's a ruthless and efficient killer who completes his missions with deadly accuracy yet on the other hand he's besotted with Dr. Kora Bellamy to the extent where he'll do anything to keep her safe.
Ashwin disappeared after the uprising and six months later there's still no sign of him, Kora assumes he's dead, why else wouldn't he contact her?
Then Ashwin reappears and we discover he returned to base for six agonising months of recalibration where they tortured Kora from his mind.
Despite the recalibration and hell that Ashwin has suffered this is a softer sweeter read than 'Beyond' there's an innocence here that just wasn't in the previous series.
Ashwin is sent to infiltrate Gideon's Riders but once there he finds not only Kora but maybe a chance at a life he hadn't even thought possible.
Okay....so I really enjoyed this book, I love Gideon's Riders and I'm so excited about this series.
Why not 5*?
I'm not sure I just felt something was missing. This is crazy because I'm all about the romance but I think I wanted more action (gasp....I know) after all Ashwin is a genetically engineered soldier and I can't believe I'm saying this but I wanted him to seriously kick some ass.
As I said I'm really looking forward to Deacon and Ana despite the cover. I'm terrible with covers but this just isn't working for me, Ana looks fabulous but Deacon is just not how I pictured him at all, is it me or has he got a sixties porn star look going on?
March 7, 2017
Java Girl's review:
I have been excitedly and impatiently waiting for Kit Rocha’s brand-new series, Gideon’s Riders. The first book, Ashwin, was everything I hoped it would be, and more. Ashwin Molhotra, the genetically modified Makhai soldier, has fascinated me from the start. When we last saw Ashwin, his fixation on Dr. Kora Bellamy had lead to a breakdown of sorts, and he was headed for recalibration, while Kora was hidden away in a safe place by Cruz, as repayment for a favor. Kora has been taken in by the Rios family, and has become a sister to Gideon Rios, the religious and governing leader of Sector One. I was familiar with the Rios family, and the Riders from the Beyond series, with most of the history coming from Adrian Maddox, Gideon's cousin and member of the O’Kane’s. I am captivated by Gideon, his Riders, and his people--their belief system, values, customs, history, and lifestyle, and was eager to learn more. In Ashwin, as we get to know the Rios family and their followers, I found it even more compelling than I expected. Gideon seems like the perfect leader-kind, compassionate, and strong. He almost seems too good to be true, and I can't wait for more of him, and to see who the woman is who is strong enough to win his heart. I have my suspicions, but I’ll have to wait and see.
Kora has been living with them and providing medical care for the sector, as well as tending to victims of the recent revolution. When Ashwin assists the Riders during an ambush, he is welcomed into Sector One. Kora and Ashwin have had feelings for one another for years, and I was curious about Ashwin’s ability to have a normal relationship. I was delighted by his reactions and his thought process, not only with Kora, but with Gideon and the other Riders. Even though he has been a soldier his entire life, being a part of the Riders and the Rios family is very unfamiliar, an entirely new experience for him. He has been trained to believe he can't feel, so his feelings for Kora are a revelation. Kora, on the other hand, is the opposite-she feels very deeply. I found this book to be very sweet and romantic, a bit of a departure from the hedonistic, anything goes attitude about sex and relationships of the O’Kanes. Don't get me wrong, I love that about the O’Kanes--it fits the people of Sector Four perfectly and the Beyond series is one of my all-time favorites, but the differences fit these characters and this Sector. So while the sex isn't as wild and crazy, it's still intense, emotional, and very hot.
Gideon’s Riders is off to an amazing start and I can't wait for Deacon’s book..
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
I have been excitedly and impatiently waiting for Kit Rocha’s brand-new series, Gideon’s Riders. The first book, Ashwin, was everything I hoped it would be, and more. Ashwin Molhotra, the genetically modified Makhai soldier, has fascinated me from the start. When we last saw Ashwin, his fixation on Dr. Kora Bellamy had lead to a breakdown of sorts, and he was headed for recalibration, while Kora was hidden away in a safe place by Cruz, as repayment for a favor. Kora has been taken in by the Rios family, and has become a sister to Gideon Rios, the religious and governing leader of Sector One. I was familiar with the Rios family, and the Riders from the Beyond series, with most of the history coming from Adrian Maddox, Gideon's cousin and member of the O’Kane’s. I am captivated by Gideon, his Riders, and his people--their belief system, values, customs, history, and lifestyle, and was eager to learn more. In Ashwin, as we get to know the Rios family and their followers, I found it even more compelling than I expected. Gideon seems like the perfect leader-kind, compassionate, and strong. He almost seems too good to be true, and I can't wait for more of him, and to see who the woman is who is strong enough to win his heart. I have my suspicions, but I’ll have to wait and see.
Kora has been living with them and providing medical care for the sector, as well as tending to victims of the recent revolution. When Ashwin assists the Riders during an ambush, he is welcomed into Sector One. Kora and Ashwin have had feelings for one another for years, and I was curious about Ashwin’s ability to have a normal relationship. I was delighted by his reactions and his thought process, not only with Kora, but with Gideon and the other Riders. Even though he has been a soldier his entire life, being a part of the Riders and the Rios family is very unfamiliar, an entirely new experience for him. He has been trained to believe he can't feel, so his feelings for Kora are a revelation. Kora, on the other hand, is the opposite-she feels very deeply. I found this book to be very sweet and romantic, a bit of a departure from the hedonistic, anything goes attitude about sex and relationships of the O’Kanes. Don't get me wrong, I love that about the O’Kanes--it fits the people of Sector Four perfectly and the Beyond series is one of my all-time favorites, but the differences fit these characters and this Sector. So while the sex isn't as wild and crazy, it's still intense, emotional, and very hot.
Gideon’s Riders is off to an amazing start and I can't wait for Deacon’s book..
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
June 25, 2017
I love these authors and what they can bring to paper or to the ebook is incredible. Now after experiencing the rise and fall of Eden and the ups and downs of the O’Kanes in Sector 4 it is now
So my fellow fans & friends
Now for my thoughts on this gem of a book.
“Revolution was supposed to make things simpler, but here we are. Things might be better, but they’re not simpler.”
Ashwin Malhotra is a Makhai soldier a genetically modified human being that has been programmed not to feel. If they start to destabilize and fracture or in layman terms become more human they are reconditioned.
After six months of reconditioning to forget Kora Bellamy he is sent to Sector One to get rid of the deserters but also to infiltrate and get closer to Gideon Rios the leader of Sector One. All is going according to plan. But Gideon Rios is not a stupid man. He offers something Ashwin has always wanted.
The Base also miscalculated his loyalty his one loyalty will always be to Kora and as Kora has a loyalty to the Rios family. Ashwin has already broken so many rules when it comes to Kora amongst them treason.
Kora Bellamy doctor extraordinaire. The Base doesn’t know that she is there. She has been made to heal one of the last ones of the Project Panacea the sister project to the Makhai soldier. She is the last one and she somehow managed to compartmentalise. Kora mourned Ashwin after the last battle for freedom and then she finds out that she is alive.
They are perfect for one another. There is no point in fighting it.
Placing his hand between her shoulder blades was dangerous. Guiding her onto the mattress was reckless. Stretching out beside her was foolish.
After a night full of sex, passion and letting go is psyche is broken beyond repair.
The plot has everything I love and need in a story. Action-packed full of suspense, deception and subterfuge. Ashwin does what is the most important for Kora and no one else even if that means hurting her by accident although that was never his intention. But it will take a strong woman with compassion and understanding to deal with it for a life time of hurt. Nevertheless Ashwin goes above and beyond. He becomes a rider.
“Welcome to the ranks of the damned. Fun never stops.”
But what I loved as well as the sense of belonging what they both gained and that Sector One became their home.
Fights with Reyes. Glares from Ana. Threats from Deacon. He was actually starting to like the perverse, irrational things that soothed him. Being irrational made him feel human.
Sector One and Gideon Rios is subtle but it is a good subtlety. They love just as hard as Four but there is a stronger sense of worship of a different kind of loyalty of trust of belonging. It is the same and yet different. The introduction to so many new characters, the world building of sector One the detail, the story, the comraderies of the Riders. All of it is just brilliant. Sector One every moment to the fullest, wide open, because every moment could be your last. It was fact, something to be mourned and revered in equal measure.
My adjustment problem was that Sector One can’t be compared to Sector Four in any way and I had problems at the beginning. Sector Four is raw, gritty, filthy and lead by a barbarian I also found the worship and the religious aspect to get used to but that also in the end was smooth sailing.
Icing on the cake? We get to see Rachel, Ace & Lorenzo. Rosalie & Isaac.
Review can also be found @http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blog...
February 27, 2017
Four and a half from me
Well the duo that form Kit Rocha are back and doing it in style! Having loved their Beyond series that unashamedly crossed boundaries I felt trepidation about this spin off. Sector One is so very different with its religious ideology and royal family that are anything but ordinary . This book features Gideon and his Riders , those who follow him whilst knowing their time is limited but the joy of serving their community is everything. Prepare for a new insight into everything that happened in and around Eden , whilst meeting new characters along the way oh and of course a sneak peek at what old friends are currently up to!
So Gideon might not rule through brutality but his is most definitely an iron fist in a velvet glove! He has taken in Kora the talented doctor whose empathy could be her undoing so when her past walks through the door it's clear life is about to get more complicated or is it? Ashwin is one seriously scary super soldier with his genetically modified body but he's starting to unravel around sweet Kora. His mission is to infiltrate Gideons Riders but as his cracks widen its Kora who holds his sanity in her capable hands. Problem is though too many secrets surround Kora and mission or no all Ashwin wants to do is protect the woman who has filled his heart and soul. Kora knows what she wants but sometimes it's possible to go a step too far!
So a terrifying super soldier and the most humane doctor ever come together to introduce this series and it's everything I'd hoped for and more. Sometimes life in Sector Four with the O'Kanes was too much about obtaining freedom through sexuality and if honest the exhibitionism and sharing felt gratuitous . Don't get me wrong as I loved those books and yes I believed in the emotional pull but I wanted something that felt less intense and more focussed on what a relationship truly is. This story felt intrinsically about the couple coming to terms with their feelings in a realistic manner and although trust me there's plenty of heat it's not a story that revolves around their passionate encounters. There is some referencing to previous events that fans who've read the Beyond books might find irritating but it does give background so that's relevant to new readers. Hurrah for this new series though and I'm so looking forward to learning much more about the Riders oh and of course catching up with the O'Kanes!
This voluntary take is of an advance reader copy and my thoughts are my honest opinion
Well the duo that form Kit Rocha are back and doing it in style! Having loved their Beyond series that unashamedly crossed boundaries I felt trepidation about this spin off. Sector One is so very different with its religious ideology and royal family that are anything but ordinary . This book features Gideon and his Riders , those who follow him whilst knowing their time is limited but the joy of serving their community is everything. Prepare for a new insight into everything that happened in and around Eden , whilst meeting new characters along the way oh and of course a sneak peek at what old friends are currently up to!
So Gideon might not rule through brutality but his is most definitely an iron fist in a velvet glove! He has taken in Kora the talented doctor whose empathy could be her undoing so when her past walks through the door it's clear life is about to get more complicated or is it? Ashwin is one seriously scary super soldier with his genetically modified body but he's starting to unravel around sweet Kora. His mission is to infiltrate Gideons Riders but as his cracks widen its Kora who holds his sanity in her capable hands. Problem is though too many secrets surround Kora and mission or no all Ashwin wants to do is protect the woman who has filled his heart and soul. Kora knows what she wants but sometimes it's possible to go a step too far!
So a terrifying super soldier and the most humane doctor ever come together to introduce this series and it's everything I'd hoped for and more. Sometimes life in Sector Four with the O'Kanes was too much about obtaining freedom through sexuality and if honest the exhibitionism and sharing felt gratuitous . Don't get me wrong as I loved those books and yes I believed in the emotional pull but I wanted something that felt less intense and more focussed on what a relationship truly is. This story felt intrinsically about the couple coming to terms with their feelings in a realistic manner and although trust me there's plenty of heat it's not a story that revolves around their passionate encounters. There is some referencing to previous events that fans who've read the Beyond books might find irritating but it does give background so that's relevant to new readers. Hurrah for this new series though and I'm so looking forward to learning much more about the Riders oh and of course catching up with the O'Kanes!
This voluntary take is of an advance reader copy and my thoughts are my honest opinion
August 8, 2020
For a spin-off series that didn’t feel entirely necessary, I’m already enjoying it more than I expected.
Plus, I will take any excuse to catch up with Ace/Rachel/Cruz, however briefly.
Plus, I will take any excuse to catch up with Ace/Rachel/Cruz, however briefly.
March 8, 2017
Buddy read with Aly
It's no secret that I'm a fully paid up member of the O'Kane fan club, I absolutely love the Beyond series and the only thing that made that series ending bearable was knowing that Kit Rocha was writing a spin off series set in Sector One. I have been looking forward to reading this book ever since it was announced, we've already seen how obsessed Ashwin is with Kora throughout the other series and I couldn't wait for them to finally figure things out. Sometimes when a book is as highly anticipated as this one there is a worry at the back of your mind that it might be a disappointment but I never had that fear here, I completely trust these authors to give me a story that I'm going to adore and they 100% delivered with Ashwin.
If you're new to this world then you probably could pick up the story here, this spin off is designed to be a starting point for newbies but it also has plenty of cameo appearances and little hints at things that have gone before for fans of the previous books. I'm incredibly happy to recommend any of the books set in this world though, this is post-apocalyptic erotica at it's very best and the stories are so hot they should come with a warning label. It looks like things are going to be slightly different in Sector One though, the riders are still completely open about their sexuality and pretty much anything goes but they seem a little less into public displays than the O'Kane are. Of course that could change as the series continues but it's an interesting change to the dynamics and it didn't make this book any less hot.
If you're new to this world there are a few things you need to know about our hero Ashwin. He was genetically engineered as part of the Makhai project to be a super soldier, the Makhai were created to be the perfect killing machines, ruthless, unfeeling killers who follow out their orders unconditionally. Ashwin has always had a little trouble when it comes to Kora though, and he has been fighting his obsession with her for a long time now. Kora is the complete opposite of Ashwin, she's a dedicated doctor who loves deeply and would do anything to protect those she cares for. She was one of the doctors tasked with looking after the Makhai soldiers and she's one of the few people who isn't terrified of them. The Makhai have such a ruthless reputation that even other soldiers on the base stay well clear of them but Kora cares about them and balks at carrying out duties that she believes will harm them.
Kora escaped from the military base in the previous book and she's now been accepted into Gideon's family where she is treated like a princess. She has found a home but she often thinks about the soldier she left behind, she was convinced that Ashwin had feelings for her and it hurt her when he didn't escape with her. Ashwin has been sent on a mission to infiltrate the Riders and find out what Gideon's plans are, the military high ups are concerned that he could be a powerful enemy and they want to have eyes on the inside in case he starts plotting against them. Now Ashwin is in an impossible situation, he either risks everything to be with Kora or he breaks her heart by moving against the only family she has ever had.
I don't think I have the words to tell you how much I loved Ashwin, I'm a sucker for brooding mysterious guys who have their emotions tightly under wraps, especially in Ashwin's case where it's obvious that he isn't the unfeeling and emotionless robot that he was raised to believe he is. Everything about Kora brings Ashwin's protective instincts to the fore and I can't imagine him ever doing anything to purposefully hurt her. Kora is the sweetest and most caring character you'll ever come across but she also has a backbone of steel and there is nothing she won't do to show Ashwin that he's loved and accepted. They make such a brilliant couple and I'm already looking forward to rereading their story.
This book isn't just about their romance though, it's also about introducing us to the main players in Sector One. We've met a lot of them before but they've only been on the sidelines in previous stories and this series will be their chance to shine. Gideon is treated like a god by the rest of the sector, I was a little nervous about the weird, almost cult-like, religion they have going on here but it was actually really interesting and not at all what I was expecting. I think it works so well because Gideon is a responsible leader, he never asked for this responsibility and would probably walk away from it if he could but it's exactly because he doesn't want the power that makes him such a good leader. He has earned the respect of the Riders and as a group they do huge amounts to protect the whole sector and make sure their people have everything they need. I enjoyed meeting all the different Riders and I loved seeing Ashwin trying to find a place with them, he has a lot of strengths that are going to be a real asset as the series continues.
Ashwin took everything I loved about the Beyond series and made it fresh and exciting again. I absolutely can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review
It's no secret that I'm a fully paid up member of the O'Kane fan club, I absolutely love the Beyond series and the only thing that made that series ending bearable was knowing that Kit Rocha was writing a spin off series set in Sector One. I have been looking forward to reading this book ever since it was announced, we've already seen how obsessed Ashwin is with Kora throughout the other series and I couldn't wait for them to finally figure things out. Sometimes when a book is as highly anticipated as this one there is a worry at the back of your mind that it might be a disappointment but I never had that fear here, I completely trust these authors to give me a story that I'm going to adore and they 100% delivered with Ashwin.
If you're new to this world then you probably could pick up the story here, this spin off is designed to be a starting point for newbies but it also has plenty of cameo appearances and little hints at things that have gone before for fans of the previous books. I'm incredibly happy to recommend any of the books set in this world though, this is post-apocalyptic erotica at it's very best and the stories are so hot they should come with a warning label. It looks like things are going to be slightly different in Sector One though, the riders are still completely open about their sexuality and pretty much anything goes but they seem a little less into public displays than the O'Kane are. Of course that could change as the series continues but it's an interesting change to the dynamics and it didn't make this book any less hot.
If you're new to this world there are a few things you need to know about our hero Ashwin. He was genetically engineered as part of the Makhai project to be a super soldier, the Makhai were created to be the perfect killing machines, ruthless, unfeeling killers who follow out their orders unconditionally. Ashwin has always had a little trouble when it comes to Kora though, and he has been fighting his obsession with her for a long time now. Kora is the complete opposite of Ashwin, she's a dedicated doctor who loves deeply and would do anything to protect those she cares for. She was one of the doctors tasked with looking after the Makhai soldiers and she's one of the few people who isn't terrified of them. The Makhai have such a ruthless reputation that even other soldiers on the base stay well clear of them but Kora cares about them and balks at carrying out duties that she believes will harm them.
Kora escaped from the military base in the previous book and she's now been accepted into Gideon's family where she is treated like a princess. She has found a home but she often thinks about the soldier she left behind, she was convinced that Ashwin had feelings for her and it hurt her when he didn't escape with her. Ashwin has been sent on a mission to infiltrate the Riders and find out what Gideon's plans are, the military high ups are concerned that he could be a powerful enemy and they want to have eyes on the inside in case he starts plotting against them. Now Ashwin is in an impossible situation, he either risks everything to be with Kora or he breaks her heart by moving against the only family she has ever had.
I don't think I have the words to tell you how much I loved Ashwin, I'm a sucker for brooding mysterious guys who have their emotions tightly under wraps, especially in Ashwin's case where it's obvious that he isn't the unfeeling and emotionless robot that he was raised to believe he is. Everything about Kora brings Ashwin's protective instincts to the fore and I can't imagine him ever doing anything to purposefully hurt her. Kora is the sweetest and most caring character you'll ever come across but she also has a backbone of steel and there is nothing she won't do to show Ashwin that he's loved and accepted. They make such a brilliant couple and I'm already looking forward to rereading their story.
This book isn't just about their romance though, it's also about introducing us to the main players in Sector One. We've met a lot of them before but they've only been on the sidelines in previous stories and this series will be their chance to shine. Gideon is treated like a god by the rest of the sector, I was a little nervous about the weird, almost cult-like, religion they have going on here but it was actually really interesting and not at all what I was expecting. I think it works so well because Gideon is a responsible leader, he never asked for this responsibility and would probably walk away from it if he could but it's exactly because he doesn't want the power that makes him such a good leader. He has earned the respect of the Riders and as a group they do huge amounts to protect the whole sector and make sure their people have everything they need. I enjoyed meeting all the different Riders and I loved seeing Ashwin trying to find a place with them, he has a lot of strengths that are going to be a real asset as the series continues.
Ashwin took everything I loved about the Beyond series and made it fresh and exciting again. I absolutely can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review
March 5, 2017
5 "Opposite Ends of the Feeling Spectrum Unite" Stars!
A new top favorite! I have been meaning to read or listen to Kit Rocha's Beyond Series forever. Of course, as is frequently the case with long-running PNR/UF series that must be read in sequential order, starting such a series can be a daunting exercise. So when I saw that Kit Rocha (the pen name for the collaboration between co-authors Donna Herren and Bree Bridges) was releasing the first book in a spin-off series, I jumped at the chance to review it, and I must say I'm in love!
Everything from the UF world building, hero/heroine character development, relationship building among secondary characters who will no doubt be the heroes/heroines in books to come, to the romance and passion department was top-notch! Moreover, Kit Rocha towed the line between the perfect balance of explaining this UF world, which takes place in the same one that her Beyond Series takes place (just later in time after the war between the sectors has ended), while at the same time not belaboring or slowing down this story.
The heroine of this story is Dr. Kora Bellamy. The royal Rios family of Sector 1, including its leader Gideon Rios, took Kora in after she escaped a military facility for the Makhai Project, which features genetically engineered soldiers who have been bred to be the super soldiers that are incapable of feeling. Everything in Sector 1 is so completely different from where she came from both at the base and Eden where she once lived. There is an innate almost religious goodness in this Sector, where people believe in Gideon, not because he rules by might, but because of his beliefs, goals and most all his actual treatment of Sector 1's people (actions speak louder than words!).
Sector 1 is policed by Gideon's Riders--a number of whom are influential in their own right but who choose to enforce Sector 1s rules for the better of the whole (even if it means they must kill and therefore are giving up their eternal ever after for the collective good of Sector 1s people). Because of their sacrifice all of Gideon's Riders are revered by Sector 1s' inhabitants, and Kora's role in the affair is ensuring Gideon's Riders always get the best medical care so they can continue to protect Sector 1. This comes naturally to Kora as she innately has a drive to heal others.
After years of disappointment at the military base's inhumane and unnecessarily cruel treatment of its soldiers, Kora is finally happy in her new life with the Rios family which has not only given her a place to stay, but has actually officially taken her in as if she were one of their own. Kora's only regret is Ashwin, a soldier of the Makhai Project who she thought she had had a special connection with--something which they were strictly forbidden from having (as a matter of professional curtesy on her part and because Ashwin as a Makhai soldier should never have felt anything much less had feelings for her). However, Kora assumes that Ashwin died in the war as he never came back for her as he had promised.
So imagine Kora's surprise when Ashwin shows up in Sector 1 and just in the nick of time to save them from a dangerous plot. Gideon questions Ashwin's real mission in Sector 1 notwithstanding Ashwin's help--nothing gets by Gideon though he doesn't necessarily react as others would. Instead he also quickly assesses Kora's seeming power over Ashwin and allows him to stay for at least a while. Just why is Ashwin in Sector 1? Does he still have feelings for Kora? Is he even capable of true feelings? And how will Kora respond to this second chance?
What a powerful book that proves that true love can never be denied. Additionally, there are so many twists and turns that you will be glued to your Kindle until the very end. There are also some fantastic secondary characters--namely the other Gideon's Riders--as well as a number of the women in Rio's family who also have compelling stories that I can't wait to hear. I will definitely be looking to carry on with this series (as well as finally read or listen to the Beyond Series)!
Source: Review copy provided for review purposes.
A new top favorite! I have been meaning to read or listen to Kit Rocha's Beyond Series forever. Of course, as is frequently the case with long-running PNR/UF series that must be read in sequential order, starting such a series can be a daunting exercise. So when I saw that Kit Rocha (the pen name for the collaboration between co-authors Donna Herren and Bree Bridges) was releasing the first book in a spin-off series, I jumped at the chance to review it, and I must say I'm in love!
Everything from the UF world building, hero/heroine character development, relationship building among secondary characters who will no doubt be the heroes/heroines in books to come, to the romance and passion department was top-notch! Moreover, Kit Rocha towed the line between the perfect balance of explaining this UF world, which takes place in the same one that her Beyond Series takes place (just later in time after the war between the sectors has ended), while at the same time not belaboring or slowing down this story.
The heroine of this story is Dr. Kora Bellamy. The royal Rios family of Sector 1, including its leader Gideon Rios, took Kora in after she escaped a military facility for the Makhai Project, which features genetically engineered soldiers who have been bred to be the super soldiers that are incapable of feeling. Everything in Sector 1 is so completely different from where she came from both at the base and Eden where she once lived. There is an innate almost religious goodness in this Sector, where people believe in Gideon, not because he rules by might, but because of his beliefs, goals and most all his actual treatment of Sector 1's people (actions speak louder than words!).
Sector 1 is policed by Gideon's Riders--a number of whom are influential in their own right but who choose to enforce Sector 1s rules for the better of the whole (even if it means they must kill and therefore are giving up their eternal ever after for the collective good of Sector 1s people). Because of their sacrifice all of Gideon's Riders are revered by Sector 1s' inhabitants, and Kora's role in the affair is ensuring Gideon's Riders always get the best medical care so they can continue to protect Sector 1. This comes naturally to Kora as she innately has a drive to heal others.
After years of disappointment at the military base's inhumane and unnecessarily cruel treatment of its soldiers, Kora is finally happy in her new life with the Rios family which has not only given her a place to stay, but has actually officially taken her in as if she were one of their own. Kora's only regret is Ashwin, a soldier of the Makhai Project who she thought she had had a special connection with--something which they were strictly forbidden from having (as a matter of professional curtesy on her part and because Ashwin as a Makhai soldier should never have felt anything much less had feelings for her). However, Kora assumes that Ashwin died in the war as he never came back for her as he had promised.
So imagine Kora's surprise when Ashwin shows up in Sector 1 and just in the nick of time to save them from a dangerous plot. Gideon questions Ashwin's real mission in Sector 1 notwithstanding Ashwin's help--nothing gets by Gideon though he doesn't necessarily react as others would. Instead he also quickly assesses Kora's seeming power over Ashwin and allows him to stay for at least a while. Just why is Ashwin in Sector 1? Does he still have feelings for Kora? Is he even capable of true feelings? And how will Kora respond to this second chance?
What a powerful book that proves that true love can never be denied. Additionally, there are so many twists and turns that you will be glued to your Kindle until the very end. There are also some fantastic secondary characters--namely the other Gideon's Riders--as well as a number of the women in Rio's family who also have compelling stories that I can't wait to hear. I will definitely be looking to carry on with this series (as well as finally read or listen to the Beyond Series)!
Source: Review copy provided for review purposes.
March 7, 2017
Ashwin is the start of the new Kit Rocha series, Gideon's Riders. The series is a spin-off of the Beyond series but it can be read as a stand alone.
Ashwin is a Makhai soldier, he was basically created in a lab, he was part of an experiment, you can say he is a super human without human emotions, or at least that's what he was told.
I personally liked Ashwin a lot, I knew from the beginning he wasn't going to be like a normal H because he's just not, he doesn't feel like a normal person and he rationalizes every one of his steps, he never makes a decision without thinking of a logical reason why.
His weakness is Doctor Kora, when they were at the base she would patch him up and he got attached. The problem is that Makhai soldiers are dangerous and there has only been one recorded case of a Makhai fixated on someone and it ended badly so Ashwin is going to do anything to protect Kora even from himself.
Kora is a doctor trained by Eden, she is one of the best. After the war between Eden and the sectors, Kora went to sector 1, Gideon considers her his sister and she has his protection.
Kora believed Ashwin to be dead in the war so she has been mourning him for months because she feels the same connection he feels.
Kora is different from a lot of people, she feels more deeply especially bad things. There's a reason, she just doesn't know it yet.
I like Kora very much too, I feel like it was great decision to introduce this new series from two characters that were not as deep in sector 1 because we are introduced to a lot of things along with them.
I don't know about the series but at least this book is very different from the Beyond series, this a complete new ride, there's no orgies and there's no sex all the time, Kora and Ashwin just grew up very differently and seeing them developt their connection was great.
I really enjoyed the way this series and this book specially was set, It's a stand alone and the events of the war are explained, you understand what took the main characters to the point where they are now. As a person that read all the book's i did skipped a few lines because I already knew things BUT there were a few apparences that made me swoon but at the same time like I said, things are explained so even if you read about a character from another sector you don't get lost.
The world building was really good, I've always appreciated how Donna and Bree write, they create stories with a purpose, you just don't follow the couple in their romance, there's a bigger story in play that affects everyone around, so I'm very curious whats the end game here and how the religion in sector 1 is going to affect things. I'm so so curious about Gideon, he seems like a great character.
The only two little things that didn't bother me per say but gave me a bit of problems:
1. there are too many characters mentioned, there were in the beyond books too and trust me I didn't kept up there and I'm not keeping up here, too many families and too many people with a lot of siblings and husbands and wives and kids, I'm super lost, I remember Deacon and Zeke.. oh and the girl rider because badass lady but that's it.
2. The descriptions of skin color, maybe I'm being a bit picky but Ashwin was described like two times with "brown skin" so my mind went to "ok, he's black" but from the cover of the book he is obviously not, and there was another character, I think Deacon that was described with brown skin too and I'm just pointing this out because when I eventually do read about a black character I'm not gonna know and I like to picture my hero/heroine when I'm reading. Besides that everything was great.
To end things with a positive note, There's a cameo of my favorite trio being parents and they are beautiful and Daddy Ace is the most precious thing on earth and I'm so happy and I can't wait to read more.
**ARC provided by authors in exchange for an honest review**
Ashwin is a Makhai soldier, he was basically created in a lab, he was part of an experiment, you can say he is a super human without human emotions, or at least that's what he was told.
I personally liked Ashwin a lot, I knew from the beginning he wasn't going to be like a normal H because he's just not, he doesn't feel like a normal person and he rationalizes every one of his steps, he never makes a decision without thinking of a logical reason why.
His weakness is Doctor Kora, when they were at the base she would patch him up and he got attached. The problem is that Makhai soldiers are dangerous and there has only been one recorded case of a Makhai fixated on someone and it ended badly so Ashwin is going to do anything to protect Kora even from himself.
Kora is a doctor trained by Eden, she is one of the best. After the war between Eden and the sectors, Kora went to sector 1, Gideon considers her his sister and she has his protection.
Kora believed Ashwin to be dead in the war so she has been mourning him for months because she feels the same connection he feels.
Kora is different from a lot of people, she feels more deeply especially bad things. There's a reason, she just doesn't know it yet.
I like Kora very much too, I feel like it was great decision to introduce this new series from two characters that were not as deep in sector 1 because we are introduced to a lot of things along with them.
I don't know about the series but at least this book is very different from the Beyond series, this a complete new ride, there's no orgies and there's no sex all the time, Kora and Ashwin just grew up very differently and seeing them developt their connection was great.
I really enjoyed the way this series and this book specially was set, It's a stand alone and the events of the war are explained, you understand what took the main characters to the point where they are now. As a person that read all the book's i did skipped a few lines because I already knew things BUT there were a few apparences that made me swoon but at the same time like I said, things are explained so even if you read about a character from another sector you don't get lost.
The world building was really good, I've always appreciated how Donna and Bree write, they create stories with a purpose, you just don't follow the couple in their romance, there's a bigger story in play that affects everyone around, so I'm very curious whats the end game here and how the religion in sector 1 is going to affect things. I'm so so curious about Gideon, he seems like a great character.
The only two little things that didn't bother me per say but gave me a bit of problems:
1. there are too many characters mentioned, there were in the beyond books too and trust me I didn't kept up there and I'm not keeping up here, too many families and too many people with a lot of siblings and husbands and wives and kids, I'm super lost, I remember Deacon and Zeke.. oh and the girl rider because badass lady but that's it.
2. The descriptions of skin color, maybe I'm being a bit picky but Ashwin was described like two times with "brown skin" so my mind went to "ok, he's black" but from the cover of the book he is obviously not, and there was another character, I think Deacon that was described with brown skin too and I'm just pointing this out because when I eventually do read about a black character I'm not gonna know and I like to picture my hero/heroine when I'm reading. Besides that everything was great.
To end things with a positive note, There's a cameo of my favorite trio being parents and they are beautiful and Daddy Ace is the most precious thing on earth and I'm so happy and I can't wait to read more.
**ARC provided by authors in exchange for an honest review**
arc-up-next
February 20, 2017ARC kindly provided by the author, via NetGalley, for an honest review.
November 3, 2017
Ashwin is the first book in Gideon’s Riders, the spin-off of Beyond series. For a beginner with a minimal knowledge of the former series, I wasn’t really confused with the world-building. I find everything easier to digest.
I really love that the authors have set up the plot for the upcoming books like I can already feel the simmering tension between the upcoming characters. This book also contains my fave archetypes: selfless cunning leader, raunchy scenes, royal family, and etc. I’m really impressed with the concept. I can feel this becoming a new fave.
I’m excited to read the rest of the titles in this series. For now, I’ll finish A Summer for Scandal and catch up on my YA tbr before research assignments and projects decided to take over my life.
I really love that the authors have set up the plot for the upcoming books like I can already feel the simmering tension between the upcoming characters. This book also contains my fave archetypes: selfless cunning leader, raunchy scenes, royal family, and etc. I’m really impressed with the concept. I can feel this becoming a new fave.
I’m excited to read the rest of the titles in this series. For now, I’ll finish A Summer for Scandal and catch up on my YA tbr before research assignments and projects decided to take over my life.
April 6, 2017
I was a little concerned when I realized that this book was a spinoff of Kit Rocha's Beyond series. I've read from this duo's alter ego, Moira Rogers, before, but I have not read the books featuring the famous O'Kanes, so I figured I might be lost here. I am happy to report that this is a great place to step into this world. I had absolutely no problem acclimating to it and I was never lost, nor did I feel like I was the odd man out of an inside joke. So if the same fear has you on the fence about this book, don't worry about it. Let yourself jump in. You'll be glad you did.
Ashwin is my favorite kind of hero. He is strong and powerful physically, but he is emotionally stunted. Think: the Psy heroes in Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling books. He was a genetically engineered a soldier, never allowed to feel. He and the heroine, Cora, have met before. She was the doctor at the base where he served. There was a connection between them back then, but his growing feelings for her overwhelmed him and he feared he could be a threat to her safety. He turned himself in for reconditioning, a painful process to try to burn the feelings out. It didn't quite work.
Cora is now an adopted sister to Gideon Rios, the leader of sector one. Ashwin does not know this when he is assigned to infiltrate Gideon's team of enforcers. But he quickly realizes that he will have to choose between his mission and protecting the life that Cora has built among Gideon's people.
I loved Ashwin. His intentions are always so pure when it comes to Cora. He puts himself on the line. He puts his mission on the line. He doesn't care about any vows he's made or responsibilities he should have when any of that is put against protecting Cora. She is always number one. The only thing in his heart. The heart he doesn't think he has. And it's so delicious and satisfying as he begins to understand and accept that he does care. That he is a man. And that she really is everything.
I liked Cora OK. She saw a spark of humanity in Ash when when no one else ever did. She tried to reach out. She tried to love him. And I got all the feels.
As always with these authors, the sex is smoking hot. The writing is just fantastic. I was all in. I did not want it to end.
There so much rich ground for future books to mine. I can't wait for Deacon and Ana's story or Zeke's.
All I can say is, go read this book. Go buy it now. You'll be glad you did. Whether you were a fan of the Beyond books or if this is your first trip to the rodeo. Really good stuff.
*ARC provided by authors
Ashwin is my favorite kind of hero. He is strong and powerful physically, but he is emotionally stunted. Think: the Psy heroes in Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling books. He was a genetically engineered a soldier, never allowed to feel. He and the heroine, Cora, have met before. She was the doctor at the base where he served. There was a connection between them back then, but his growing feelings for her overwhelmed him and he feared he could be a threat to her safety. He turned himself in for reconditioning, a painful process to try to burn the feelings out. It didn't quite work.
Cora is now an adopted sister to Gideon Rios, the leader of sector one. Ashwin does not know this when he is assigned to infiltrate Gideon's team of enforcers. But he quickly realizes that he will have to choose between his mission and protecting the life that Cora has built among Gideon's people.
I loved Ashwin. His intentions are always so pure when it comes to Cora. He puts himself on the line. He puts his mission on the line. He doesn't care about any vows he's made or responsibilities he should have when any of that is put against protecting Cora. She is always number one. The only thing in his heart. The heart he doesn't think he has. And it's so delicious and satisfying as he begins to understand and accept that he does care. That he is a man. And that she really is everything.
I liked Cora OK. She saw a spark of humanity in Ash when when no one else ever did. She tried to reach out. She tried to love him. And I got all the feels.
As always with these authors, the sex is smoking hot. The writing is just fantastic. I was all in. I did not want it to end.
There so much rich ground for future books to mine. I can't wait for Deacon and Ana's story or Zeke's.
All I can say is, go read this book. Go buy it now. You'll be glad you did. Whether you were a fan of the Beyond books or if this is your first trip to the rodeo. Really good stuff.
*ARC provided by authors
December 3, 2017
Well this was a pleasant surprise!
I haven't read a Kit Rocha book in years but for some reason I kept thinking about this new series and finally decided to check it out. I was worried that I wouldn't understand everything because I only read a few of the "Beyond" series books (2 to be exact) and while there were certain things that certainly hinted to past information, I wasn't confused at all.
I love everything about this new sector and world. I love how diverse it is and how different it is from Sector four. Honestly I love all the characters already and I barely know them. They have such great dynamics together and I'm so curious and excited to see each of them (hopefully) get their HEA's.
I loved Ashwin and Kora and I love how sweet their romance was. While there was certainly some hot scenes between the two, this book wasn't nearly as sexy and filled with off the charts sex like the previous series. My only problem with Ashwin and Kora is that a lot of their relationship is based off of a past that wasn't really shown much in this book. They certainly talk about how they've known each other for years but this was one of those times where I feel it would've been beneficial to have flashback scenes. I normally hate those but I feel that without them in this story I was left not feeling as connected to their romance as I wanted. It felt a tad rushed to me but that was probably because I didn't fully know or understand their past together. I don't know if it was mentioned in the previous series so I'm saying this as someone who hasn't read the books.
Overall I am soo excited to jump into the next book and learn more about this sector! If you're a fan of these author's you definitely need to check this book out and if you haven't read anything from them before, well now is your chance!
October 13, 2022
Ashwin is the first book in the "Gideon Riders" series. I have had this series on my list for quite some time. I was highly intrigued about this one here. this book does start slow though, so you do need to stick with it for a while, I am glad that I did stick with it though, because it does get better, once you get to about 35%-40%. I am happy that I have stuck with this one because the world building is fascinating. I was intrigued by this author team in what they portrayed in this one. The romance is more of a slow burn, friends to lovers type of story. I was intrigued, I did feel like some details were a bit confusing at times, but eventually the pieces fell into place. I did find their connection really intriguing and curious to see more of the journey of the "Gideon Riders". I did find the conflict in the third act interesting but enjoyed how it was resolved. It was a great balance of groveling without overhwhelming the story.
April 14, 2017
Way more balanced than its original series, erotic without becoming pure mindless erotica. But I have to admit I'm still not impressed. There's a good story there, somewhere. But it leaves me flat.
I could have stopped reading and couldn't have cared at all. At the end you know there's a HEA, it's the road there that should be interesting to read. Should.
I could have stopped reading and couldn't have cared at all. At the end you know there's a HEA, it's the road there that should be interesting to read. Should.
February 28, 2017
I liked the world-building of Kit Rocha's Beyond series but found the sexual relationship between Lex and Dallas in Beyond Control to be disturbing and kind of gave up on the series as it seemed as though the next book was going to feature pain as pleasure. So it was with some trepidation that I requested Ashwin, particularly because it seemed to feature a religious MC club (and I loathe the trend for MC romances)! But I loved it.
This is set after the events of Beyond but (as you can tell from the above) I was able to follow the plot without having read the entire series. Suffice to say that the other sectors rebelled against and overthrew Eden in the previous series and this series deals with the aftermath.
Gideon Rios is the leader of Sector One. His family are considered Kings/ Gods but after his grandfather became a power-crazed maniac Gideon is a more considered and considerate leader. The people of Sector One are religious and peaceful but their peace is enforced by the Riders, a group of highly trained soldiers who ride motorbikes. Becoming a Rider is both a great honour and a terrible curse because by taking lives the people of Sector One believe that the Riders' souls can not enter heaven after death. Hence the Riders don't marry.
Ashwin Malhotra is a Makhai soldier, the greatest Makhai soldier. The Makhai are a group of bio-engineered soldiers and Ashwin has been tasked with infiltrating Gideon's Riders and potentially identifying if there is an opportunity to turn any of the Riders against Gideon, especially since some of the Riders are from rival families.
Dr Kora Bellamy used to be a doctor in Eden at the Base, working on the Makhai Project. She develped feelings for Ashwin and always believed that the Makhai were not the unfeeling robots that the leaders portrayed them as. When Eden fell Kora to Sector One where she has been adopted as a member of his family by Gideon.
What Kora doesn't know is that she too is the result of a bio-engineering project; the complement to the Makhai Project, the Panacea Project was developed to create super healers but the project was abandoned when most of the subject killed themselves or became addicts because they couldn't cope with the problems they saw and the orders they received from the Base. Kora's father somehow rescued her and brought her up under the noses of the Base.
I liked everything about this book. The world-building, the juxtaposition of the glass and chrome technology of Eden with the post-apocalyptic agrarian society of Sector One. The religious peaceful people combined with the vicious protectors of the people. The two bio-engineered souls who have escaped from the Base to Sector One. The hints of future relationships between the Riders and others in Sector One.
Whilst this is definitely not PG-rated it doesn't have the pushing the boundaries feel of the Beyond series. Dallas' Sector Four was full of bootleggers, partying and live sex shows - of course that was a reaction to the fake puritanism of Eden. Sector One is calmer, Gideon is a far different leader to Dallas and it shows in the book. So, if you were expecting more threesomes, foursomes, group sex etc you will be disappointed. But if you loved the plots more than the sex in Beyond then I think you will adore this.
I think Kit Rocha has created a fascinating new series and I am already anticipating the next novel.
I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This is set after the events of Beyond but (as you can tell from the above) I was able to follow the plot without having read the entire series. Suffice to say that the other sectors rebelled against and overthrew Eden in the previous series and this series deals with the aftermath.
Gideon Rios is the leader of Sector One. His family are considered Kings/ Gods but after his grandfather became a power-crazed maniac Gideon is a more considered and considerate leader. The people of Sector One are religious and peaceful but their peace is enforced by the Riders, a group of highly trained soldiers who ride motorbikes. Becoming a Rider is both a great honour and a terrible curse because by taking lives the people of Sector One believe that the Riders' souls can not enter heaven after death. Hence the Riders don't marry.
Ashwin Malhotra is a Makhai soldier, the greatest Makhai soldier. The Makhai are a group of bio-engineered soldiers and Ashwin has been tasked with infiltrating Gideon's Riders and potentially identifying if there is an opportunity to turn any of the Riders against Gideon, especially since some of the Riders are from rival families.
Dr Kora Bellamy used to be a doctor in Eden at the Base, working on the Makhai Project. She develped feelings for Ashwin and always believed that the Makhai were not the unfeeling robots that the leaders portrayed them as. When Eden fell Kora to Sector One where she has been adopted as a member of his family by Gideon.
What Kora doesn't know is that she too is the result of a bio-engineering project; the complement to the Makhai Project, the Panacea Project was developed to create super healers but the project was abandoned when most of the subject killed themselves or became addicts because they couldn't cope with the problems they saw and the orders they received from the Base. Kora's father somehow rescued her and brought her up under the noses of the Base.
I liked everything about this book. The world-building, the juxtaposition of the glass and chrome technology of Eden with the post-apocalyptic agrarian society of Sector One. The religious peaceful people combined with the vicious protectors of the people. The two bio-engineered souls who have escaped from the Base to Sector One. The hints of future relationships between the Riders and others in Sector One.
Whilst this is definitely not PG-rated it doesn't have the pushing the boundaries feel of the Beyond series. Dallas' Sector Four was full of bootleggers, partying and live sex shows - of course that was a reaction to the fake puritanism of Eden. Sector One is calmer, Gideon is a far different leader to Dallas and it shows in the book. So, if you were expecting more threesomes, foursomes, group sex etc you will be disappointed. But if you loved the plots more than the sex in Beyond then I think you will adore this.
I think Kit Rocha has created a fascinating new series and I am already anticipating the next novel.
I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
March 4, 2019
Book with a person’s name in the title for the MacHalo Reading Challenge.
Ah Ashwin, I've been waiting for your book for so long!
Ever since he showed up on page in the Beyond series, I've been fascinated by him. I wanted to know more, a lot more about the apparently sociopathic super-soldier. So when I learned that he will get his very own book I was ecstatic! And let me tell you this book doesn't disappoint.
For those unfamiliar with the Beyond series Ashwin and his fellow Makhai soldiers are raised believing that they have no feelings and emotions and anything resembling such is brutally tortured out of them. You don't really need to read the prequel series but it does add depth and since there are a lot of references to it I would recommend starting with it. Unlike the first few books in Beyond, this isn't as sex centered. And that's okay because by the end of the series I cared a lot more about the overall plot than the sexy times of the main couple. It doesn't mean there's no sex, there is and it's pretty hot.
Ashwin disappears at the end of Beyond and here we learn what has happened to him. It's a testament to how well the Base has brainwashed him and his fellows that he would volunteer for just to stop feeling. All his life he was told that he is a monster, a killing machine with no other purpose. Only one person ever believed different and she is the object of his obssession. Dr. Kora Bellamy is an incredible person and one of the few people that had managed to remain untainted by working with the previous regime. Her empathy is unparalleled and is the driving force behind many of her decisions. Together Ashwin and Kora make a lovely couple.
This book changes the setting from Sector 4 to Sector 1 and I'm really excited to explore another part of this world. I can't wait for the next instalment!
July 16, 2017
Book with a person’s name in the title for the MacHalo Reading Challenge.
Ah Ashwin, I've been waiting for your book for so long!
Ever since he showed up on page in the Beyond series, I've been fascinated by him. I wanted to know more, a lot more about the apparently sociopathic super-soldier. So when I learned that he will get his very own book I was ecstatic! And let me tell you this book doesn't disappoint.
For those unfamiliar with the Beyond series Ashwin and his fellow Makhai soldiers are raised believing that they have no feelings and emotions and anything resembling such is brutally tortured out of them. You don't really need to read the prequel series but it does add depth and since there are a lot of references to it I would recommend starting with it. Unlike the first few books in Beyond, this isn't as sex centered. And that's okay because by the end of the series I cared a lot more about the overall plot than the sexy times of the main couple. It doesn't mean there's no sex, there is and it's pretty hot.
Ashwin disappears at the end of Beyond and here we learn what has happened to him. It's a testament to how well the Base has brainwashed him and his fellows that he would volunteer for just to stop feeling. All his life he was told that he is a monster, a killing machine with no other purpose. Only one person ever believed different and she is the object of his obssession. Dr. Kora Bellamy is an incredible person and one of the few people that had managed to remain untainted by working with the previous regime. Her empathy is unparalleled and is the driving force behind many of her decisions. Together Ashwin and Kora make a lovely couple.
This book changes the setting from Sector 4 to Sector 1 and I'm really excited to explore another part of this world. I can't wait for the next instalment!
April 11, 2017
Kit Rocha has taken her fantastic world of Eden and the Sectors in a whole new direction, out of The O'Kanes and Sector 4, and into Sector 1 and the royal Rios family. And this new storyline begins with Ashwin, the super soldier who's been teasing us for a long time. I loved this book, I loved Ashwin and Kora's fragile romance, and am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
did-not-finish
April 19, 2019DNF : 31%
I’m just in too much of a book slump to stay with a book that’s so dry in the beginning.
I’m just in too much of a book slump to stay with a book that’s so dry in the beginning.
April 6, 2021
I saw somewhere that this book was the beginning of a spinoff series and it was meant for new readers to be able to pick up starting with this one, but I'm going to go ahead and say that's not the case.
There's a religion, there's sectors, there's been a war, there's genetic mutant soldiers, it's dystopian, that's all I got. The storyline with Ashwin and Kora made sense but it was not very good. There was very little suspense or mystery about what would happen, there were a lot of side characters who were evidently tied in with the past stories and had pointless cameos in this book. It's a bumpy ride that has a thin central plot that is resolved very simplistically and without much buildup or suspense, mostly because I could not be bothered to give a shit about any of these numerous characters.
Definitely had high expectations based on how much Kit Rocha's books are pushed on Twitter, but this did not live up to the hype.
Oh, and I started with the audiobook and ended up returning it because the melodrama was off the charts and I suspected that it might be making me hate the book even more.
Romance book club April 2021, possibly the last time I'm allowed to suggest a book.
There's a religion, there's sectors, there's been a war, there's genetic mutant soldiers, it's dystopian, that's all I got. The storyline with Ashwin and Kora made sense but it was not very good. There was very little suspense or mystery about what would happen, there were a lot of side characters who were evidently tied in with the past stories and had pointless cameos in this book. It's a bumpy ride that has a thin central plot that is resolved very simplistically and without much buildup or suspense, mostly because I could not be bothered to give a shit about any of these numerous characters.
Definitely had high expectations based on how much Kit Rocha's books are pushed on Twitter, but this did not live up to the hype.
Oh, and I started with the audiobook and ended up returning it because the melodrama was off the charts and I suspected that it might be making me hate the book even more.
Romance book club April 2021, possibly the last time I'm allowed to suggest a book.
March 15, 2017
Originally posted at SmexyBooks-https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
I am a huge fan of the writing team Kit Rocha. From their steamy paranormals (written under Moira Rogers) to their post apocalyptic erotic romances, I have devoured everything they have written. I love the strength and equality of the characters who are portrayed in these stories. Strong, intelligent, dynamic people who will do anything for those they love and care for. They aren’t saints by any means but they strive to do what is right in the end. I was extremely pleased to see they would be spinning off the Beyond series and exploring beyond Sector Four.
Gideon’s Riders is based in Sector One. Rocha grants us an exclusive invite to interact with the Riders, their leader-Gideon Rios, and the large and inclusive Rios family. Set approximately six months after the explosive and long reaching arc finale of the Beyond series, new readers can comfortably start here though you miss out on the original world building and inside knowledge on certain scenes, plotlines, and character arcs. Regardless, Rocha does a light recap to help place everyone on the same page starting out.
The first in a new series, Kit Rocha continues to beautifully showcase their skills as talented writers. This glorious world is ever expanding and evolving with nonstop action, suspense and mystery yet balanced nicely with delicious romance and some light-hearted moments. Its perfect blend and consistency is what has makes this series and its creators a must read. A brilliant and emotional read that is as intoxicating and engaging as the series it spins off of. More so in fact because in Ashwin we are able to see the struggle between doing what is expected and doing what is right. We watch a man, whom for all intents and purposes has violently strove to keep his emotions buried deep, finally accept his ‘defects’ and willingly fall in love.
“Will you teach me how to do this right?” His expression was so serious. So earnest. “How to love you?”
The blending of the suspense of the story with the sensual awakening and self-discovery of Ashwin is a fantastic reveal. I will admit I had some stirrings of deja vu when I read about Ashwin and Kora’s backgrounds. Singh does something similar in her Psy/Changeling series though there is no comparison beyond that. Long time fans will find this romance (and perhaps the series-we shall see) isn’t as erotically blatant as the sexual freedom encouraged in the Beyond series though that doesn’t make it any less tantalizing. Ashwin isn’t a novice to sex and carries quite the repertoire of pleasure inducing skills. He knows how to make a woman feel good. However, with Kora, this is the first time he’s ever cared about the woman he’s with. Everything Ashwin does is gauged by Kora’s reactions and emotions. She is his conscious. His leash. She is his everything.
“Lieutenant Malhotra is loyal to exactly one person in the world.”
Nonstop action and rich dialogue fuels the story as you frantically absorb all the nuances and shifts. The plot was remarkable in its elements and I found myself riveted as the story slowly and seductively reveals itself. While there is quite a bit going on, Ashwin is not only a personal journey but also a setup for the world and character base, the clear and concise writing style leaves no confusion.
With each scene we watch Ashwin and Kora learn to embrace who and what they are by opening themselves up to the unknown, forgiving their supposed indiscretions, and embrace the here and now. They bravely face their fears and overcome obstacles while dealing with external factors that try to stop them. Neither plot nor romance is sacrificed. They balance and complement each other through the entire arc.
The supporting cast is intense, well developed, and mesh well with our protagonists to create a full bodied story. Each is more than able to carry their own story and I look forward to reading each one. Complex and convoluted; we see everyone here has an agenda and does not always play by the rules. Alliances are made as enemies come out of the woodwork, threatening the well being of all involved. The differences in the ruling styles and proclaimed “kings” of Sector Four and One are fascinating to learn about. Gideon Rios is literally viewed as a God by his people. They would and have laid their lives down for him and his family. The fact he doesn’t use that to his advantage is interesting. He is one of the most intriguing and secretive people in this world so far and I’m very curious to see who he sees as his “goddess.”
Once again, Rocha leaves me both satisfied and wanting. Ashwin gives readers a seemingly impossible romance while continuing to entice readers to join them in this new world that celebrates love, laughter, and life. Fans of Rocha’s should definitely add this new series to their already overflowing lists.
Grade: B
I am a huge fan of the writing team Kit Rocha. From their steamy paranormals (written under Moira Rogers) to their post apocalyptic erotic romances, I have devoured everything they have written. I love the strength and equality of the characters who are portrayed in these stories. Strong, intelligent, dynamic people who will do anything for those they love and care for. They aren’t saints by any means but they strive to do what is right in the end. I was extremely pleased to see they would be spinning off the Beyond series and exploring beyond Sector Four.
Gideon’s Riders is based in Sector One. Rocha grants us an exclusive invite to interact with the Riders, their leader-Gideon Rios, and the large and inclusive Rios family. Set approximately six months after the explosive and long reaching arc finale of the Beyond series, new readers can comfortably start here though you miss out on the original world building and inside knowledge on certain scenes, plotlines, and character arcs. Regardless, Rocha does a light recap to help place everyone on the same page starting out.
The first in a new series, Kit Rocha continues to beautifully showcase their skills as talented writers. This glorious world is ever expanding and evolving with nonstop action, suspense and mystery yet balanced nicely with delicious romance and some light-hearted moments. Its perfect blend and consistency is what has makes this series and its creators a must read. A brilliant and emotional read that is as intoxicating and engaging as the series it spins off of. More so in fact because in Ashwin we are able to see the struggle between doing what is expected and doing what is right. We watch a man, whom for all intents and purposes has violently strove to keep his emotions buried deep, finally accept his ‘defects’ and willingly fall in love.
“Will you teach me how to do this right?” His expression was so serious. So earnest. “How to love you?”
The blending of the suspense of the story with the sensual awakening and self-discovery of Ashwin is a fantastic reveal. I will admit I had some stirrings of deja vu when I read about Ashwin and Kora’s backgrounds. Singh does something similar in her Psy/Changeling series though there is no comparison beyond that. Long time fans will find this romance (and perhaps the series-we shall see) isn’t as erotically blatant as the sexual freedom encouraged in the Beyond series though that doesn’t make it any less tantalizing. Ashwin isn’t a novice to sex and carries quite the repertoire of pleasure inducing skills. He knows how to make a woman feel good. However, with Kora, this is the first time he’s ever cared about the woman he’s with. Everything Ashwin does is gauged by Kora’s reactions and emotions. She is his conscious. His leash. She is his everything.
“Lieutenant Malhotra is loyal to exactly one person in the world.”
Nonstop action and rich dialogue fuels the story as you frantically absorb all the nuances and shifts. The plot was remarkable in its elements and I found myself riveted as the story slowly and seductively reveals itself. While there is quite a bit going on, Ashwin is not only a personal journey but also a setup for the world and character base, the clear and concise writing style leaves no confusion.
With each scene we watch Ashwin and Kora learn to embrace who and what they are by opening themselves up to the unknown, forgiving their supposed indiscretions, and embrace the here and now. They bravely face their fears and overcome obstacles while dealing with external factors that try to stop them. Neither plot nor romance is sacrificed. They balance and complement each other through the entire arc.
The supporting cast is intense, well developed, and mesh well with our protagonists to create a full bodied story. Each is more than able to carry their own story and I look forward to reading each one. Complex and convoluted; we see everyone here has an agenda and does not always play by the rules. Alliances are made as enemies come out of the woodwork, threatening the well being of all involved. The differences in the ruling styles and proclaimed “kings” of Sector Four and One are fascinating to learn about. Gideon Rios is literally viewed as a God by his people. They would and have laid their lives down for him and his family. The fact he doesn’t use that to his advantage is interesting. He is one of the most intriguing and secretive people in this world so far and I’m very curious to see who he sees as his “goddess.”
Once again, Rocha leaves me both satisfied and wanting. Ashwin gives readers a seemingly impossible romance while continuing to entice readers to join them in this new world that celebrates love, laughter, and life. Fans of Rocha’s should definitely add this new series to their already overflowing lists.
Grade: B
April 25, 2017
It took me a while to get into this book but I'm glad I persisted- Ashwin was a great character and it was nice to watch him unfold and learn to love Kora in the way he dreamed. Ashwin was a victim of programming- the elite soldier with no emotion but as he spent time with Gideon and his riders he learned that loyalty can be given freely and love is a magic emotion ❤️ ... wasn't sure if I'd start this series but I'll certainly give Deacons book a go now ! While we're no longer in Sector 4 I'm sure some popular characters will make a cameo appearance 😎
April 8, 2018
That was good stuff. I'm loving all the characters and the romance was top-notch. I will say that the plot wasn't all that exciting for me, but I'm here for the romance, so it wasn't an issue.
March 7, 2017
3.5 stars
I received a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads
I absolutely loved the Beyond series. Rocha wrote such an awesome world that every time I picked up a new book I was instantly immersed in the O'Kane's and their fight with Eden. When the series ended I was very sad but fulfilled. I had high hopes for the spin off as we were assured we'd get glimpses into the O'Kane gang and all our beloved characters with a fresh new view point from Gideon's Riders. Unfortunately I felt Ashwin fell short of my expectations. I found the story just a bit dry and Ashwin hard to identify with. Kora was a nice balance of empathy to Ashwin's clinical and elite Makhai soldier, but still something lacked for me. Things did get much better two thirds into the story as Ashwin came into his emotions and he and Kora finally were able to connect physically. But, just not quite enough for me to really love it. Solid first book in a new series but maybe a bit drawn out? I'm unsure. I found myself easily distracted and not 100% vested.
I received a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads
I absolutely loved the Beyond series. Rocha wrote such an awesome world that every time I picked up a new book I was instantly immersed in the O'Kane's and their fight with Eden. When the series ended I was very sad but fulfilled. I had high hopes for the spin off as we were assured we'd get glimpses into the O'Kane gang and all our beloved characters with a fresh new view point from Gideon's Riders. Unfortunately I felt Ashwin fell short of my expectations. I found the story just a bit dry and Ashwin hard to identify with. Kora was a nice balance of empathy to Ashwin's clinical and elite Makhai soldier, but still something lacked for me. Things did get much better two thirds into the story as Ashwin came into his emotions and he and Kora finally were able to connect physically. But, just not quite enough for me to really love it. Solid first book in a new series but maybe a bit drawn out? I'm unsure. I found myself easily distracted and not 100% vested.
March 1, 2017
*I received a free copy to read & review for Wicked Reads*
I am so happy to continue reading about the life in the Sectors!
Ashwin and Kora were introduced in the Beyond series (Sector 4), both are from Eden, and they have their own jobs/objectives in Eden.
Ashwin is a Makhai soldier whose main objective is Efficiency. He is an elite soldier who has been trained to not feel. Emotions do not cloud his judgement, neither do friends or relationships. If he does start to feel an attachment to anyone, he will quickly be "recalibrated"on the Base. Throughout his life people have come and gone, but Kora has been a constant.
Kora has been relocated to Sector 1 and has been able to use her skill as a doctor in the aftermath of the Sector Revolution. Gideon has taken her under his wing and has declared that she's his sister - providing the family she's always craved.
Kora's previous life revolved around the Base, and administering health care to the soldiers. She's never really had the relationships she's craved, and has been a loner most of her life.
She's a bit over-emotional and the total opposite to Ashwin's stoicism, but together they make it work.
The story was slow-building - there's just so much to explore in this sector and characters to discover. We see the dynamic between Sector 1 leader, Gideon, and his Riders. We see how they live in Sector 1, and how they play.
The budding relationship between Ashwin and Kora was drawn out at times, but super hot at others. He was hard to like, but she was easy to love.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am excited to read more in this series!
I am so happy to continue reading about the life in the Sectors!
Ashwin and Kora were introduced in the Beyond series (Sector 4), both are from Eden, and they have their own jobs/objectives in Eden.
Ashwin is a Makhai soldier whose main objective is Efficiency. He is an elite soldier who has been trained to not feel. Emotions do not cloud his judgement, neither do friends or relationships. If he does start to feel an attachment to anyone, he will quickly be "recalibrated"on the Base. Throughout his life people have come and gone, but Kora has been a constant.
Kora has been relocated to Sector 1 and has been able to use her skill as a doctor in the aftermath of the Sector Revolution. Gideon has taken her under his wing and has declared that she's his sister - providing the family she's always craved.
Kora's previous life revolved around the Base, and administering health care to the soldiers. She's never really had the relationships she's craved, and has been a loner most of her life.
She's a bit over-emotional and the total opposite to Ashwin's stoicism, but together they make it work.
The story was slow-building - there's just so much to explore in this sector and characters to discover. We see the dynamic between Sector 1 leader, Gideon, and his Riders. We see how they live in Sector 1, and how they play.
The budding relationship between Ashwin and Kora was drawn out at times, but super hot at others. He was hard to like, but she was easy to love.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am excited to read more in this series!
January 20, 2019
My review and an extended sample of the audiobook are posted at Hotlistens.com.
I read this book as an eARC back right before it was first released in 2016. I was excited to revisit the series that Kit Rocha has created. I’m a huge Kit Rocha fan. I have been going back to when I read the first book from them, Beyond Shame, in 2013. Gideon’s Riders is a spin off series from the original Beyond series. You can start reading with Gideon’s Riders without having read, the Beyond series.
This series is a post-apocalyptic dystopian romance series. It is set with civilization back up and running after a large solar flare took out technology. Some things are back up and running and even running better than prior to the flares. There is some genetic manipulation of people’s DNA to make them smarter, etx. There is also some increases in medical technology, with a med gel that helps in healing and regeneration machines which speed healing as well.
This is the first book that takes place mostly in Sector One. The war between the Sectors and the City/Eden is over. The corrupt leaders of Eden have been removed from office. The military is still in place, though there is a little more chaos. Ashwin is a Makhai soldier. He was created by the military to be the perfect soldier. He was not taught any emotions. Things like fear and empathy were beaten out of him. The Makhai have a reputation, so people are scared of him as soon as they learn he is a member. He has been charged with infiltrating Gideon’s Riders (they are the personal soldiers of Gideon Rios the leader of Sector One. The Rios family is also the leaders of a religious group in the sector).
Kora is a doctor. She was raised by adoptive father who was also a doctor. She got the best training and became the best doctor in the region. She worked on base and treated the soldiers, including the Makhai and Ashwin. He has been fascinated with her ever since he met her.
My favorite thing about this series are the characters. The Kit Rocha writing duo are great at creating characters that I love. They can be flawed, but that only makes them better and more real. In this story, they take two flawed characters, Ashwin with his lack of empathy and looking at everything in a strategic way, and Kora, who has so much empathy it overwhelms her at times. Surround them with a great group of secondary characters and you have the perfect mix of everything. They are great at balancing out the romance, action and plot to make for a great overall story for everyone.
If you haven’t tried their work, I highly recommend it. FYI, the first book of the Beyond series, their website.
Narration
This is my first listen with Tatiana Sokolov. I don’t often review an ebook and then review the audiobook too. But I love this series so much, I had to. It took me a little bit to get used to Ms. Sokolov’s voices for the characters (which isn’t anything new when you’ve already created your own voices for them in your head). It didn’t take me long to get used to the voices she’d chosen for each character. I found that I really liked her narration and voices. There are a lot of different men (more men than women), and she did a great job with all the different voices. I will continue to revisit this series on audio.
**I like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I read this book as an eARC back right before it was first released in 2016. I was excited to revisit the series that Kit Rocha has created. I’m a huge Kit Rocha fan. I have been going back to when I read the first book from them, Beyond Shame, in 2013. Gideon’s Riders is a spin off series from the original Beyond series. You can start reading with Gideon’s Riders without having read, the Beyond series.
This series is a post-apocalyptic dystopian romance series. It is set with civilization back up and running after a large solar flare took out technology. Some things are back up and running and even running better than prior to the flares. There is some genetic manipulation of people’s DNA to make them smarter, etx. There is also some increases in medical technology, with a med gel that helps in healing and regeneration machines which speed healing as well.
This is the first book that takes place mostly in Sector One. The war between the Sectors and the City/Eden is over. The corrupt leaders of Eden have been removed from office. The military is still in place, though there is a little more chaos. Ashwin is a Makhai soldier. He was created by the military to be the perfect soldier. He was not taught any emotions. Things like fear and empathy were beaten out of him. The Makhai have a reputation, so people are scared of him as soon as they learn he is a member. He has been charged with infiltrating Gideon’s Riders (they are the personal soldiers of Gideon Rios the leader of Sector One. The Rios family is also the leaders of a religious group in the sector).
Kora is a doctor. She was raised by adoptive father who was also a doctor. She got the best training and became the best doctor in the region. She worked on base and treated the soldiers, including the Makhai and Ashwin. He has been fascinated with her ever since he met her.
My favorite thing about this series are the characters. The Kit Rocha writing duo are great at creating characters that I love. They can be flawed, but that only makes them better and more real. In this story, they take two flawed characters, Ashwin with his lack of empathy and looking at everything in a strategic way, and Kora, who has so much empathy it overwhelms her at times. Surround them with a great group of secondary characters and you have the perfect mix of everything. They are great at balancing out the romance, action and plot to make for a great overall story for everyone.
If you haven’t tried their work, I highly recommend it. FYI, the first book of the Beyond series, their website.
Narration
This is my first listen with Tatiana Sokolov. I don’t often review an ebook and then review the audiobook too. But I love this series so much, I had to. It took me a little bit to get used to Ms. Sokolov’s voices for the characters (which isn’t anything new when you’ve already created your own voices for them in your head). It didn’t take me long to get used to the voices she’d chosen for each character. I found that I really liked her narration and voices. There are a lot of different men (more men than women), and she did a great job with all the different voices. I will continue to revisit this series on audio.
**I like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
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