Sunroper

Goddesses Rising #3

by Natalie J. Damschroder

Marley Canton is done being a victim. A year and a half has passed since she discovered her ability to nullify power in those who aren’t supposed to have it. She’s now on a quest not only to stop the brats who’ve become addicted to goddess power, but also to find the source of their addiction. Like Marley, Gage Samargo is tracking down the goddess who went rogue decades ago. Insane with too much power from the sun, she’s selling that energy to Gage’s younger brother and his friends, who are no longer content to come into power naturally. While they work to find a way to neutralize the goddess, Marley discovers that every time she nullifies someone, she takes on some of the goddess’s insanity. Gage falls for Marley’s sharp wit and intense desire to right wrongs. But once he discovers she’s turning into her enemy, is it too late to back away?

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Mythology, Magic, Adult

350 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2013

About the author

Natalie J. Damschroder hasn't done anything remotely worthy of bio documentation in a very long time, unless you count making up the romantic adventures that her characters live out in her books. She loves combining end-of-the-world stakes with the relationships that make those stakes personal. Love with a Shot of Adrenaline has infused nearly every story she's published. Whether you like quick reads you can finish in a day or sinking into longer books, you'll find something to satisfy your craving for action, romance, and happy endings. She also writes paranormal young adult romance as NJ Damschroder, where all of the same elements apply.

Besides her dozens of published books, what Natalie is most proud of is her family. She and her husband have been married over 30 years and still have the kind of partnership she makes her characters fight for every day. They've raised two awesome kids now living their own fulfilling lives, which you would think would mean she'd write more books faster. But she's enjoying reading, relaxing with good TV, and sleeping too much to give any of that up. In the fall and winter, almost nothing will keep her from cheering on her New England Patriots, even though they don't win as much anymore. Visit her website at nataliedamschroder.com to learn more about her books and sign up for her newsletter.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunroper is the third and final book in the Goddesses Rising trilogy by Natalie J. Damschroder. Six months have passed since Marley accidentally nullified the toxic energy Sam took from Quinn. Since she realized she had this power, that a simple touch to those that weren’t supposed to have the Goddesses power would nullify it, she has been hard at work. She has worked out to get her body in the best of physical shape and has teamed up with the most unlikely partner and is traveling around finding those that have been given power that shouldn’t have it and touching them. But where are they getting this power?



Cressida Lahr is a Goddess who gets her energy from the sun. But the sun being the most powerful of all the energy sources, is too much for the sun Goddess. So she has found a very lucrative way to expel her excess energy. She doles it out to men who wish to use it to gain a higher standing in life, to attain power positions without actually climbing the ladder. They call this energy they are being given Flux. But Flux is like a drug, it’s addictive. And what are the long term effects of using it? And with each man Marley nullifies, the power is having a toxic effect on her as well. How long can she keep this up before it becomes too much?



Gage is also looking for the Goddess that is passing out Flux but for a different reason. His brother is missing and he’s afraid he has become one of the Flux users. So he and Marley team up, both seeking the same goal but for different reasons. But as they work together, attraction takes hold. Can they allow themselves to fall for each other while the fate of so many is on their shoulders?

This, as are the first two books, is full of characters who are easy to relate to and connect with, and lots of high energy action. My only complaint is that Quinn, Nick, Sam and Riley don’t really come in until about the 50% mark so I really enjoyed the second half better when they are all together. This was a perfect ending to a wonderful series full of so many sweet and tender moments as well as action packed ones as well. All things are tied up and we are left with a perfect conclusion.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Natalie J. Damschroder and Entangled Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book. And thank you to Natalie Damschroder for writing such a fantastic series. I have loved every minute of it.

[Jasmyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unable to regain her Goddess powers, but "gifted" with a different type of ability, Marley is out to make sure no one is given power that isn't already theirs. When they realize that another goddess must be giving away her power, she begins the hunt to find out who it might be. She doesn't expect to run into Gage, son of the leader of the newly discovered Numina group, also on the trail of the elusive goddess. Thrown together by mutual goals they never expect find out they actually like each other.

The third book in the series really brings all of what has happened in the first books to a huge and very climactic resolution. There was so very much going on all that at times I did find it a little difficult to keep it all straight. While Marley is trying (unsuccessfully) to hide her growing insanity, things take on a life of their own and the power starts to get out of hand for everyone. The last half of the book I really couldn't put down.

I loved that Natalie brought back all the main couples from the beginning of the series, it helped to tie things together and make the series seem extremely cohesive, it flows from one book into the next effortlessly. You know you've run across something great when the series ends spectacularly but you're still sad to see it go.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/#sthas...

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*s
review posted here...
http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co...
Sunroper was a great book and I thought it was a step up from the first two so I was shocked when I got to the end and found out that there will be no more L
A few months after the events of book 2, we join Marley and now knowing what she can do, she takes it upon herself to nullify any ‘flux’ users, ridding the Numina of their stolen power and their capacity to take more. When she finds out that a rogue goddess is bestowing power on these people, it becomes her mission to stop it once & for all. Gage Samargo is also on a mission, his brother was sent undercover to find out about the Goddess that is dealing flux and he hasn’t been heard from since he decided he wasn’t seeing the mission through a few weeks ago, so Gage has been sent to find out what’s going on, has his brother been kidnapped by these people, what do they want him for? Did he get too close? When Gage sees Marley in action at a nightclub, he assumes she is the Goddess dealing the ‘flux and sets about investigating her….. only things aren’t what they appear to be and it quickly becomes clear that Marley is not who he thought she was but that she is his only lead. They cautiously trust each other knowing they can be mutually beneficial to both of their causes… but what happens when the chemistry kicks in? when Marley’s well constructed walls start to fall & Gage takes on a protective role hoping that history is not about to repeat itself and when Marley takes a turn for the worst…. Can he save her from herself?
I was thrilled to be getting Marley’s book, she’d been in it from the beginning and turned out to be Quinn’s sister. I knew she would blossom into someone great considering how her past had affected those she loved and she had practically created the leech, so it wasn’t surprising that she would want to right those wrongs…. What was surprising is who she decided to do it with! I liked what she became in order to shed herself of the ‘victim’ tag, it’s understandable that she viewed herself as such but nice to see her change for the better and not wallow in self pity. I connected with her really well through this and I routed for her more than any of the other Goddesses. Gage…. Now he is definitely ‘Protectorate’ material (even if he isn’t one) Marley brought that out in him, he was HOT! Everything about him, I loved his story, his background, what he was trying to do and he was totally perfect for her, the chemistry was great, the little moments got your heart pounding and that’s without everything else going on …a perfect love interest.
As I mentioned above, this story was a step up from the first two books (and I did love those too) and I loved seeing two Goddesses face off, it gave this book something different because previous books had been about men leeching from the Goddesses where this one had turned away from her sisters and put them all in jeopardy. I liked how the Numina were brought into it too and became very believable that this could happen because of their ambition & sense of entitlement. It felt very much like an investigation and I loved all of the covert missions they did & use of spy stuff (they could have set up their own PI business). The action was amazing, all heading towards a final showdown to finally put a lid on the danger posed to both Goddeses & Numina and the series definitely goes out with a bang! Everything about it was really great from the atmosphere when you’re reading about them in scary situations with your anxiety raised, smexy situations when your heart is pounding, action scenes that steal your breath right up to the pacing that keeps your interest and need to turn the page. I am really sad it’s finished because in my opinion, there is still more to be told, it was just getting started with the introduction of the Numina & rogue Goddesses and still has so much potential but I did love what we got and have enjoyed this series a lot!

[SARIT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sea the full review on - http://sarityahalomi.blogspot.com/201...

It is the final book in a trilogy and I really enjoyed it despite the fact I have not read the 2 previous books in the trilogy. However, Damschroder wrote this story so well, she was able to sneak in explanations early on about what has already happened previously, allowing us to read this even as a standalone novel.

The idea that both Gods and Goddesses may live amongst us in present day is not a new one but the author really runs with it! Immensely satisfying to read and this storyline just seems to grow with each book.

The book centers around the modern day Goddess Marley who has been cruelly drained of her own powers. But now she possesses new ability - to nullify stolen energy or flux. She is trying to find the goddess supplying their male counterparts, the Numina, with power or flux. She is also trying to nullify the flux in as many of these men as she can. Once she nullifies a persons power, they are no longer able to accept power in the future. The splinter group that she's trying to take down is aided by a rogue Goddess who get her energy from the sun, and Marley will need to keep her wits about her. Fortunately she's not alone in wanting the leeching of powers stopped and meets Gage who believes his brother is in danger. Realizing that their aims coincide the couple try to work together but Gage is falling hard for Marley.

For Marley she can't be a a goddess if she no longer possess the typical power of a goddess. And.....Marley just doesn't love herself, as she feel responsible for introducing leeching of goddesses powers. Marley avoids her sister Quinn, and her friend Riley, and works to help find those who have been given some of the goddess powers. It's clearly very hard for her to truly see her own worth and in a way quite heartbreaking that she doesn't seem to place much value on herself without her Goddess powers.

Luckily - Gage, a member of the Numina, who is also looking for the goddess dealing in flux. He also fears for his brothe who went undercover to infiltrate a group of guys who are getting high off power doled out by a rogue sun goddess. Gage becomes an unlikely ally to Marley and they work together to stop the goddess and her influence. The pair works well together playing off of the strengths of the other. As the pair are falling for each other.

The story became very tense, especially as Marley continues to absorb the flux from others, which causes her to become more unstable each time. Marley knows to fight the goddess might cost her life, but she will let nothing stand in her way to save her friends and family.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC through NetGalley.

Everything comes to a solid conclusion in Sunroper! Marley is the one who started the whole mess with the leech, lost her powers in the process, but found something new. She's now a null or a void. She can take powers from those who aren't suppose to have them and make them inert. Marley is using this discovery to track down the young men of the Numina who aren't using their new found powers for good. But who's giving the power in the first place? It has to be an extremely powerful goddess to have all that power to spare. She's also the one that must be taken out before someone gets seriously hurt.

I really liked the plot of Sunroper. While it does stand on its own, it also combines everything from the previous two books, builds on it, and brings everything to a close. Marley is trying to track down the most powerful goddess the Society has ever known (and also kicked out). Rumor has it that her power source is the Sun, making her energy limitless. We've already learned from Quinn that hanging on to too much can be deadly, so Marley thinks she can help her too while also saving the world from evil boys with stolen powers.

Of course, there is also a romance at the center of Sunroper. Gage is also after the goddess doling out her power, since he suspects his brother is involved. He knows this can be dangerous, especially with the history of mental illness in his family, so he wants to stop his brother before the power can trigger anything that might be in him. Obviously he has to run into Marley since they have the same goals, and they're immediately attracted to one another. Much like Riley and Sam, they're running on adrenaline which develops their feelings that much faster. I'd say these two have the sexiest scenes of the three couples.

Sunroper was a pretty great ending to the series. Marley was definitely my favorite of the leading ladies, since she's been through so much, but doesn't let it get her down. She's owning up to her mistakes and is doing her best to set it all right. The ending is a bit sudden though. I would have liked an epilogue that shows what Marley is up to now that her mission is complete.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

[Shy The WidowMaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sunroper was a different but necessary read for me because of my love of anything related to mythology and this book was a welcome surprise and one that I loved for so many reasons. I have to say the authors concept of goddesses and I loved how she went about telling how they came about. The character of Marley is one that I loved because she was strong despite all that had happened to her and I loved that she wasn't wallowing in self pity and decided to change her fate for the better. We find out that she can now nullify and take back power from those that shouldn't have it. I loved this concept and seeing Marley in action was really cool. I have to say I was worried about what might happen to her though and was glad she had people to lean on and to help her out.

As we get further into the story we learn just how much a writing genius the author is as she creates such raw chemistry when Marley crosses paths with Gage. I loved any scenes that involved these two and was hoping they would end up hooking up. These two also worked well together and were able to balance their best traits and work as a team. I loved seeing how Marley was finally letting her guard down a little bit realizing she deserved happiness and she was taking some risks and I loved that about her. I loved that the author was able to create such a lovable yet flawed character that was like how some women in real life are who have been damaged by a bad relationship. The author did a good job of showing us who Marley really was. The plot of this book was so well thought out and the pacing was really fast and I loved every minute of it. I think I love learning about the history of the goddesses the most and when you mix in the hot chemistry this made for a quick and easy read.

Overall this was a really fast read for me that I got done in a day. I have to say that I started on this book and haven;t read the rest in the series but I will make sure I go back and catch up as these characters hooked me and the author's writing style makes me want to know what all I missed before now. I loved the world the author created and the great characters. They were an eclectic bunch but each played such important roles. I would recommend this one to any of my mythology lovers out there or those that want a steamy read as this book has some moments of that too.

[Carole (Carole's Random Life) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life

In the interest of full disclosure, I received an advance reader edition of this book from Entangled Publishing, LLC and Net Galley for the purpose of providing an honest review.

I would rate this book 4 1/2 stars out of 5. It is the final book in a trilogy and I really enjoyed it despite the fact I have not read the 2 previous books in the trilogy. The first part of the book was slow for me probably because I had a lot to catch up on that was covered in the first 2 books. The book picked up at the 30% mark and I actually had a hard time putting it down the last half of the book. Seriously, Natalie J. Damschroder where have you been hiding?

Marley is a goddess who no longer possess the typical power of a goddess. Marley now has the ability to nullify power in those who have power that is not rightfully theirs. She is trying to find the goddess supplying their male counterparts, the Numina, with power or flux. She is also trying to nullify the flux in as many of these men as she can. Once she nullifies a persons power, they are no longer able to accept power in the future.

Gage, a member of the Numina, is also looking for the goddess dealing in flux and he is looking for his brother whom he fears is caught up in it. Gage becomes an unlikely ally to Marley and they work together to stop the goddess and her influence. The pair works well together playing off of the strengths of the other. As the pair are falling for each other, Marley realizes that the power she is nullifying is changing her.

This book was very well written. The characters had a lot of depth and the chemistry between Gage and Marley was very believable and not completely over the top which seems to be the norm. I loved the paranormal aspect of the book and loved the world that Ms. Damschroder created in this trilogy. I will most definitely be reading the first two books in this trilogy and more from this author in the future.

[Marta Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Goddess Risng series and just keeps getting better. It's such an unusual premise that it's quite difficult to categorise these books. Full of non stop action, adventure, intrigue and romance this is a series that truly delivers tension and originality.
This book centres around the modern day Goddess Marley who has been cruelly drained of her own powers. Realising that she now possesses the ability to nullify stolen energy or flux as it's known she is determined to do whatever it takes to help her sister and fellow Goddesses . The splinter group that she's trying to take down is aided by a rogue Goddess and Marley will need to keep her wits about her. Fortunately she's not alone in wanting the leeching of powers stopped and meets Gage who believes his brother is in danger. Realising that their aims coincide the couple try to work together but Gage is falling under Marleys very own potent spell!
Ths is an intense story as the character Marley just doesn't love herself! It's clearly very hard for her to truly see her own worth and in a way quite heartbreaking that she doesn't seem to place much value on herself without her Goddess powers.
This is a series that I feel needs to be read in order as events and characters from previous books play a big part. The idea that both Gods and Goddesses may live amongst us in present day is not a new one but the author really runs with it! Immensely satisfying to read and this storyline just seems to grow with each book.

[Nicky Peacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the series and I must admit that I really enjoyed them. I love the idea of battling Goddesses and I thought the main story was very imaginative and probably a great metaphor for some real-life relationships in general (read it and you’ll see what I mean!)

The character of Marley was interesting and I loved the way that, through the series she actually lost her powers and pretty much had start again to gain them back – an interesting twist when most urban fantasy has a character that starts off weak and becomes strong through their trials.

From a writer’s perspective, I’d have preferred the whole series to be first person POV – although I hasten to add that this is just my personal taste. If it had been first person from Marley’s POV then the reader would have easily gone along her emotional wild ride with her, rather than just witness it second hand. I know that this isn’t always a favourite among authors, as first person limits the story, but deepens the character.

The action in the books was great, but this third one opened with a kind of free-for-all scene that didn’t grab me right away – too many characters and catch-up. Although to be fair, I read the books all together, so the catch-up for me was annoying, but wouldn’t be for someone reading them as and when they come out.

The front cover is pretty, but doesn’t really let much of the unique story points out.

Overall I’d give Sunroper 4 out of 5 stars – a great series with an interesting concept. If you liked Aimee Carter’s Goddess books, you’ll love these.

[Lizzie Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the character of Marley in this book. She showed such strength while dealing with what happened to her previously. Her capacity for forgiveness rivals most characters in books, especially when we learn who she is working with and why.

She has a unique ability after being leeched: she is able to nullify power. She describes it as a void inside of her that can take the poisonous energy. However that poisonous energy has to go somewhere. Even unknown to Marley at the time.

Gage was no slacker either. He was torn between wanting to protect Marley and wanting to help her to help his brother. In the end he realized that helping Marley would help his brother. Gage was fantastic in this story. Gage is a family man, and puts his family and those he cares about above everything else. Frankly he is the type of guy you want on your side.

Marley is reserved from her relationship with Gage for one reason: She is slowly slipping into insanity. Every person she nulls, leaves a bit of insanity inside her head. Pretty soon she is fighting to tell reality from fantasy. After Gage's past, she doesn't want to subject him to the insanity.

I enjoyed reading this book from cover to cover. I could not put it down! I am now going to buy every other Goddess Rising book I can find!

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Having picked up this series at book 2, I was really eager to get my hands on more from this author. The writing style is great, the pacing is quick, and the story is addictive. This world that these books takes place is really unique and interesting, too.

This book picks up with Marley, who we were all worried about at the end of book 2. She's toughed up considerably and is now working with the most unlikely of partners. While on her mission to nullify as many possible leechers as possible, she runs into Gage. Gage is looking for his brother, who went undercover to infiltrate a group of guys who are getting high off power doled out by a rogue sun goddess. He crosses paths with Marley and is immediately ensnared.

Marley sees herself as damaged, but Gage sees her as perfection. Their reluctant love story was sweet, gritty, and real. There were a lot of characters from previous books, too, which was a nice little treat. Marley started the book so hard, I'm glad that we get a pretty good HEA out of this one. She deserved it.

[Nicci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third and final instalment of the Goddess Rising Trilogy and it doesn't disappoint!
The book is packed full of action, so much so I felt a little book drunk dizzy at times trying to keep everything straight in my head!
Marley kicked ass in this book and after everything she had been through it was great to see her move forward and get her happy ending. The chemistry between her and Gage is FAB!
There are appearances from the rest of the gang, defeat of the big bad and it was engrossing. I inhaled it in a day!
If you haven't read the other books in the trilogy, I wouldn't pick up this one without reading the others. It does give lots of background info, so you could but... I think you'd be missing too much to appreciate.

A kick ass trilogy about kick ass women and the men who love them. A story about choices and consequences and healing. Give it a try if you love paranormal reads. You wont be disappointed.

[Emily (Mrs B's Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a brilliant ending to a brilliant series.

Marley shows great strength and forgiveness in this book. Not only with what she has already endured, but with who she partners up with and in what she continues to do, even when she finds out it could send her insane or even kill her.

All of the previous characters are involved to some degree which is great as this book happens a about six months after the second book and starts a few days before Sam and Riley's wedding.

Gage is the son of the Head Numina, the Gods of mortals like Marley was a Goddess. He too is trying to find out what is happening and ends up finding Marley and following her until they find that they both have a mutual desire to stop what is happening and team up together.

It did have a few tears, as Marley is both brave and puts too much of others mistakes on her own shoulders. Certainly a book and series that I would recommend to Mythology and Paranormal lovers.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit i love Natalie J Damschroder books and this one is just as brilliant as her previous ones i love gage and marley together a must read series.

I received a free copy from netgallery in exchange for a honest review.

[Barb Lie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunroper by Natalie Damschroder is the 3rd book in her Goddesses Rising series. Damschroeder is new to me, as I have not read the first two books in this series. However, Damschroder wrote this story so well, she was able to sneak in explanations early on about what has already happened previously, allowing us to read this even as a standalone novel. Upon completing this wonderfully exciting adventure, I have added Damschroeder to my list of authors I want to read.

In Sunroper, our heroine is Marley, who is Quinn’s sister, the heroine in book #1. Previously, in the earlier books, Marley lost her Goddess power, by foolishly trusting her ex boyfriend, and has felt empty since. Feeling responsible for introducing leeching of goddesses powers, Marley avoids her sister Quinn, and her friend Riley, and works to help find those who have been given some of the goddess powers. Since she has lost her powers, Marley now has discovered that she has the ability to take away those powers, and is determined to find those effected and nullify them. She meets Gage, our hero, who starts to investigate Marley, seeing her take away the flux (energy from goddess) from someone. Soon Marley begins to work with Gage to find the goddess responsible for giving out the flux. Gage’s brother is missing, and this is another reason he is trying to work with Marley to find the nemesis.

What follows is a non-stop exciting adventure, where Marley must come up against a powerful Goddess that threatens to destroy Marley. Though an unlikely pair, the romance between Gage and Marley was wonderful, as I loved them together. Their chemistry was off the wall, not to mention steamy. It was also great to bring the others into the story to help Marley & Gage fight the enemy. The story became very tense, especially as Marley continues to absorb the flux from others, which causes her to become more unstable each time. Marley knows to fight the goddess might cost her life, but she will let nothing stand in her way to save her friends and family. Will Marley survive? Will Gage and Marley ever be able to find happiness? You will have to read the book to find out.

I enjoyed Sunroper very much, as Natalie Damschroder has created a wonderful, exciting, non stop action story that was impossible to put down. But most of all, she has created some wonderful characters. So much so, that I have to go back now and read the first two books, just to learn more about their heroes, Quinn & Nick, and Riley & Sam. If you want to read a book that is exciting, action filled, terrific friendships, a wonderful romantic couple, then Sunroper is for you.

Barb