What do you think?
Rate this book
The Shattered World #1
Surviving Passion
"It's a strange time when the safest place in the world is in the arms of the person who frightens you the most." After the violent death of her father, it is Selena who becomes the ghost. Every day is a lone struggle for survival in the wilderness, more than a decade after the fall of modern civilization. No longer subject to law, order, or the social norms of its domestic past, the primal nature of man has reared its head with alarming swiftness. From her own frightening experiences, Selena has learned just how dangerous men are. Now, she avoids them at all costs, mastering a thoroughly elusive lifestyle, until she meets her match. After a chance encounter, Selena's life is swept on a tide of chaotic involvement with Dan, an intense but disciplined leader who clashes with her approach to survival on every level. Through her wild experiences with this frightening but captivating man, Selena learns that the human animal loves as passionately as it This novel is more dramatic, suspenseful and adventurous than sweet, loving and Contains explicit sex scenes.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2010
73 people are currently reading
899 people want to read
About the author
Maia Underwood
3 books63 followersMaia Underwood is a self-published author who received a BA in environmental science with an emphasis in nature literature.
Read more about Maia on her website.
Read more about Maia on her website.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
July 11, 2011
Several years ago, I tried a friend's special dessert that she said was a huge hit at block parties.
This popular dish turned out to be crushed Chips Ahoy and chopped up Little Debbie brownies stirred into about two tubs of Cool Whip.
And that's what this book is like. There are aspects that are addictive; usually I don't finish books that irritate me this much. Against my will, I found myself wanting to know what happened to Selena Of the Many Bad Decisions. But overall, much like the Processed Foods Pudding--no. Please.
The book is self-published, so I'm feeling kind of mean for giving a bad review. But I did pay for it, and other people might be considering it. It seems to have nothing but good reviews so far--the lower ratings don't have reviews attached. So, for those who want to know, here are some of the problems with the book.
1. Writing that could use a good editor. Not a copyeditor; I only noticed a smattering of errors in conventions (other than the hilarious scene where a guy knocked an arrow). No, this author needs someone to help her tighten up and clarify her writing. Some readers probably wouldn't mind, but I did.
2. Tell tell tell tell tell tell show tell tell tell tell tell tell show tell tell tell tell tell show then tell what the thing actually shown meant. In case you didn't get it.
3. Cardboard characters.
4. Heroine often--not always--too stupid to live.
5. Some lazy writing. Like at one point, they take shelter in a huge building to avoid a storm and the heroine wonders how she could have possibly missed the building when she wandered through the community before. I wonder too, Selena.
6. This part bothered me the most and it's actually a spoiler, so I'm hiding it.
I do think the author has potential; while the plot wasn't tight or groundbreaking, it was interesting. Maybe for her next book, she'll find a publisher, or hire someone to do some editing for her. I wish her luck.
This popular dish turned out to be crushed Chips Ahoy and chopped up Little Debbie brownies stirred into about two tubs of Cool Whip.
And that's what this book is like. There are aspects that are addictive; usually I don't finish books that irritate me this much. Against my will, I found myself wanting to know what happened to Selena Of the Many Bad Decisions. But overall, much like the Processed Foods Pudding--no. Please.
The book is self-published, so I'm feeling kind of mean for giving a bad review. But I did pay for it, and other people might be considering it. It seems to have nothing but good reviews so far--the lower ratings don't have reviews attached. So, for those who want to know, here are some of the problems with the book.
1. Writing that could use a good editor. Not a copyeditor; I only noticed a smattering of errors in conventions (other than the hilarious scene where a guy knocked an arrow). No, this author needs someone to help her tighten up and clarify her writing. Some readers probably wouldn't mind, but I did.
2. Tell tell tell tell tell tell show tell tell tell tell tell tell show tell tell tell tell tell show then tell what the thing actually shown meant. In case you didn't get it.
3. Cardboard characters.
4. Heroine often--not always--too stupid to live.
5. Some lazy writing. Like at one point, they take shelter in a huge building to avoid a storm and the heroine wonders how she could have possibly missed the building when she wandered through the community before. I wonder too, Selena.
6. This part bothered me the most and it's actually a spoiler, so I'm hiding it.
I do think the author has potential; while the plot wasn't tight or groundbreaking, it was interesting. Maybe for her next book, she'll find a publisher, or hire someone to do some editing for her. I wish her luck.
July 23, 2016
This was a buddy read for the Dangerous Hero group with a fellow Goodreads friend. I'm glad she suggested it, because I've had this on my Kindle for a while. It was pretty good, but the romance was a bit underwhelming.
The author's focus seemed to be on the setting and the idea of surviving a world crisis. This is a post-apocalyptic book, but low key. No zombies. Just civilization collapse and the loss of modern conveniences like electricity and access to fuel. People have to learn to live on the land again.
Selena's family prepared her for surviving in many ways, but instead of teaching her to defend herself from unwanted advances. She just hides and has made hiding her main self-defense. One day, hiding puts her in the company of Dan, a big, quiet man with steely determination. He is adamant that she needs to come live with him and his group of survivors. He comes on really strong, and Selena thinks is intentions are sexual. That sets the tone for a relationship that is 100% tension between them. Underlying that attraction is a fear and the fact that they don't communicate and don't really seem to understand each other.
It would have saved a lot of trouble if they just talked to each other. I can understand why Selena is afraid of Dan. He's a very big guy and has an air of danger about him. But his behavior never suggests that he's a bad person or is a rapist in any way. When another member of the community continues to make passes at her and behaves inappropriately, Selena procrastinates instead of dealing with the problem. She avoids conflict like a master, and the consequences are really bad.
I think this is a readable book and it kept my interest. As a romance, it's odd. Selena and Dan really don't spend enough time together, and their time together is not real communication. I liked their first love scene, but it comes out of nowhere and then they are back to avoiding each other.
Normally, I like the strong silent type. However, it's really hard to know where Dan is coming from. He takes it to another level. I feel that his character development is lacking. He is one of the most important characters, but it almost feels like he's left the least developed.
Selena is young and in some ways immature. I think that her avoidance of people has arrested her development. I completely understand conflict avoidance. I have done my share of it. Hers seems almost pathological though.
I gave this three stars because I really did like some aspects of the story and I think the world-building was well done. The author is very interested in survival and living off the land, it was clear that she wanted to integrate a lot of this into the story. That was all very authentic, but took away from the romance, to be honest. The ending was exciting and climactic, with an unexpected, dramatic twist. Although the romance suffered most of the book, I liked how Selena acknowledged her feelings for Dan, and you feel like she and Dan will be okay together. I'm not sure if i will read the sequel because it looks like there's another guy in the picture. I'd like to think that Selena and Dan are in love and working through their issues as a strong couple, helping their community to thrive.
The author's focus seemed to be on the setting and the idea of surviving a world crisis. This is a post-apocalyptic book, but low key. No zombies. Just civilization collapse and the loss of modern conveniences like electricity and access to fuel. People have to learn to live on the land again.
Selena's family prepared her for surviving in many ways, but instead of teaching her to defend herself from unwanted advances. She just hides and has made hiding her main self-defense. One day, hiding puts her in the company of Dan, a big, quiet man with steely determination. He is adamant that she needs to come live with him and his group of survivors. He comes on really strong, and Selena thinks is intentions are sexual. That sets the tone for a relationship that is 100% tension between them. Underlying that attraction is a fear and the fact that they don't communicate and don't really seem to understand each other.
It would have saved a lot of trouble if they just talked to each other. I can understand why Selena is afraid of Dan. He's a very big guy and has an air of danger about him. But his behavior never suggests that he's a bad person or is a rapist in any way. When another member of the community continues to make passes at her and behaves inappropriately, Selena procrastinates instead of dealing with the problem. She avoids conflict like a master, and the consequences are really bad.
I think this is a readable book and it kept my interest. As a romance, it's odd. Selena and Dan really don't spend enough time together, and their time together is not real communication. I liked their first love scene, but it comes out of nowhere and then they are back to avoiding each other.
Normally, I like the strong silent type. However, it's really hard to know where Dan is coming from. He takes it to another level. I feel that his character development is lacking. He is one of the most important characters, but it almost feels like he's left the least developed.
Selena is young and in some ways immature. I think that her avoidance of people has arrested her development. I completely understand conflict avoidance. I have done my share of it. Hers seems almost pathological though.
I gave this three stars because I really did like some aspects of the story and I think the world-building was well done. The author is very interested in survival and living off the land, it was clear that she wanted to integrate a lot of this into the story. That was all very authentic, but took away from the romance, to be honest. The ending was exciting and climactic, with an unexpected, dramatic twist. Although the romance suffered most of the book, I liked how Selena acknowledged her feelings for Dan, and you feel like she and Dan will be okay together. I'm not sure if i will read the sequel because it looks like there's another guy in the picture. I'd like to think that Selena and Dan are in love and working through their issues as a strong couple, helping their community to thrive.
October 12, 2015
This was an interesting post-apocalyptic story that kept me reading. I liked it but wanted more focus on the romance. We also didn't have the hero's point of view so I didn't really know how he felt. But the author showed promise in her writing style and it was well worth the 99 cent price on Kindle.
May 4, 2011
When I first bought and listed this book here on goodreads I had it on my erotica to read shelf because there is a warning on the blurb for this book that reads "Caution: contains explicit sex scenes". I have moved it from that list because though there is sex in this book the scenes (2) are no more than you would find in a Linda Howard, Anne Stuart or Pamela Clare book. This is also the first Post Apocalypitc book that I have read and I really enjoyed it and will be looking for more.
Selena (h) is on her own, the last of her small family had died 4 years ago, and she knows that the only way for her to survive is to stay away from other people and stay on the move. When she was younger and both her mother and father were still alive they had lived with a group of others who were trying to live as a community afther the Crash that ended civilization as we know it. It wasn't long before Selena and her parents found out how dangerous it can be for a young girl living in a lawless land among so many men. They set out on their own and taught her how to survive on her own and to avoid men at all cost. A chance encounter with a man who was everything she feared had changed her live forever.
Dan (H), during a foraging trip into a deserted town, came across Selena as she ran for her life from some very dangerous people. He knew these people and just how much danger she was in and so he did the only thing he could.....he kidnappes her. She wouldn't come willingly and if he left her there she would get herself killed so he what else could he do? He figures he would take her back to his community were she would be out of danger and let her decide then if she wants to stay or go on her own.
I really loved this book and never thought I could get into a theme such as this but I did. The only reason it didn't get a full 5* is because I never really got the feeling that we knew Dan. There is a breif discription of his childhood but nothing that really explained why he was the way he was. He's very emotionaly closed and under such tight control at all times and I just didn't think that we as a reader got to understand how he felt.
Selena (h) is on her own, the last of her small family had died 4 years ago, and she knows that the only way for her to survive is to stay away from other people and stay on the move. When she was younger and both her mother and father were still alive they had lived with a group of others who were trying to live as a community afther the Crash that ended civilization as we know it. It wasn't long before Selena and her parents found out how dangerous it can be for a young girl living in a lawless land among so many men. They set out on their own and taught her how to survive on her own and to avoid men at all cost. A chance encounter with a man who was everything she feared had changed her live forever.
Dan (H), during a foraging trip into a deserted town, came across Selena as she ran for her life from some very dangerous people. He knew these people and just how much danger she was in and so he did the only thing he could.....he kidnappes her. She wouldn't come willingly and if he left her there she would get herself killed so he what else could he do? He figures he would take her back to his community were she would be out of danger and let her decide then if she wants to stay or go on her own.
I really loved this book and never thought I could get into a theme such as this but I did. The only reason it didn't get a full 5* is because I never really got the feeling that we knew Dan. There is a breif discription of his childhood but nothing that really explained why he was the way he was. He's very emotionaly closed and under such tight control at all times and I just didn't think that we as a reader got to understand how he felt.
June 15, 2013
I'm calling foul; the summary/blurb for the book is very misleading. I started this book with high hopes that this would be a post-apocalyptic survival novel, with some romance of course. But, no, This is primarily a romance novel, and everything else is just scattered in the background, like salt on baked potatoes for a bit of taste. So, all the cool stuff in the summary about a heroine being all alone in a dystopian primitive society where women are scarce, yea, all that happens in the first five pages of the book. Don't expect any cool action, adventure and suspense as our heroine survives in this dangerous world (And they should remove Sci-fi from the genre list for this).
Basically, this novel follows the formulae of those historical romances where most of the time some stupid girl-child meets a pirate or a rake, and he protects her and rules her while she just stands there like a dumb gargoyle. The heroine meets the hero early on and he drags her to his hold, where a bunch of people have taken refuge. He says they make "group decisions" and everyone is free to do as like as long as it doesn't harm anyone, but of course he doesn't ask if she wants to go there. He decides himself that the heroine will soon die on her own, no matter that she had survived on her own for four years. A bit into the story, the reader wonders how a girl this weak actually survived, she doesn't show any hunting or any other skill necessary for survival, and she can't even run properly, the hero easily catches her early on. She is, however, a "leather worker", we are told, and wears a skimpy leather outfit (the hero is "kind" enough to say she shouldn't "show so much skin," though where women are scarce would it matter if she was even covered from head to toe?) No idea how she managed to get leather when she doesn't know how to hunt and skin and tan hides and all. But she can sew, so basically she's a fashion designer. Also, the hero and most people wear cloth garments since it's been only 20 years since the Crash.
The first thing the novel establishes is that the heroine is "impeccably beautiful," of Spanish-Asian descent (though her surname is Cartwright) and the hero is well-muscled and handsome, because, obviously, that's the most important aspect of the story. And somehow the heroine's beauty is supposed to attract more danger to her (lol) I mean, again, would it matter if there aren't many women around?
And most of the story takes place in the hero's safe haven, so all the danger there is contrived and readers don't see anything of the primitiveness or the wildness of this new world order. It's like some gang squabble in your run-of-the-mill urban fantasy. Therefore, it's safe for sappy romance readers to swallow.
Other thing is, besides being useless, the heroine has an Elektra complex, opposite of Oedipus complex where daughters are sexually attracted to their fathers. I say this because in heroine's eyes, the hero is "infallible," all powerful, all right, who has her best interest in his heart and will protect her no matter what. So basically, a daddy. We know early on that the heroine's father raised her after her mother's death and only four years ago died protecting her. Freud would say she was looking for a daddy-replacement, and here comes the hero. Also the hero treats her like some insufferable teenager who doesn't know what's best for her so it's his job to give it to her whether she likes it or not. /eyeroll/
The writing, I guess, was okay for a first novel, though the author suffers from telling-not-showing syndrome. The novel was very short, more like a novella, and lacks any descriptive prose. I really couldn't get into it after a while so I had to even skim through some pages. However, if you are into safe romance, this is your piece of cake.
Basically, this novel follows the formulae of those historical romances where most of the time some stupid girl-child meets a pirate or a rake, and he protects her and rules her while she just stands there like a dumb gargoyle. The heroine meets the hero early on and he drags her to his hold, where a bunch of people have taken refuge. He says they make "group decisions" and everyone is free to do as like as long as it doesn't harm anyone, but of course he doesn't ask if she wants to go there. He decides himself that the heroine will soon die on her own, no matter that she had survived on her own for four years. A bit into the story, the reader wonders how a girl this weak actually survived, she doesn't show any hunting or any other skill necessary for survival, and she can't even run properly, the hero easily catches her early on. She is, however, a "leather worker", we are told, and wears a skimpy leather outfit (the hero is "kind" enough to say she shouldn't "show so much skin," though where women are scarce would it matter if she was even covered from head to toe?) No idea how she managed to get leather when she doesn't know how to hunt and skin and tan hides and all. But she can sew, so basically she's a fashion designer. Also, the hero and most people wear cloth garments since it's been only 20 years since the Crash.
The first thing the novel establishes is that the heroine is "impeccably beautiful," of Spanish-Asian descent (though her surname is Cartwright) and the hero is well-muscled and handsome, because, obviously, that's the most important aspect of the story. And somehow the heroine's beauty is supposed to attract more danger to her (lol) I mean, again, would it matter if there aren't many women around?
And most of the story takes place in the hero's safe haven, so all the danger there is contrived and readers don't see anything of the primitiveness or the wildness of this new world order. It's like some gang squabble in your run-of-the-mill urban fantasy. Therefore, it's safe for sappy romance readers to swallow.
Other thing is, besides being useless, the heroine has an Elektra complex, opposite of Oedipus complex where daughters are sexually attracted to their fathers. I say this because in heroine's eyes, the hero is "infallible," all powerful, all right, who has her best interest in his heart and will protect her no matter what. So basically, a daddy. We know early on that the heroine's father raised her after her mother's death and only four years ago died protecting her. Freud would say she was looking for a daddy-replacement, and here comes the hero. Also the hero treats her like some insufferable teenager who doesn't know what's best for her so it's his job to give it to her whether she likes it or not. /eyeroll/
The writing, I guess, was okay for a first novel, though the author suffers from telling-not-showing syndrome. The novel was very short, more like a novella, and lacks any descriptive prose. I really couldn't get into it after a while so I had to even skim through some pages. However, if you are into safe romance, this is your piece of cake.
April 29, 2011
The economy and technology has collapsed in what is known as The Crash, and sets the world back into primitive times of living off the land. The heroine, Selena has been living on her own for 4 years since the death of her parents. In fact, she hasn't even spoke with another human being, she is slow to trust people in this new cut-throat-world and has become proficient at taking care of herself and providing for her needs. The story begins with the Selena being pursued by a posse of bad men and takes refuge in the city in one of the many dilapidated, abandoned buildings. This is when we soon meet Dan, the hero.
Upon discovering this lone woman, Dan gives Selena no choice in accompanying him home--which happens to be an isolated compound of sorts, with a handful of people. His people need a leatherworker, which Selena knows how to do and Dan also knows the danger in solitude and strives to show Selena the safety in numbers...even if she fights him all the way about it.
Dan is one bad ass dude. His father was in the Special Forces before The Crash and taught Dan everything he knew. Selena adjusts to interacting with people again and depending on others. There's tension and chemistry between Dan and Selena through out the story. I just wished there were more interactions between them. The reader also gets some action as this small community stands up against a rival band of bad guys.
Yes, the cover and title is really bad but I liked this book and will be looking for more by this author.
Upon discovering this lone woman, Dan gives Selena no choice in accompanying him home--which happens to be an isolated compound of sorts, with a handful of people. His people need a leatherworker, which Selena knows how to do and Dan also knows the danger in solitude and strives to show Selena the safety in numbers...even if she fights him all the way about it.
Dan is one bad ass dude. His father was in the Special Forces before The Crash and taught Dan everything he knew. Selena adjusts to interacting with people again and depending on others. There's tension and chemistry between Dan and Selena through out the story. I just wished there were more interactions between them. The reader also gets some action as this small community stands up against a rival band of bad guys.
Yes, the cover and title is really bad but I liked this book and will be looking for more by this author.
November 21, 2012
I purchased this book after doing a search on Amazon for erotic fiction. So when the sex didn't come until a full 60% (or more) into the book, I was a little... frustrated. However, that's not saying that this wasn't a great book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I just wouldn't label it as erotic fiction. It's fiction with a couple of steamy sex scenes. The world building here is thorough and detailed, and the characters are well defined. The central mystery is a good one, and is hidden well throughout the book. It doesn't hit you over the head with "hey stupid, this is what's going on", but speaks to you as if you are an intelligent reader.
The sex - when it finally appears, is well done, steamy, and satisfying. It ends in a way that makes you want to read more (but not in a cliffhanger sort of way).
I will definitely read the next book in the series, as these characters have really grabbed me. For a first offering from the author, it is exceedingly well written, proofread, and assembled. It is a relatively fast read, and well worth the investment.
The sex - when it finally appears, is well done, steamy, and satisfying. It ends in a way that makes you want to read more (but not in a cliffhanger sort of way).
I will definitely read the next book in the series, as these characters have really grabbed me. For a first offering from the author, it is exceedingly well written, proofread, and assembled. It is a relatively fast read, and well worth the investment.
June 9, 2014
I love books/movies/shows about a future time when civilization has gone to crap. I've read The Stand uncut probably 10 times. I find the whole premise fascinating, mostly because I like to see how 'normal' people react. Can they hold it together? Will they lose their humanity? And my favorites are those characters who were inconsequential or even criminal in their former lives, but indispensable and often better people in this new, crappy future (Think Daryl from The Walking Dead).
There's a LOT of world building and characterization that goes into a successful story in this genre and I didn't see that here. I know there are more novellas to come, so maybe there is more. It could be that my attachment to that genre in the non-romance sense makes it hard for me to appreciate one written which focuses on romance. Then again, I did enjoy Rules of War by Sue Lyndon, but that was more about the kinky spanking erotica than the setting. So, as far as I was concerned, that one could have been set in any era.
There's a LOT of world building and characterization that goes into a successful story in this genre and I didn't see that here. I know there are more novellas to come, so maybe there is more. It could be that my attachment to that genre in the non-romance sense makes it hard for me to appreciate one written which focuses on romance. Then again, I did enjoy Rules of War by Sue Lyndon, but that was more about the kinky spanking erotica than the setting. So, as far as I was concerned, that one could have been set in any era.
February 20, 2022
"Being trapped was the riskiest situation of all, Selena reckoned, so she rarely put herself in a position where she could be easily cornered. This was why she avoided sleeping inside houses. They were too confining. So far, she had done a good job of avoiding roving bands of people, or worse, other solitary folk. She kept her parents’ advice at the forefront of her thoughts at all times. Don’t be seen."
April 25, 2024
Something wipes out technology around the world and there is a reset back to primitive hunter/gatherer society in what was once the southwestern US. A woman has been surviving alone almost as a ghost until bad luck finds her in the form of a pack of scavenging men. Her rescuer is competent and sure- and he doesn't do catch and release so a new adventure begins.
I picked up Surviving Passion as a freebie more than eleven years ago and there it sat on my Kindle shelf until I needed it to meet a few reading challenges.
Surviving Passion was a mixed bag read for me. Selena drove me up the wall nearly the whole time. This gal was all over the place. I get it that she's young and skittish and has no reason to trust other people after what she saw and she has no experience whatsoever with a romantic relationship other than vague memories of her parents.
But...I’m going on a tangent here so be warned. The whole rest of the story with her and Dan felt more like a spoilt child who gets thwarted so she pouts and strikes out at the person who is trying to keep her safe. She literally must do the opposite or get angry over the dumbest stuff if Dan is the one speaking even though she sees that he's a survival and combat expert and he always treats her with respect never taking advantage. Dan doesn't even smother her with protectiveness like some alpha males or push into her space except the once when she took matters into her own hands during a dangerous situation and he tries to set her straight of what could have happened (she and others would have been hurt or dead) if she hadn't gotten lucky- because yes, she confuses luck with skill.
Once he has her away from the gang of men, he lets her loose to make her own choices and gives her some pretty good ones, but she stays petulant and can't even cough up a 'thanks for saving my life multiple times'. And, of course, she's the tough girl and speaks up to Dan, but the real creeper guy she goes all soft and unsure, hides his threats to rape her from others (b/c why would they with their families of kids need to know a predator is among them), and yes, we have a big climax scene resulting from it. The brutal fight scene was exciting, I'll grant you.
Selena takes until the very end and a big brutal eye-opening experience to get a clue, but she does get there which is good for Dan's sake. He's quiet most of the book and gets no narration time which meant Selena’s passive aggressive- hide, avoid Dan who wants a mature adult conversation when something’s wrong, or just fling accusations and stomp off- is all I had.
Selena had to grow and learn, but I suspect the next part of the story is easier on that part of things as the relationships deepen in Selena’s life and she gets used to trusting and living with other people.
The good part was the author's description of life after tech, the people of the community of Brian's Crater, and Dan- oh how I loved Dan who is mostly patient, generous and caring particularly with Selena. The brutal action that matched the lawless times was also well-written and fit this genre of romance.
Surviving Passion was a debut book and part of a never finished trilogy. I knew this was part of an ongoing story about Selena and Dan when I went in, but took a chance that there would be enough closure to the first book that I'd still get a good reading experience. Fortunately, this was true. It's obvious there can be more to their lives because this ends on a Happy for Now, but it does wrap up most of the main points of conflict. So, if readers are looking for a fast-read exciting post-apocalyptic romance, I would say this is a moderately good one.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Apr 3rd, 2024.
#ThriftyThursday
I picked up Surviving Passion as a freebie more than eleven years ago and there it sat on my Kindle shelf until I needed it to meet a few reading challenges.
Surviving Passion was a mixed bag read for me. Selena drove me up the wall nearly the whole time. This gal was all over the place. I get it that she's young and skittish and has no reason to trust other people after what she saw and she has no experience whatsoever with a romantic relationship other than vague memories of her parents.
But...I’m going on a tangent here so be warned. The whole rest of the story with her and Dan felt more like a spoilt child who gets thwarted so she pouts and strikes out at the person who is trying to keep her safe. She literally must do the opposite or get angry over the dumbest stuff if Dan is the one speaking even though she sees that he's a survival and combat expert and he always treats her with respect never taking advantage. Dan doesn't even smother her with protectiveness like some alpha males or push into her space except the once when she took matters into her own hands during a dangerous situation and he tries to set her straight of what could have happened (she and others would have been hurt or dead) if she hadn't gotten lucky- because yes, she confuses luck with skill.
Once he has her away from the gang of men, he lets her loose to make her own choices and gives her some pretty good ones, but she stays petulant and can't even cough up a 'thanks for saving my life multiple times'. And, of course, she's the tough girl and speaks up to Dan, but the real creeper guy she goes all soft and unsure, hides his threats to rape her from others (b/c why would they with their families of kids need to know a predator is among them), and yes, we have a big climax scene resulting from it. The brutal fight scene was exciting, I'll grant you.
Selena takes until the very end and a big brutal eye-opening experience to get a clue, but she does get there which is good for Dan's sake. He's quiet most of the book and gets no narration time which meant Selena’s passive aggressive- hide, avoid Dan who wants a mature adult conversation when something’s wrong, or just fling accusations and stomp off- is all I had.
Selena had to grow and learn, but I suspect the next part of the story is easier on that part of things as the relationships deepen in Selena’s life and she gets used to trusting and living with other people.
The good part was the author's description of life after tech, the people of the community of Brian's Crater, and Dan- oh how I loved Dan who is mostly patient, generous and caring particularly with Selena. The brutal action that matched the lawless times was also well-written and fit this genre of romance.
Surviving Passion was a debut book and part of a never finished trilogy. I knew this was part of an ongoing story about Selena and Dan when I went in, but took a chance that there would be enough closure to the first book that I'd still get a good reading experience. Fortunately, this was true. It's obvious there can be more to their lives because this ends on a Happy for Now, but it does wrap up most of the main points of conflict. So, if readers are looking for a fast-read exciting post-apocalyptic romance, I would say this is a moderately good one.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Apr 3rd, 2024.
#ThriftyThursday
August 28, 2012
This book I would not call a romance, then again it isn't just a post apocalypse either, it's so much more. Maia Underwood has created a believable and tormented world. After the economy falls, the world falls and of course, thank you human nature, the human race begins it's rapid decline back to primitive times. Women are scarce and therefore a commodity. Communities with any form of civilization or morals are hard to find, and the worst are the human parasites that run in packs just taking whatever they need from whomever.
The story opens with a beautiful women looking desperately in a ghost town for any kind of survival books. She's been on her own for four years, her father died hiding her from above mentioned parasites, her mother died years ago. Unfortunately she's not alone and the chase is on, her vs. 5 or 6 bigger, stronger men who have probably been without... hmmmm... female companionship for a while. Lucky for her, her hiding spot is the same as Dan's. She's very lucky he found her, he comes from a community that abides by a code of laws, woman aren't just taken, and everyone helps out in the community. Selena's been alone far too long to trust anyone especially a 'community' of seven men and only four women. Well.... it doesn't really look like Dan will give her a choice.
My friends that is only the beginning, what follows next is a journey into the future, a future that is scary and feral and often times cruel. This isn't a romance, in fact there are only a couple... 'forest' scenes in the book. It's more about the morality of mankind, the journey of a woman and the fall of a man. Selena isn't used to interacting with people, this makes her a danger to herself. Dan isn't used to allowing himself the freedom of, well I guess un-controlledness. He's very controlled and very calculating, nothing will or can change that. There are good fight scenes in this book, there is murder, there is talk of rape, there is kidnapping and there is failure.
All in all it was absolutely fantastic! I would recommend this to anyone, romance seekers, thrill seekers, end of world junkies, or just plain ole bibliophiles. It was truly a rare treat. It ended too soon though! Tell me there is more, tell me we get to see into the next time....
http://books.usatoday.com/happyeveraf...
The story opens with a beautiful women looking desperately in a ghost town for any kind of survival books. She's been on her own for four years, her father died hiding her from above mentioned parasites, her mother died years ago. Unfortunately she's not alone and the chase is on, her vs. 5 or 6 bigger, stronger men who have probably been without... hmmmm... female companionship for a while. Lucky for her, her hiding spot is the same as Dan's. She's very lucky he found her, he comes from a community that abides by a code of laws, woman aren't just taken, and everyone helps out in the community. Selena's been alone far too long to trust anyone especially a 'community' of seven men and only four women. Well.... it doesn't really look like Dan will give her a choice.
My friends that is only the beginning, what follows next is a journey into the future, a future that is scary and feral and often times cruel. This isn't a romance, in fact there are only a couple... 'forest' scenes in the book. It's more about the morality of mankind, the journey of a woman and the fall of a man. Selena isn't used to interacting with people, this makes her a danger to herself. Dan isn't used to allowing himself the freedom of, well I guess un-controlledness. He's very controlled and very calculating, nothing will or can change that. There are good fight scenes in this book, there is murder, there is talk of rape, there is kidnapping and there is failure.
All in all it was absolutely fantastic! I would recommend this to anyone, romance seekers, thrill seekers, end of world junkies, or just plain ole bibliophiles. It was truly a rare treat. It ended too soon though! Tell me there is more, tell me we get to see into the next time....
http://books.usatoday.com/happyeveraf...
October 1, 2016
I was interested, but I wasn't. You ever read those books where a character is adamant they're strong and independent and really they're not and incredibly stubborn instead? That's this chick. And because it's all in her perspective, everyone else comes across in a way that's not that nice. Her love interest seems overbearing and emotionless, but really it's her inability to understand humans that makes it look that way. Don't get me wrong, he's pushy, just like he's pushy with everyone to keep them safe from a very serious threat, but she sees it as him treating her like a child and does whatever she wants.
In all honesty, I knew she was a dumbass the minute she steals the horse of the guys she's trying to run from. All because she thought she wouldn't get far before they noticed her, so instead of creeping away and gaining ground elsewhere she pinches a horse among other horses and runs into what sounds like the inner city and gets off the horse to hide in a building, without covering any tracks or even LOOKING to see if she left anything to be found.
But she's adamant until towards the very end she doesn't need help and she's better off alone. If it wasn't for all the action and stuff I wouldn't have liked it because she's so closed off (and angry her lover doesn't show her emotion and love her enough when she won't show it herself) and it honestly felt like no romance existed because romantic type things were shadowed by her thinking it was weird or wrong or made her angry. Honestly her losing her virginity felt super rapey to me and I'm usually the last to say that but because of her thoughts and how torn she was over it because he had experience it just weirded me out majorly. And other than that there was one other sex scene and it was a bit flowery and I hate that too so.... yes to action, not so much to some other things. Enjoyable, but not enjoyable enough to want to read more.
In all honesty, I knew she was a dumbass the minute she steals the horse of the guys she's trying to run from. All because she thought she wouldn't get far before they noticed her, so instead of creeping away and gaining ground elsewhere she pinches a horse among other horses and runs into what sounds like the inner city and gets off the horse to hide in a building, without covering any tracks or even LOOKING to see if she left anything to be found.
But she's adamant until towards the very end she doesn't need help and she's better off alone. If it wasn't for all the action and stuff I wouldn't have liked it because she's so closed off (and angry her lover doesn't show her emotion and love her enough when she won't show it herself) and it honestly felt like no romance existed because romantic type things were shadowed by her thinking it was weird or wrong or made her angry. Honestly her losing her virginity felt super rapey to me and I'm usually the last to say that but because of her thoughts and how torn she was over it because he had experience it just weirded me out majorly. And other than that there was one other sex scene and it was a bit flowery and I hate that too so.... yes to action, not so much to some other things. Enjoyable, but not enjoyable enough to want to read more.
October 23, 2011
3 1/2 stars. Once I got past the terrible cover (and even reading this on my Kindle, the cover haunted me), this was a very interesting, fast paced story set in a dystopian future. After world-wide economic collapse, society has fallen apart and people are living primitive, often violent lives trying to survive. Selena has been living on her own for 4 years after her parents died. One day she runs into Dan, a member of a small group of people who live in an isolated settlement. Dan forces Selena to return to the settlement with him, getting her out of harm's way and then gives her the choice of whether to stay or go back to living on her own. Selena cautiously decides to give living with people a chance, fighting their enemies with them and trying to understand her feelings for Dan.
Selena is an interesting character. Given her limited experience with people, the traumas she has suffered and the past years of living in isolation, she is very backward. In many ways she is emotionally immature and often has only the most basic understanding of social interactions. She feels the only way she can live with dignity is to stay isolated because she doesn't want to depend on a man to keep her safe from all the predators out there.
The relationship between Selena and Dan is fairly primitive between her struggle to understand her feelings and connect with others and Dan's strong, silent persona. When they finally get together, Selena is further confused about their relationship and I can't blame her. Dan is not the great communicator and their sexual encounter is marred by dubious consent on Selena's part.
Still, even that aspect of the story made sense given the setting and characters. The plot moves very quickly and I am looking forward to the second book in this series by a new and very promising writer.
Selena is an interesting character. Given her limited experience with people, the traumas she has suffered and the past years of living in isolation, she is very backward. In many ways she is emotionally immature and often has only the most basic understanding of social interactions. She feels the only way she can live with dignity is to stay isolated because she doesn't want to depend on a man to keep her safe from all the predators out there.
The relationship between Selena and Dan is fairly primitive between her struggle to understand her feelings and connect with others and Dan's strong, silent persona. When they finally get together, Selena is further confused about their relationship and I can't blame her. Dan is not the great communicator and their sexual encounter is marred by dubious consent on Selena's part.
Still, even that aspect of the story made sense given the setting and characters. The plot moves very quickly and I am looking forward to the second book in this series by a new and very promising writer.
June 21, 2011
Wow...this is not my “normal” read. That means it doesn't contain a lick of paranormal anything. But the premise sucked me in from the onset: government decay equals the end of civility. In this post-apocalyptic environment, young Selena has spent half her childhood raised in this nomadic state of travel from one place to another, the unrest is so profound she never knows an actual “home.”
Then, when she becomes trapped in a house where travelers threaten her safe anonymity, she runs, eventually coming into contact with Dan, a man who changes her life forever.
The pacing on this novel is superb, without boredom. Underwood's descriptions of the wilderness seem natural and real, I learned a few things while reading that I thought were interesting without feeling like I was being “educated.” Dan, as the romantic lead was terrific and I enjoy a heroine that is independent, resilient, flawed and smart; Selena was all this.
Very minor flaws were: it would have been nice to “hear” more of Dan's feelings/thought processes along with more articulation of his feelings towards her at the end (it's third person so why not?). Possibly allowing for more clues as to the direction of the relationship would have been helpful for build up as well. As a reader, we're very clear on how conflicted Selena is but are not as sure about Dan.
Ms. Underwood is writing the sequel and should be releasing it soon. She is responsible for my chores still lingering today! That's what we want from a book: lose sleep, shelve chores...forget the time, sublime!
Then, when she becomes trapped in a house where travelers threaten her safe anonymity, she runs, eventually coming into contact with Dan, a man who changes her life forever.
The pacing on this novel is superb, without boredom. Underwood's descriptions of the wilderness seem natural and real, I learned a few things while reading that I thought were interesting without feeling like I was being “educated.” Dan, as the romantic lead was terrific and I enjoy a heroine that is independent, resilient, flawed and smart; Selena was all this.
Very minor flaws were: it would have been nice to “hear” more of Dan's feelings/thought processes along with more articulation of his feelings towards her at the end (it's third person so why not?). Possibly allowing for more clues as to the direction of the relationship would have been helpful for build up as well. As a reader, we're very clear on how conflicted Selena is but are not as sure about Dan.
Ms. Underwood is writing the sequel and should be releasing it soon. She is responsible for my chores still lingering today! That's what we want from a book: lose sleep, shelve chores...forget the time, sublime!
November 24, 2011
Sadly disappointing, I was expecting great things after the many recommendations I read.
The third person limited point of view was very... limiting. I was dying to know any of the other characters' thoughts. Dan's thoughts in particular I would have appreciated since he spoke so little and Selena didn't understand him at all.
I started out liking the book a bit more but once the romance started I got kind of angry. It's ok for Dan to force sex on her because he's hot but not ok for the bad guy because she "has a creepy feeling" about him? Uhm, anything that is not yes is no and I thought the whole point was that these people were supposed to get that. I think if I had read Dan's thoughts then this wouldn't have bothered me so much, but the whole overcome-by-my-uncontrollable-lust thing just wasn't clear to me.
Selena was kind of irritating. Way too much time was spent on her analyzing herself. As a reader I would have rather come to these conclusions on my own.
The side characters all blended together and I didn't have a clear mental picture of anyone but Selena. Also a romance novel hero named Dan.... What kind of name is that? It makes me think guy-at-the-office not hot-military-trained-survivalist.
All that said, it was a clean read and probably better than most self published stuff out there.
The third person limited point of view was very... limiting. I was dying to know any of the other characters' thoughts. Dan's thoughts in particular I would have appreciated since he spoke so little and Selena didn't understand him at all.
I started out liking the book a bit more but once the romance started I got kind of angry. It's ok for Dan to force sex on her because he's hot but not ok for the bad guy because she "has a creepy feeling" about him? Uhm, anything that is not yes is no and I thought the whole point was that these people were supposed to get that. I think if I had read Dan's thoughts then this wouldn't have bothered me so much, but the whole overcome-by-my-uncontrollable-lust thing just wasn't clear to me.
Selena was kind of irritating. Way too much time was spent on her analyzing herself. As a reader I would have rather come to these conclusions on my own.
The side characters all blended together and I didn't have a clear mental picture of anyone but Selena. Also a romance novel hero named Dan.... What kind of name is that? It makes me think guy-at-the-office not hot-military-trained-survivalist.
All that said, it was a clean read and probably better than most self published stuff out there.
December 28, 2010
HURRY UP WHILE THIS IS STILL 99 CENTS AT AMAZON - BETTER THEN MOST FULL PRICED BOOKS I'VE READ THERE!
hard to believe this is the author's first book - good storyline/world building, great pacing throughout, well fleshed out secondary characters (that you actually care about, versus funny named people thrown around to allow h/h to have interaction with others, which is usually the way things go within this type of book).
there could have been more sex, i do so like my erotica to have lots of sex. but actually, i would be hard pressed to call this erotica (wait, i'm not even sure its classified as such, and i'm too lazy to check) regardless, i would absolutely recommend this book, even at full price!
hard to believe this is the author's first book - good storyline/world building, great pacing throughout, well fleshed out secondary characters (that you actually care about, versus funny named people thrown around to allow h/h to have interaction with others, which is usually the way things go within this type of book).
there could have been more sex, i do so like my erotica to have lots of sex. but actually, i would be hard pressed to call this erotica (wait, i'm not even sure its classified as such, and i'm too lazy to check) regardless, i would absolutely recommend this book, even at full price!
October 16, 2012
Selena and her father survived apocalyptic America on their own until her father was murdered. She was on her own for years living stealthily, knowing if she was ever caught by roving bands of marauders, she would be raped,or killed, or at the very least lose her freedom for the rest of her life.
Dan is a natural born Hero. He would like to save everybody I think. But when he sees Selena He thinks she needs saving for sure. She doesn't agree with him but he's not leaving it up to her. What a man!
I really loved this book and the 2nd one "Surviving Seduction" as much if not more.Maia Underwood is a promising Author. I can't wait till she comes out with her third book of this series that she hinted would be titled "Surviving Surrender".
Dan is a natural born Hero. He would like to save everybody I think. But when he sees Selena He thinks she needs saving for sure. She doesn't agree with him but he's not leaving it up to her. What a man!
I really loved this book and the 2nd one "Surviving Seduction" as much if not more.Maia Underwood is a promising Author. I can't wait till she comes out with her third book of this series that she hinted would be titled "Surviving Surrender".
May 1, 2016
After "The Crash" the world turned back to a pre-technology state. People seem to either live in little colonies, roaming groups, or as solitary nomads for the most part. Selena has been a nomad on her own for 4 years when Dan finds her and forces her to come back to his colony with him. For the first time in a very long time it seems like Selena can actually make a home and friends here. But all is not peaceful in the little colony and everyone's happiness is at risk.
*Note: Not sure why a few people tagged this as "Zombie" there are no Zombies in this book. All threats come from living people.*
*Note: Not sure why a few people tagged this as "Zombie" there are no Zombies in this book. All threats come from living people.*
June 20, 2012
This is a great story, especially for a non-published author. The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic America. There's a lot going on in this story. There is a lot of fighting and survival, as I imagine a post-apocalyptic world would be like. It's written well.
November 20, 2014
Dan is the Man!!!!!!! Loved this! Some reviewers say this isn't a romance, but it is, just not an in your face kind of romance. Story and characters were great.
February 28, 2018
3.75 almost a 4, not quite. I like the idea, execution lacking a bit.
June 28, 2025
I’m very conflicted about this book. The first two-thirds of this story was really good. It’s a pretty gripping survival story with a hint of romance in the background. I liked the parts of the book that talked about how the little community were gardening and filtering water and what not. I also liked the promise of the romance – the hero was really stalwart and grumpy but also domineering, which I always like. However, during the last 25 percent or so of the book, it sortof veers off the rails.
Spoilers below
Yeah, so I was just confused by the ending of this book. Definitely had some real strong points but inconsistent in the storytelling.
Spoilers below
Yeah, so I was just confused by the ending of this book. Definitely had some real strong points but inconsistent in the storytelling.
July 29, 2018
The most interesting part of the book was the descriptions of how they survived. The romance (such as it was) consisted of "He's hot-I'm ignoring him- he's ignoring me-I still think he's hot-keep ignoring-random sex-ok we're together." They barely spoke for the entire book except to argue. This guy had as much personality as a stick and she was just wary/angry the whole time. Not much to see here folks!
May 30, 2019
Such a great new author
This was/is the autors first book and I thought it was great! So much suspense, and drama and a little romance. I only have it four stars because I thought the romance was a little weird. They only spoke very briefly two or three times before their "relationship" started and even then they hardly spoke . I really liked the characters, I thought this would be a good start to a series, I would love to find out what happened to the rest of the characters
This was/is the autors first book and I thought it was great! So much suspense, and drama and a little romance. I only have it four stars because I thought the romance was a little weird. They only spoke very briefly two or three times before their "relationship" started and even then they hardly spoke . I really liked the characters, I thought this would be a good start to a series, I would love to find out what happened to the rest of the characters
May 30, 2017
Passion Beyond passion
I chose this rating because it's the best book I've read in a very long time. I don't dislike anything about it it was subtle and yet useful to show the passion he had for her that she didn't yet feel. I would recommend this to all of my friends.
I chose this rating because it's the best book I've read in a very long time. I don't dislike anything about it it was subtle and yet useful to show the passion he had for her that she didn't yet feel. I would recommend this to all of my friends.
October 1, 2020
So Dan and Co. can just murder a bunch of tough scary dudes easily but then when that group retaliates they barely do anything?
February 6, 2023
Enjoyable new author
A new author in my favorite genre so decided to give her a thumbs up. Exciting narrative and romance. Although I got frustrated with Selina at times. Looking forward to the rest of the series
A new author in my favorite genre so decided to give her a thumbs up. Exciting narrative and romance. Although I got frustrated with Selina at times. Looking forward to the rest of the series
December 18, 2017
Suspenseful romance!
This book was great! It was a page turner and hard to put down. Themes of romance, safety and anarchy. A great post-apocalyptic romance!
This book was great! It was a page turner and hard to put down. Themes of romance, safety and anarchy. A great post-apocalyptic romance!
January 1, 2018
Loved it! Great plot and characters.
December 12, 2021
Good Read!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews