Rogue Rider

I enjoyed the first half more than the second. The first half shows the hero temporarily without baggage working out what sort of person he is at his core and turning over a new leaf. Even when the couple are parted and later reunited I was on board, I would have probably given that book 4 stars. But after that it kind of went down hill. It felt like the author's reasoning became more about what she thought would be entertaining rather than what actually made sense. This whole four book series it about whether the horsemen will be forced into fighting on the side of evil in the demon apocalypse. This is determined by the fate of their seals. If a particular thing happens, a horseman's seal will break and they'll turn evil, if two seals show more break the other two horsemen's seals will automatically break and those two will join their siblings on the side of evil. That's the premise we're given for the series. For three books, all the good characters have done whatever it took to protect the seals, and all the villains have tried to destroy them to usher in Hell on Earth. - Reseph's seal broke, *through no fault of his own*, before these books even started, and he became super-evil 'Pestilence', and through the advantage of evilness apparently, was more powerful than any of the other horsemen. Many times we were told that Reseph had been good-hearted and would be horrified by what Pestilence was doing through him, and occasionally Reseph would even briefly 'fight to the surface' and beg his siblings to kill Pestilence even knowing that it would kill him as well. He would rather have died than continue to inflict so much evil. Shortly before this book, through a series of magical, prophetic events, Reseph is finally given reign over his body again (though with Pestilence still in there too) and he is emotionally tortured by the knowledge of the evils Pestilence enacted. I can buy all of that. But in the second half of this book, all the characters who understand about the seals and prophecy and everything still blame Reseph for Pestilence's actions, even the other Horsemen! Like it was just his weak character that allowed for evil to take place or something. - Either Reseph is as much a victim of Pestilence as anyone, or there's been no purpose to the prophecy or any of the efforts to protect the seals in the first place, (they could have just used *willpower* to avoid acting evil! *eye roll*) You can't have it both ways. And Pestilence was more powerful than the other horsemen combined, even with full agency over their own minds and bodies, so it's ridiculous to expect Reseph to have been able to stop him while overwhelmed from the inside, even without all the prophecy and everything else. So then they all exclude him, now that their beloved brother is actually returned to them. And just expect him to fight off the evil presence still inside him without their forgiveness and family support and things, which, you know, might help him with that. I absolutely hated it, both on principle, and on basic reason. And Reseph spends a lot of time racked with guilt in the second half as well, even at one point willing to die to try to 'make things right' for one particular human whose soul Pestilence stole. Which is a bit martyrish anyway, but also, they will still need Reseph's help fighting on the side of *good* during the apocalypse! It's imbicilic to risk still losing Earth to Hell (despite evil not having the horsemen fighting on their side), all to try to make amends to a single human for something someone else did when they had possessed your body against your will! Grrr. Despite my anger with the second half, the first half was still good enough to keep it above a 2 star. show less

After surviving the horror of a demon attack, the heroine packed up her life and moved as far away from the scene as she could get. Now, isolated in a cabin in the Colorado mountains she's satisfied with her quiet and secluded life. But all that changes when she finds a naked man in the snow and drags him back to her home. She cares for him and admires his beauty and when he wakes up, she's bombarded with his intense energy and charming personality. Having no idea who he is or how he ended up naked on the heroine's property, the hero is more the pleased to be isolated with the beautiful woman. He is inherently flirtatious and can think of nothing else but having the heroine beneath him but he knows deep inside that he's never been a one show more woman man and his feelings of possessiveness towards her are something that scares him. He also has the horrible feeling that whoever he was before he lost his memory, he was not a good person. He has visions of awful things and memories of evil things and he begins to feel that the most danger the heroine can face is when he is near. But he can't stomach the though of leaving her, especially not when her neighbors are being murdered by demons. The heroine herself is scared that the magnetic man whom she's grown to love will leave once his memories return so she's afraid to commit herself too much to the connection between them. She's positive that the hero can't be the evil man he worries about being but when 3 strangers show up to her house to take him back, she finds out the truth and it devastates her. The hero was Pestilence, the evil force behind the demon surge that nearly killed the heroine and left her badly scared. With his memories returned, the hero goes mad with grief and regret. This fellow horseman bring the heroine in in an attempt to save his life and though she's horrified with his past, she knows that the man she loves wasn't responsible for his actions, he was caged inside the monster who did all though horrible things. So, she offers herself to him. Giving him half her soul and bringing him out of his darkness. But the hero can't be healed so quickly. He still can't forgive himself for what Pestilence did and he pushes the heroine away. But when she's targeted by his enemies he'll do anything to save the woman who saved him. I loved this book. I adored the hero who was so innocent in a lot of ways during his amnesiac state yet tortured with the visions of memories of a past life. I loved the heroine who was so strong and such a survivor. She fought for the man she loved with everything inside, believing the best of him despite the fact that he thought the worse of himself. Together they had made chemistry and I love the anti-hero turned hero storyline. It was about forgiveness and the hero learning to forgive himself about things that were out of his control and he taking steps to fix the wrongs his demon caused. Such a great book and stellar addition to the series and I'm happy the this hero got his redemption. show less

Rogue Rider is the fourth book in Larissa Ione’s Lords of Deliverance, which is a spin-off or sub-series of her Demonica series, so it’s the ninth overall in the combined series. The Lords of Deliverance is about the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, who are half-angel and half-demon. This book is Reseph’s story, and he’s the last of the Four Horsemen. In the first book, his Seal broke, turning him into his demon alter-ego, Pestilence, who’s been raining devastation and destruction throughout the Earth ever since, as well as terrorizing his siblings throughout the first three books. In the previous book, Lethal Rider, he was finally defeated and sent to Sheoul-gra to be tormented for an eternity for his crimes. However, show more there’s still the matter of the biblical apocalypse in which the Horsemen are predicted to fight on the side of good, but without Reseph, their chances of victory in the future battle are slim. So, the Horesemen’s Watcher, the angel Reaver, took pity on him, wiped his memory, and sent him back into the human realm in hopes that his mind might heal in time to take part in the next apocalypse. That’s where Jillian, a human woman, finds him naked in the snow and takes him home. Snugged up in her cozy mountain cabin, they gradually grow closer and fall in love. But when Reseph’s siblings find him and he sees them, his memory comes roaring back. Unable to process all the evil things Pestilence did, he goes into a full-on mental breakdown, from which Jillian is the only person who can save him. But once back on even ground, Reseph still has much to atone for, and in the process, he angers some very powerful Sheoulic forces. In order to save them all, he’ll be required to fight in a way that he’s never fought before.

As I mentioned, Reseph (as Pestilence) was basically the evil villain of the first three Lords of Deliverance books. The things he did throughout those stories were so vile and depraved I had a hard time believing that Larissa Ione could sufficiently redeem him to even make me like him, much less fall for him. However, I’m happy to report that she’s a masterful writer who did manage the job quite admirably. When we first meet Reseph again in this book, he’s unconscious and naked in a snowbank in the middle of a snowstorm. Of course, Jillian takes him back to her cabin to warm him up, but when he regains consciousness, he has no memory of who he is except for his name. He turns into the charming, devil-may-care playboy his siblings had always described him as before Pestilence took over, and he and Jillian spend several amazing weeks together, getting to know one another and falling in love, while searching for his identity. Then his siblings show up and he turns into a shell of his former self as the horrific memories of the things he did as Pestilence return to him. Nothing his brothers and sister do to help him have any effect, though, so it takes a major sacrifice from Jillian to rescue him from the madness. From there, he sets about trying to right all the wrongs Pestilence committed, riling up some powerful foes. But Reseph has always been the commitment-phobic party-boy who bailed with things got tough, so he must reach deep inside himself to find the will to fight not only the forces who’ve lined up against them, but also the evil within himself. Even though Reseph didn’t end up being my favorite of the Four Horsemen, I can honestly say that no one could have written a better redemption story for him than Larissa Ione did. He spends some time in utter agony, both physical and mental, as the memories of Pestilence’s crimes bombard him, and once he’s sane again, he unleashes the full holy vengeance and fury of his angelic side to cleanse the world of some very bad people, one in particular that I was very glad to see go. He’s also always kind, gentle, and passionate with Jillian, and through his love for her, finds the will to fight to be a better man than he ever was before. So overall, I was very happy with the way things played out for him.

Jillian, herself, is trying to heal from the wounds of the past. Her parents died in a plane crash, she discovered her ex was already married when he proposed to her, and then early in the apocalyptic events that Pestilence unleashed, she found out the hard way that demons are actually real when she was attacked by one and nearly killed. The trauma left her with disfiguring physical scars and emotional ones as well, so she’s been trying to stay off the grid by living a quiet life in her parents mountain cabin, tending her menagerie of farm animals. One day, while out in the woods hauling a load of firewood, Jillian encounters Reseph, who appears to be half-frozen. She gets him back to her cabin and warms him up, but when he awakens with no memory of who he is, she’s a little uncertain of him even though he’s rather charming. But eventually she realizes that she actually likes having him around, and although they agree to a no-strings affair, she can’t help falling in love with him. When his memory returns, though, and she finally discovers who he really is, it’s a lot for her process, especially when she realizes that the Pestilence side of him was actually responsible for the demon attacking her. Jillian is a loving, giving woman who’s had some hard breaks in life, but for the most part, she hasn’t allowed them to sour her on living. Ever since the attack, she doesn’t feel very confident in herself, but Reseph, the man without his memory, shows her just how strong she really is. Because of that, she’s able to stand up to a lot of different people, including some very powerful ones. She’s also forgiving and completely believes in Reseph even when he doesn’t believe in himself.

Given that Rogue Rider is part of a long-running series, there are a number of common characters. Of course, all of Reseph’s siblings and their families—Ares and Cara (Eternal Rider), Limos and Arik (Immortal Rider), and Thanatos and Regan (Lethal Rider)—are a part of the story. Even though they recognize that Reseph wasn’t truly responsible for the things Pestilence did, they’re still very cautious around him, which I thought was ingenious, because I felt much the same way. Then there are the Horsemen’s two Watchers, Reaver and Harvester, who are extremely important to the story. I can’t say much about their parts without giving away major spoilers, but some bombshell revelations are made about them that I didn’t really see coming. I’ve known for a while that these two would be paired together in the next book of the series, Reaver, but I’d been skeptical of this upcoming match. After finding out all this new information, I’m now super-excited for their story and think it’s probably going to be awesome. Eidolon (Pleasure Unbound) and his siblings show up briefly. We’re introduced to the fallen angel, Revenant, who again, I can’t say much about without revealing spoilers, but he’ll become the hero of Book #12, Revenant. So far, he seems pretty evil and didn’t really do anything to endear me, but if Larissa Ione could redeem Reseph, I have faith that she can redeem Revenant, too. Then there’s Harvester’s Warg slave, Whine, who experiences some major changes in this book. Ever since he made his first appearance in the series, he’s drawn my sympathy, and after all he’s been through, no one deserves an HEA more. I’m so happy that Ms. Ione is working on his book, Bond of Destiny, that’s scheduled for release later this year (2021) in which he’ll be paired with Jillian’s cop friend, Stacey.

Overall, Rogue Rider was yet another wonderful read in the Demonica/Lords of Deliverance series. It’s not my absolute favorite, but it’s still a great story. The characterizations were expertly rendered. Although I didn’t fall for Reseph quite as hard as I did for some of the other heroes of the series, he’s still a well-written character with a believable and satisfying redemption arc. He’s perhaps just a bit too cocky and lacking in seriousness for my taste during the first half of the book, but at the same time, I can’t deny that it’s consistent with how he’d been previously described. I also liked that he treated Jillian very well, but unfortunately, even after he falls for her—the first time he’s ever loved a woman in his five thousand years—he still needed a little push to do the right thing. However, I recognize that it was unfamiliar territory for him and that maybe he was somewhat lacking in confidence in that area. He does overcome it all, though, in a pretty spectacular way, so that I didn’t come away feeling like he was in any way unworthy or uncommitted. Jillian is the perfect foil for him, someone who understands him and believes in him, although certainly not a pushover. She’s definitely a strong woman in her own right. As usual the love scenes are steamy and creative. I think what I loved most about the book, though, was all the major reveals that will carry into the next book and others yet to come. So all in all, this was a great wrap-up to the Lords of Deliverance part of the series. Now I’m extremely eager to pick up Reaver and Harvester’s story very soon. I have a feeling I’m going to love it. show less

Read from March 10 to 11, 2013

Read for Fun (Paperback)
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.50
Character Rating: 4.50

I will be doing this in love letter form since I read Books 1 to 4 back to back

“Oh, hell, no. I saw you with the rifle.” He glanced over at her, and his voice went a notch deeper. “It was fucking hot. I love a badass female.” -Reseph ― Larissa Ione, Rogue Rider

Dear Reseph: Oh what a tangled web we weave when we have true multiple personalities. Oh man! Your journey was just craziness personified. I wasn't sure I would be rooting for you to find love. I wasn't sure you deserved it. I still think Jillian is too good for you but in a way I think that is what makes her perfect for you. You need to have faith in show more yourself and I think she reinforces that. I am glad that your journey has come full circle.

“I feel like I’m finally whole. I’m five thousand years old,” he rasped. “But the day you found me in the woods, that’s when my life started.” -Reseph ― Larissa Ione, Rogue Rider

Dear Jillian: I think of all the women in this series, you are the one that I like the most. You are strong when you could have very well curled in a ball and called it quits. You trusted love before Reseph when your dating history shouldn't have allowed you too. You made a sacrifice when it was needed and basically you just did everything that was necessary for the world. YOU ROCKED! I hope Reseph makes you happy!

Dear Story: What a way to wrap up this storyline and propel into the next chapters of the Horseman's lives. You have been a fantastic ride and a complete joy!

Why Than is still my favorite...

“You named your son’s pet after a rabid monster dog?”

“No,” Thanatos growled. “Wraith did. Bastard taught the pup to respond to Cujo, and we couldn’t get him to respond to anything else after that.” ― Larissa Ione, Rogue Rider

(Sorta Spoiler but not really)

Dear Harvester: I can guess you are going to be love interest next in the series. I truly hope that who we saw at the end is more of who you are. I will withhold judgement but you are on probation!

I will now curl up in a ball while I go through withdrawals show less

ABOUT THE BOOK: They're here.

They ride.

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Born of a match between good and evil, four siblings stand between hell's minions and everything they want to destroy. They are the Lords of Deliverance, and they have the power to ward off Doomsday . . . or let it ride . . .

Jillian Cardiff came to this remote mountain town to forget the demon attack that almost killed her. Instead, she rescues-and falls for-a gorgeous stranger who has no memory of anything other than his name. Handsome, charming, and protective, Reseph seems like the kind of man whom Jillian can trust. But with hints of a troubling history of his own, he's also the kind of man who can be very dangerous . . .

Reseph may not know why he show more mysteriously appeared in Jillian's life, but he knows he wants to stay. Yet when Jillian's neighbors are killed, and demon hunters arrive on the scene, Reseph fears that he's putting Jillian in danger. And once it's revealed that Reseph is also Pestilence, the Horseman responsible for ravaging the world, he and Jillian must face the greatest challenge of all: Can they forget the horrors of a chilling past to save the future they both desire?

REVIEW: Ms. Ione has a way about her stories that take you from the very normal world into a world where Horseman, Vampires, Angels, and Demons actually do exist. Her writing is filled with such description that there is never an instant in the book where the reader loses sight of what is actually occurring. You’re drawn in, wrapped in the story, and engulfed in the drama.

And you love every minute of it.

I was hesitant at first, considering how Ms. Ione was going to bring credibility back to Reseph. However, within the first chapter I found I loved the idea and how she went about doing it. The entire book was gripping and held nonstop action and tension. The building of such beautiful characters gives the reader insight into exactly who Reseph is. He fully redeems himself and Jillian is a woman anyone would love to have on their side. She fights for everyone, and not only in a physical sense, and she fights for those who think they are weak, showing the strength anyone has inside.

I loved how Ms. Ione gave us an update on the other characters as well as closure on some. The entire story took me all of four hours to read and it was a piece I had a hard time putting down. Gripping, magnificent, and predicted for success are all words I’d use when describing this book.

Using a favorite word of Ms. Ione, five out of five stars for a fucking great read! show less

Rogue Rider
4 Stars

Slow to start but picks up at the halfway point.

With the End of Days plot resolved in the previous book, the story focuses more on Jillian and Reseph’s romance, which reads like a contemporary romance until the moment Reseph remembers his past and the supernatural elements come to the fore.

Reseph is the epitome of the tortured hero and the manner in which he deals with his memories is intense and realistic. It is a testament to Ione’s skill as a writer that she manages to redeem a character as evil as Pestilence and enables the reader to sympathize with Reseph to such an extent.

Jillian has had a tough time of it with her unfortunate taste in men and with the demon attack that drove her into seclusion. The fact show more that she is able to open herself up enough to love and trust Reseph makes her all the more endearing. She and Reseph are sweet together and their emotional connection takes time to build unlike the couples in the previous installments who seemed to fall in lust at first site.

There are some interesting revelations throughout the book such as the identity of the Horsemen’s father although I had already guessed this little tidbit. The relationship between Reaver and Harvester, which has been developing over the series, also gains momentum and I am eager to find out what happens with them. show less

Published at http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/a-nix-arc-review-rogue-rider-...

Reseph has been rescued from the bowels of hell, but now he is dropped in the middle of nowhere with no memories. When he is found, naked and confused in the snow, the only option his rescuer has is to take him back to her isolated cabin to look after him.

Jillian moved to the middle of nowhere when demons ruled the Earth courtesy of Reseph's demon half Pestilence. She suffered at the hands of the monsters but little does she realise that she has the king of the monsters in her home.

As Reseph and Jillian become closer out there in the wilderness, rumblings begin that maybe Pestilence isn’t as dead as originally thought. Now the hunt is on show more for the former warlord, but who will find him first? His brothers need to find him to finish what they thought they had started and keep their families safe but others are looking for him for far more nefarious means. When Reseph remembers who, and what he is, will he manage to keep hold of his humanity in the face of all the evil he has done? And when it all comes out in the wash, will Jillian run screaming when she faces his truly heinous past?

This book was one that I eagerly anticipated from the first time I cracked the spine on this series. As the series progressed, it became more difficult for me to see HOW it was going to happen. Pestilence is truly abhorrent. The things he does over the course of the books made me hate him; as a reader I didn’t know how I was going to react to his HEA. Larissa Ione managed to get me to a place where I could accept his HEA by successfully separating the characters of Reseph and Pestilence in my mind....it was very artfully done.

There are so many things that I could give away with this tale, so this review will be especially short and sweet. There are so many plot strings to tie up that I would recommend you read the previous three again before, just to refresh your mind as to everyone’s story. The entire gang is all present and the scenes between the siblings are quite hard to read. They had resigned themselves to the fact that Reseph was dead, separated the two entities in their minds and then killed him. To see him back, in the face of all that he did to them, is hard for them to accept and they don’t take the news well. In fact the person that takes the news the best is Jillian.

Reseph as a man was quite adorable. Protective, saucy and a little bit funny, I truly fell for the character. I couldn’t see an inch of Pestilence in him and that really helped me. I have to admit when I first found out about Jillian’s history, I gasped. All of her trauma is his fault....how could she forgive him? I think in a way this was very clever writing; if she could accept his change then why couldn’t I?

I loved the world building in this series, I loved the characters, I loved the sex scenes and I loved the love story. The themes of redemption and penance make this one of the most satisfying of the series; I fell slightly in lust with Reseph through his siblings memories and I really wanted to believe that he was back and this wasn’t all just a twisted plan. Look out for the bits with Reaver and Harvester..... I cannot wait for that book! show less