Ashwin (Gideon's Riders)

LOVED Ashwin, by Kit Rocha, the first book in her spin off Series, Gideon Riders. I highly recommend this book and series. I fell in love with Ashwin and Kora in the Beyond series, where they were first introduced... and was so thankful to see their story told in Ashwin! Thank you, Kit Rocha!! Kit Rocha is an extremely talented writer, and unique story teller! So, don't miss out on reading this book AND... I highly recommend reading her AWESOME "BEYOND" Series too!

I've waited so long for Ashwin and Kora's story and it didn't disappoint. I loved reading it and see some of the characters from the other books! Can't wait for more!

“Ashwin” is the first book in the new series, "Gideon’s Riders,” by Kit Rocha. This series is related to, but not dependent upon, the stories in the “Beyond" novels, previously published. I fell in love with the Beyond novels because they were great stories about sexy, uninhibited characters doing their best in a suppressive and repressive society. The hot, sexy characters hooked me, but it was the great stories about how a community comes together to live on their own terms that kept me coming back through the entire series. I looked forward to the Riders series, beginning with this story about Ashwin and Kora, who we’ve met previously. The Riders stories are focused on the work that happens after the disaster of war, like nation building and resettling and infrastructure. And the focus is Gideon, a leader of the victorious rebels, and his elite para-military team of Riders. Ashwin and Kora had been circling around each other. As we find out more of their backstories, and are privy to Ashwin’s thoughts, it’s pretty clear that these two were made for each other. We are treated to many surprises and discoveries (some of which are jaw-dropping) that advance their story as they fit into this new world. The Riders have had to kill others in order to save those they’ve sworn to protect. They do so at great personal cost to themselves and their families. What they sacrifice to be part of the team, in this life and the next, is truly a story of altruism and brotherhood. There’s still a lot that has yet to be revealed, about this brotherhood and the people who comprise it. I expect we’ll find out more in each succeeding story. This series seems to be more thought provoking than the prior one. This story has “cameos” from some characters we’ve seen before, but it’s mostly about the uniqueness of Gideon, how he leads his community (Sector One), and the values they all live by. It’s not as steamy as the Beyond books, but story has always been the driver for me. This is a great story with interesting and complex characters and there’s so much more I hope to find out before the series is completed. And just my two cents worth, I don’t care for the cover image. It evokes a graphic novel, and doesn’t accurately reflect the descriptions of the two lead characters, Ashwin and Kora. So, if the cover doesn’t entice you, don’t let that keep you from picking this up. It’s a great read. Up next: Deacon and Ana’s story.

I have to admit it took me a while to get into this book, I just flew through the Beyond series, I loved it, but I was a good third ways threw this one before I realized I was hooked. Ashwin is a genetically enhanced soldier, made to feel no emotions, be ruthless and deadly. He's been sent on to Sector One to complete a mission, and he meets up again with Dr Kora Bellamy, the only woman who has ever been able to get close to him. Kora doesn't want to loose this him this time. Then life with Ashwin really heats up. Ashwin is a more sedate story than the Bounty series so far, and we didn't see much of Gideon. But I liked how Ashwin reacted and grew the longer he spent time in Sector One. All in all this was a good start to the series and I'm looking forward more. I highly recommend this book!

This new series is gonna be great! I'm so happy to see Ashwin and Kora get there HEA. They both deserve it, especially Ashwin. So great meeting lots of new characters. Can't wait for the next book.

I've been eagerly anticipating this spin-off from the Beyond Series, and I can with full confidence tell you all that it was well worth the wait. To say that Ashwin is a man of hidden depths would be an understatement, but what I did find surprising was to see just how much Kora had to her as well...even if she didn't know it. They both have a vulnerability to them that I found vastly appealing, and I'm so happy they found one another again. I always knew there was a reason they were so drawn to one another, but I'm not going to elaborate any further than that. *grin* Now this book is an introduction to Sector One as well, when we've only had glimpses of it in the previous series. It's definitely a different world from that of the O'Kanes, but one thing remains the same...love and loyalty. That's what I've come to love so much about this complex world that the writing duo Kit Rocha has created for us. Ashwin and Kora's complex relationship could have easily fallen apart if not for the way the whole cast of new characters helped them through in their own ways. I truly loved that. And although this first book could seem to a bit anti-climatic after reading the last Beyond book, just try to keep in mind that this is a new beginning for everyone and I think there will be some other issues arise from the aftermath of Edens fall. So with that said, I'm eager to see how things develop from here!

I am so thankful that Kit Rocha has continued the Sector books. I just finished Ashwin and Kora's story and am so glad to see them together. It wasn't as sexy as the Sector 4 books (the originals) but the story line was just as good! I can't wait for Deacon's story!!! Thanx, Kit!

Ashwin is a fun, fast-paced read great for Kit Rocha fans new and old alike. Whether you’ve been with Kit Rocha since the beginning or are a new reader, there’s something for everyone in Ashwin, which marks the first book in a new series from the author. Set in the same world as the Beyond series, the new Gideon’s Rider series explores a new Sector and a new cast of characters in the richly detailed post-apocalyptic world so many of us have come to love. While this book picks up where the last Beyond book left off, you won’t lose much if you start fresh here, making the new series very accessible to new readers. Ashwin’s intensity and focus and Kora’s kindness and empathy make them a wonderful pair with great chemistry. There’s still all of the complexity and character development we’ve come to love from Kit, and it’s interesting watching both Ashwin and Kora face their flaws and fears to grow both as individuals and in their relationship.

I couldn't wait to dive into this new adventure Kit Rocha is introducing with Ashwin's book! After spending that last couple of years coming to love everything and everyone in Sector Four, we're now traveling over to Sector One to get to know Gideon's Riders. Mmm-hmm. To start this new series out, we get Ashwin. Oh Ashwin! If you've read the Beyond series, you already know that Ashwin is a super soldier with a fixation on a certain doctor. But he's not supposed to have feels at all. It's something that he's struggled with for a very long time. And our lady doctor Kora, well, sometimes she feels too much. Sounds like a perfect balance to me! " In a way, she was just as helpless as Ashwin when it came to emotion - he couldn't feel it, and she felt too much. " This book seemed to focus heavily on Ashwin's development into a feeling human being. The journey really was beautiful. We realize early on that he has strong emotions that he just doesn't know how to identify. Kora's patience and grace with him -- as well as the camaraderie and acceptance of Gideon's Riders and Sector One -- pushes our super soldier along on the path of enlightenment. The sexual tension and chemistry between these two was explosive and I loved how slow Ashwin seemed to take things. Until he didn't. *swoon* With this being the first book in a new series, there was some time spent introducing us to new characters, a new Sector and new traditions and beliefs. None of this was boring or what I would consider "filler material". It was thrilling and I can't wait for the next book. I'm already lining up who I think will be my favorites. (*ahem, Gideon*) And finally, my favorite quote from the book. It made me suck in a deep breath when I read it. I want to print this out and read it every day.

Disclaimer: I was sent a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Here we are, everyone! The "Beyond" spin-off we've all been waiting for. The Gideon's Riders series gives us a different look at the world we've fallen in love with (well, maybe that's not totally right. I don't find myself wistfully wishing I lived in a dystopian universe, but you know what I mean). This time our beloved O'Kanes aren't front and center. While they're still mentioned, and they'll make appearances, the series' main concern is away from sector four. I was hesitant to read this one. From my past reviews, it's obvious that I started to have some issues with the Beyond series, no matter how much I loved those books, and this series doesn't star many characters I cared much about. But I've definitely been a fan of Kit's work in the past so I was all for giving Ashwin a go. It wasn't my favorite of all the Kit Rocha books I've read. Try as I might, I didn't find myself being very invested in the characters. Between the two, I liked Ashwin more, he had more depth, at least in my opinion. His 'modifications' gave his character an edge that I liked well enough, even if he ranks fairly low on my list of this world's male characters (For reference, Bren -Beyond Pain, #3 Beyond series-tops that list). It didn't help much that Kora got on my nerves. To be honest, I don't even know why. She was written to be a likeable character. She was given a backstory...But it happens. Even a favorite author can't get things 100% every time. These characters are supposed to be like real people to us readers, and you can't like everyone that you encounter. This did, unfortunately, have an impact on my enjoyment of the book as a whole, however. It lagged a bit for me, and I found myself wanting to roll my eyes depending on the perspective I was reading. All that being said, I do have high hopes for the rest of the series, especially the books following characters whose histories are rooted firmly in the sectors.

Thank God Kit Rocha started a new series after Beyond! I received an ARC, and was prepared to be disappointed, but was very pleasantly surprised. Gideon's Riders has started off with a huge bang. The two lead characters were perfect for each other, and Ashwin's personality is facinating. If you are a fan of the Beyond series, you must start with Gideon's Riders!

“The line between monster and hero was so, so thin. And it pivoted around loyalty.” I LOVED THIS BOOK. I was nervous? after finishing the Beyond Series because it's possibly my favorite series of all time. And how the heck do you live up to that? But I should have known that Kit Rocha would pull through. “He let his gaze drift over the crowd. The Riders were dancing and laughing, as if their arms weren’t full of ravens marking the deaths they’d dealt. As if the religion they fought for didn’t curse them for taking those lives. They were walking dead men, martyrs who had embraced damnation.” Ashwin is set in Sector One, home of the Rios family and Gideon's Riders. It was pretty interesting to go from Sector Four—where Dallas ruled with brute force—to Sector One—where the Rios family rules and there is kind of a religious cult feel to it. I loved reading about the temples and rituals, but my favorite part was reading about the Riders! Zeke and Gideon and Deacon all really caught my attention and I can't freaking wait for their stories! “For a soldier meant to be free of emotion, he was drowning in impossible feeling.” It's safe to say that since we met Ashwin back in the beginning of the Beyond Series we've been dying for his book. And we knew the leading lady was going to be Kora—his obsession. The romance between Kora and Ashwin starts off rocky. Kora thought Ashwin was dead after the final battle in eden and 6 months later he shows up. Also Ashwin wasn't "programmed" to feel emotions so he has a hard time dealing with what he feels for Kora. He ended up being soooo sweet and that last chapter? Unf. “Will you teach me how to do this right?” His expression was so serious. So earnest. “How to love you?” All in all—I loved the heck out of Ashwin. Bring on Deacon's story!

I'm not sure where to start with this review, first and foremost I absolutely adored the story. I always find it a bit scary starting a spin off series, especially when I so loved the original series. I loved every single book in the Beyond Series and I had this fear that I just wasn't going to have the same feeling with this book. I was so wrong, I just loved it! It's so hard to write a spoiler free review when all I want to do is gush about everything that happened! I already felt that I knew who Kora was and what she was about and the book didn't disappoint. It's very hard to find a pure character in a series like this, Kora is exactly that, pure spirited, kind and selfless. She's seen such terrible things in her past and yet it doesn't effect who she is. She's adored by those around her and it's very much deserved. Ashwin was a character I was never very sure of, I didn't know if I wanted his story quite yet or not. I thought I really wouldn't like him, how wrong was I! He's at the very top of the predator chain, feared by all those that know of him. This book really showed that actually we knew very little of who the real man was. His entire focus has been on keeping Kora safe regardless of who he had to step through or over to achieve it and I think the most interesting part of this book was to see how his mindset changed through the influence of those around him. The love and devotion shared between these two was really magical to experience. I loved the little flash we got of Sector Four, I desperately wanted that scene to be so much longer! The Riders are going to be fantastic characters to read, all so different and I'm really looking forward to the future books. I think if I had to pick a favourite so far to want to read next I'd be hard pushed to make a decision. The writing is superb as we would expect from these two, considering how much we already know about this world this story was so fresh and new. I think it was the perfect introduction to Gideon's Riders.

I loved this book, what a fantastic start to the new series. You can start the series with this book, but you do get more from it if you read the previous beyond series. Ashwin an elite soldier, created to do what Eden needed and someone who has a fixation on Kora. Kora a doctor for Eden who escaped and has been living in sector one, adopted sister of Gideon and someone who see's who Ashwin really is. I loved the connection and all the little ways that Kora got through the Ashwin. It was great to see them coming together, we also get introduced to Gideon and his riders, and all I can say is I cannot wait to read the books to come as their is some fantastic characters and potential love matches that have started to build. Great writing and fantastic world and character building makes this a must read and I for one am already counting down to the next one.

What a fantastic way to start a new series!!!! With Ashwin and Kora's story!!! When Ashwin Malhorta shows up in Sector One, the last person he expects to find is Dr. Kora Bellamy, until he really thinks about it. What better place for Kora to end up after the fall of Eden than the one sector where the leaders are truly devoted to the health and welfare of their people. But how will the presence of the one person he will do absolutely anything for affect his mission? Will being near Kora cause Ashwin to destabilize once again? And does it really matter, because surely Gideon is too smart not to see right through the plan the Base put together? I was so excited to FINALLY get Kora and Ashwin's story!!!! And it was every bit as good as I knew it would be!!!

Ashwin and Kora ..... *sigh* I have been dying to read this book! It might very well be my favorite of the entire series. I found myself gasping at the twists and turns throughout this story. I felt so much pain coming through Ashwin's character. Everything that he endured, planned for, and kept secret was because of his illogical love for one woman. Kora... Kora's unconditional love and understanding of all things Ashwin makes this story a five star read. If you long for books that make you think, angry, cry, and squeeze your thighs.... here it is. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Enjoy!

I've been curious about Ashwin, and what he's really like, since we were introduced to him. Every little snippet we had of him in the Beyond series fueled that desire to have his own book. And it's here! Woo! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Kora and Ashwin finding their humanity in Sector 1. Seeing them break through the boundaries that had been placed on them by the base, and themselves, was so satisfactory. These two were meant for each other, the book was amazingly put together. It feels familiar, if you read the first series, but different in that good way. Welcome to sector 1!  Can't wait for more.

This spin-off series from Kit Rocha still takes place in the Beyond Series world, but it leaves Sector 4 and the O'Kanes behind and is now centered in Sector One where Gideon's Riders reside. Gideon's Riders and those followers living in Sector One live by the religion formed years ago and the family ties that bind them all together. Similar, but here it's religion that bind them together rather than the pursuit of pleasure. It's all good because the world is still a mess post-war. Ashwin Malhotra was introduced in the Beyond Series, as the bio-engineered military man in love with regen expert Kora Bellamy. After six months of reprogramming his response to Kora, he's now on a secret mission in Sector One and back in close proximity to Kora. Kora Belamy is practically family to the highest ranking group in Sector One and her heart still burns for Ashwin. She knows what he is, that he isn't supposed to feel any emotions, but she can look in his eyes and see them. She makes it her business to let Ashwin know just how she feels about him. He makes an attempt at keeping his distance, but Kora draws him in and when it comes to her, he's rewritten the rules pushed upon him by the military. Ashwin does have a secret that will tear Kora's world open and leave their tenuous relationship in shreds. But the folks in his new group and those from his past see just what is going on between them and not only do they look out for Kora, they are looking out for Ashwin too in their own way. Ashwin has a different feel to it than the books in the Beyond Series. In Sector One, it's all about Gideon Rios and his followers. I liked the inclusion of some of the characters from Sector Four, and I liked learning more about the Rios family and their part in the Eden-Sectors world. There's lots of interesting characters for future books and storylines in this new series. You do not need to read the Beyond Series to follow along with what is going on in Ashwin. The authors do a good job of giving enough background where it is needed. For me, it was all about Ashwin getting back to Kora and seeing if they could put their pasts behind them to find a new future. You'll have to read this to see if they can do that! Overall, a great start to a new series!

Once again, Kit Rocha immerses the reader in a fascinating dystopian world with intriguing characters who capture our attention. Ashwin and Kora were introduced as secondary characters in later books in the Beyond series, but their previous interactions are detailed here, so the history between them is clear and well explained. The realities of what it means to be a Makhai soldier are harsh and not for the faint of heart. Ashwin’s struggles to accept his emotional side when he’s been taught to deny those very emotions that make him human are eased by the presence of Kora who understands him better than anyone else. And he soon finds that all his attempts to purge Kora from his mind are quickly overrun by one touch from her again. I really enjoyed seeing him become ‘human’ over the course of the story, understanding that much of what he’s been taught is lies and that he has the capacity to love and be loved. The steamy scenes he shares with Kora show an increasing emotional attachment between them. His worry over hurting her leads him to make some decisions that make things a bit rocky between them before they get to their happy ending. The world building in this series, as a spin-off of the Beyond series, touches on the fall of the city of Eden after the war fought between it and the various Sectors that surround the previously walled city. But the main focus is on Sector One, run by Gideon Rios. Religion is a key part, with Gideon being descended from a Prophet and considered a God. There are temples and acolytes and religious rituals that detail how the characters interact with each other. Gideon himself is down to earth but still a very powerful and wealthy man. His holy warriors, a post-apocalyptic motorcycle club (if you will), call themselves Gideon’s Riders and protect the people of Sector One at his command. While Ashwin’s initial task is to infiltrate the Riders and report back to his superiors, he finds himself accepted by the brotherhood and a future he’d never dared dream of is within his grasp. As the first book in the Gideon’s Rider’s series, Ashwin is an exciting and entertaining read with a sexy romance and a new world that old and new fans will be pleased to explore.

Ashwin is the first installment of the new Gideon's Riders spin-off series (succeeding Beyond) which takes place in the same post-apocalyptic world where Eden's walls have finally fallen. This book centers around Kora, a doctor from Eden, and Ashwin the Makhai soldier. In previous books Ashwin was dangerously obsessed with Kora, he did everything he could to ensure she was safe, going as far as enlisting help from a Sector Four friend to hide her from Eden and himself. Ashwin returns to base and submits himself to intense reprogramming to get Kora out of his head, but as soon as their paths cross again in Sector One, all that torturous conditioning is shot to heck. I've been feening hard for Ashwin and Kora's book ever since they were introduced to us in the Beyond series. Their connection was palpable, so intense and deliciously obsessive, I couldn't wait to find out how the sexy super soldier and his beautiful doctor were going to find love together. This book takes us to Sector One, where Gideon Rios rules as a Godlike King. He's a benevolent leader who values family, love, and honor above everything. He and his Riders are wonderful characters with such depth and mystery that I'm dying to know more about them! Sector One is much different than Sector Four and had a more subdued tone. I did miss the debauchery and open sexuality of Sector Four (not saying that Sector One is prudish) but I missed all the O'Kane's raunchiness. Overall, it was a great story and I highly enjoyed it. Can't wait for more! I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

The first book in the follow-up to Kit Rocha's bestselling BEYOND series... Gideon's Riders, Book One Lieutenant Ashwin Malhotra is a Makhai soldier--genetically engineered to be cold, ruthless. Unfeeling. His commanding officers consider him the perfect operative, and they're right. Now, he has a simple mission: to infiltrate Gideon's Riders, the infamous sect of holy warriors that protects the people of Sector One. He's never failed to execute an objective, but there's one thing he didn't anticipate--running into Dr. Kora Bellamy, the only woman to ever break through his icy exterior. When Kora fled her life as a military doctor for the Makhai Project, all she wanted was peace--a quiet life where she could heal the sick and injured. The royal Rios family welcomed her like a sister, but she could never forget Ashwin. His sudden reappearance is a second chance--if she can manage to touch his heart. When the simmering tension between them finally ignites, Kora doesn't realize she's playing with fire. Because she's not just falling in love with a man who may not be able to love her back. Ashwin has too many secrets--and one of them could destroy her. Review: I love my O'Kanes but I am loving the Riders too! If you had read the other series you have read about Ashwin and Kora. I think they were perfect pair to start the new series, a kind of bridge between the two series. I liked that there is more to both Ashwin and Kora than I initially thought and we even get some surprises about them...which I am not giving away. Ashwin being almost robotic or Spock-like with his reasoning and feelings made him interesting to read. It especially evident when he is dealing with Kora and he emerging feelings. Once they finish waltzing around each other and come together, they are hot and sweet with each other. Even though this is still the same world going to this new sector brings all kinds of new people and possibilities. That Gideon and his Riders are holy warriors was well written. It could have been a little odd mixed with erotica but is was perfect. This is book one in the new series and though it is not necessary to read the Beyond Series first, I highly recommend them. The waiting for Deacon's book now begins. Sexy, Smart and exciting! 5Stars

When I read the Beyond series, I fell in love with the gritty, edgy world of Sector Four (it took the top spot in my list of destinations post-apocalypse!). I loved the debauchery of Sector Four, and I fancy myself a pretty strong woman (in my dreams…), so in my fantasy book world, I was ready to join up. I didn’t know how Sector One could possibly measure up. So imagine my surprise when I started reading (admittedly a little critically) and found that Sector One feels like home. Sector One is comfortable, filled with good, relatable people – but don’t let that fool you into thinking it is boring – there are still strong characters and engaging story lines. We saw glimpses of Ashwin throughout the Beyond series, and I was so excited to see that he and Kora got their own book to kick off the Riders series. I will admit – I had a hard time with Aswhin. He always seemed like a cross between Rambo and Rain Man, and I had a hard time figuring him out. While I was able to picture other characters in my mind – hear their voices, see their faces, imagine interacting with them – Ashwin remained a mystery to me. But I “got” Kora, and if she got Ashwin, I was willing to give him a chance. And he did not disappoint. I loved watching the development of his character, and I loved the way Kit Rocha continued to reveal the layers of his humanity. Now I want to go back to all his earlier appearances and see them through this new lens – to reread Ashwin’s story with my current perspective, with his newly discovered voice and face. I came into this series with a good degree of skepticism – I think I was more critical because I didn’t love these characters…yet. I knew it was going to take a great story to sell me on the Riders series, and Kit Rocha did not disappoint. We got a story that is a mix of mystery, romance, action, and life. I loved hearing little snippets about my old friends in Sector Four, and I loved the glimpses into the lives of the other Riders (whose stories I am anxiously awaiting). Bravo for a great start to this new series!