Beyond Shame

Beyond Shame is the first book in the Beyond series from author Kit Rocha. From the back cover.~

All Noelle Cunningham has ever wanted is a life beyond–beyond the walls of Eden, where only the righteous are allowed to remain, and beyond her stiflingly restrictive existence as a councilman’s daughter. But only ruins lie outside the City, remnants of a society destroyed by solar storms decades earlier.

The sectors surrounding Eden house the corrupt, the criminal–men like Jasper McCray, bootlegger and cage fighter. Jas clawed his way up from nothing to stand at the right hand of Sector Four’s ruthless leader, and he’ll defend the O’Kane gang with his life. But no fight ever prepared him for the exiled City girl who falls at his feet.

Her innocence is undeniable, but so is their intense sexual attraction, and soon they’re crossing every boundary Noelle barely knew she had. But if she wants to belong to Jas, first she’ll have to open herself to the gang, to a dangerous world of sex, lust and violence. A world where passion is power, and freedom is found in submission.

I had seen talk about this book on twitter and was lucky enough to get a review copy from NetGalley. The description of the book is dystopian erotic romance according to NetGalley, so I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. However, so many of my reading friends raved about it, so I had to give it a try. All I can say is I’m so glad I did.

I was pulled into Beyond Shame from the very first chapter. Noelle is kicked out of Eden because she was found guilty of possession and consumption of alcohol and fornication.  When Jasper McCray rescues her, he takes her to Sector Four and leaves it up to his leader, Dallas to decide if she can stay. Luckily, Lex, who is Dallas’ woman, takes an instant liking to Noelle and is willing to teach her the ropes of living in Sector Four. Noelle has come to an area completely opposite of everything she knew in Eden. All the desires and cravings she has been told are wrong are not only accepted, but embraced in Sector Four. Noelle is finally able to explore her desires and learn what she likes and even loves about being with other partners. While I was hoping Noelle and Jas would end up together from the moment they met, it was really hot watching Noelle find herself.

This book had a definite happily ever after for Noelle and Jasper. It probably didn’t come about as your standard romance, but I loved and understood how it happened. I also love so many of the characters we met from Sector Four and can’t wait to get each of their stories. Up next is Dallas and Lex and I’m already counting down the days until I can read their story. Beyond Shame is currently available in both print and digital. For more information about this series, check out the author’s website.