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The Bellator Saga: The First Trilogy (Dissident, Conscience, and Sojourn) Kindle Edition

4.4 out of 5 stars 98 ratings

Two souls intertwined. One epic love story.

Get swept away in the passionate romance between political opposites Caroline Gerard and Jack McIntyre in the first half of The Bellator Saga.

This set contains the first three books in the series,
Dissident, Conscience, and Sojourn.

Dissident
Rising Democratic star Caroline Gerard is reluctant to fall in love again after losing her husband. Can Republican playboy Jack McIntyre break through her grief and capture her heart? Told mostly in flashback and set against a chilling fascist backdrop,
Dissident is a rollercoaster ride of political intrigue, passionate romance, and undying love.

Conscience
Caroline faces the biggest challenge of her life when confronted with the cruelty and sadism of her captors at The Fed. Hope fades quickly, even as she holds onto her one last bit of sanity and her unshakable belief that her husband will rescue her. But is that faith just a mirage?

Sojourn
Reeling from her experiences at The Fed, Caroline tries to forge ahead and create a new identity. But that’s hard to do with the ghosts of the past constantly whispering in her ear. She is determined to find the rebellion and move on with her life, but what will she find when she arrives there?

Includes bonus material featuring a deleted scene from
Sojourn, a sneak peek at Phoenix, and a never before released love scene told in Jack’s first person point of view!

For readers 18+.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Cecilia London's storytelling is impressive; The Bellator Saga is a unique story everyone should read. Filled with a plethora of emotions that the reader will experience with every page,every sentence, and every word, the series brilliantly straddles multiple genres." -Author Claudia Burgoa

"If you only read
one series in 2016, make it The Bellator Saga by Cecilia London!" - Irene, The Literary Gossip


"
I can't recommend this series enough. It's one for any contemporary romance reader, any Hunger Games lover, any dystopian lover, any fans of erotica. I IMPLORE you to read this series. You don't want to miss it." - TeriLyn Reviews


"This series is off the chain.
OFF. THE. CHAIN. Gutwrenching, heartwarming, frightening, loving, sexy as all living hell - it's life in a book." - Beverages and Books

"I can't recommend this series enough. The Bellator Saga is
PHENOMENAL. I don't know she does it but Cecilia has created this brilliantly intelligent, sexy, suspenseful, and moving saga with both light - hope, love, and friendship - and dark - hate, abuse, and evil. Each book has a distinct feel and direction and somehow each one manages to hit you at a completely different emotional level." - Suzanne, Tied Up In Romance


"Breathtaking. Brilliant. Stunning...Reading these books is like eating a delicious and very expensive box of chocolates, each piece is unique, some sweet, some bitter but in the end you simply can't have enough...
never before have I felt so inside or so connected to a story." -Dee, Wrapped Up In Reading

About the Author

Cecilia London is the pen name of a native Illinoisan currently living in San Antonio, Texas. She's filled several roles over the course of her adult life - licensed attorney, wrangler of small children, and obsessed baseball fan, among others. An extroverted introvert with a serious social media addiction, she is the author of The Bellator Saga, an epic, genre-crossing romance series. You can catch all of her quirky updates on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or at her website.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01BUNFQZY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Principatum Publishing (February 29, 2016)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 29, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.0 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 1083 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 98 ratings

About the author

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Cecilia London
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Cecilia London is the pen name of a native Illinoisan currently living in San Antonio, Texas. She's filled several roles over the course of her adult life - licensed attorney, wrangler of small children, and obsessed baseball and footy fan, among others. An extroverted introvert with a serious social media addiction, she is the author of The Bellator Saga, an epic, genre-crossing romance series, and its spinoff, Songbird. You can most often find her causing trouble on Twitter or, less frequently, on Facebook.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
98 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers praise this book for its unique blend of suspense and romance, with a deep and intricate plot that delivers a complex love story. The writing is excellent, with one customer noting how the author perfectly balances horrific elements, while the characters are well-developed and emotionally charged. Customers appreciate the narrative style, with one review highlighting how the author deftly juxtaposes past and present scenes, and they find the book intelligent and humorous, with one mentioning the witty banter between characters.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

24 customers mention "Romance"20 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, which uniquely pairs suspense with romance, delivering a complex love story with a deep and intricate plot.

"...Author Cecilia London you brought me to tears, made me laugh, made me swoon over Jack, put so much angst into their story and deliver such a complex..." Read more

"...the romance in this novel is emphasized through detailed and extensive flashbacks, allowing each book to highlight how Cecilia London uniquely pairs..." Read more

"...Cecilia London was able to write a book that is suspenseful, gripping, enthralling, romantic, sexy and witty dialogue...." Read more

"...and fewer better done sex scenes, this could have been a fast paced sexy thriller with a hugely dynamic H and h. The "then" and "now"..." Read more

14 customers mention "Emotional depth"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book emotionally charged and passionate, with one customer noting how it made their heart pound through every page, while another mentions how it allows readers to understand the characters' souls.

"...Author Cecilia London you brought me to tears, made me laugh, made me swoon over Jack, put so much angst into their story and deliver such a complex..." Read more

"...n’t know you so desperately needed, London reminds you how deep, how passionate, and how everlasting their love truly is...." Read more

"...Doing so, in my opinion, enhances the emotions. Some would call this an erotic political thriller...romance layered with heat, suspence and action...." Read more

"...in love with Jack, the epitome of a dream man who is intelligent, passionate, a dirty-talker in bed, funny and above all, sexy...." Read more

12 customers mention "Writing quality"12 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one customer noting how the author perfectly balances horrific elements, while another appreciates the witty dialogue.

"...I do think this has been very well written, in that she kept thinking about the past during her time in captivity and that somehow gets her through..." Read more

"...Unexpectedly but very much welcome, London’s writing WILL completely captivate, and you will be left with no choice but to be intensely invested in..." Read more

"...The author perfectly balances the horrific and gruesome suspence of the present scenes with the lighter memories through flashbacks..." Read more

"...for it will grip your attention from start to finish that’s how well written it was...." Read more

9 customers mention "Character development"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, finding them deep and engaging, with one customer highlighting the beautiful display of courage in the protagonist Cecilia London Bellator Sage.

"...with them and the safe house is so well written and brings so much life back into her character that has been so beaten down and struggling for..." Read more

"...by a whirlwind of emotions, the anticipation of hope and beautiful display of courage will have you desperate for the light at the end of the..." Read more

"...The story has a deep intricate plot, characters so deep and three dimensional that they come alive and you become emotionally invested in them and..." Read more

"...You will definitely fall in love with Jack, the epitome of a dream man who is intelligent, passionate, a dirty-talker in bed, funny and above all,..." Read more

8 customers mention "Intelligence"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book extremely intelligent, with one customer noting how it stirs up many questions and provides essential understanding of the characters' backgrounds.

"...I love the mystery of this novel series because it stirs up so many questions...." Read more

"...between the past and the present giving readers an essential understanding of their backgrounds, personalities and most importantly, their..." Read more

"...fall in love with Jack, the epitome of a dream man who is intelligent, passionate, a dirty-talker in bed, funny and above all, sexy...." Read more

"...And not let go. This author is extremely talented. Brilliant. She is a master of words...." Read more

7 customers mention "Narrative style"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the narrative style of the book, with one review noting how the author artfully describes each scene, while another mentions how London skillfully weaves together past and present elements.

"...London’s attention to detail solidifies how mesmerizing and unique this series really is...." Read more

"...There is also a dystopian quality to this series that feels very contemporary, especially given the current political climate in this county and the..." Read more

"...London deftly juxtaposes the past and present, weaving the story of their blooming love through the escalating danger and suffocating dread of..." Read more

"...She is well educated, uses a wide vocabulary and easily and artfully describes each scene in such a way that keeps you continually reading until you..." Read more

5 customers mention "Humor"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, with one mentioning its witty teasing and sassy banter.

"...Author Cecilia London you brought me to tears, made me laugh, made me swoon over Jack, put so much angst into their story and deliver such a complex..." Read more

"...of a dream man who is intelligent, passionate, a dirty-talker in bed, funny and above all, sexy...." Read more

"...Not to mention we get a couple that is mature, relatable and full of witty teasing and sassy banter...." Read more

"...Caroline Gerard and Jack McIntyre are extremely intelligent, funny and loyal to each other and everyone they care about...." Read more

5 customers mention "Series quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers praise the series quality, with one customer specifically noting that the first trilogy is perfect.

"...What a thought provoking, profound, and brilliant series. To the author. You left me in pieces. Shattered. But I’m trusting the process...." Read more

"I love that the Bellator Sage series in one awesome boxset! Cecilia London Bellator Sage is awesome...." Read more

"The Bellator Saga: The First Trilogy is PERFECT. I LOVED THESE BOOKS, it made me smile, laugh blush, cry, tingle...." Read more

"Best series I have read so far...." Read more

Suspenseful...Gripping...Enthralling...Romantic...Sexy...Epic Love Story
5 out of 5 stars
Suspenseful...Gripping...Enthralling...Romantic...Sexy...Epic Love Story
Dissident - Book 1 When I started reading this book I know I’m in for a great ride…the beginning was already intense with Jack and Caroline running through the woods trying to cross the Canadian border. Intriguing, definitely! What on earth did Jack & Caroline did? It’s like the devil himself is running after them! Caroline Gerard, Democratic congresswoman on the rise and then her husband got into a fatal car accident. Left with two small daughters to take care of, went into sort-of depression, with the help of friends she was able to see life into a better perspective. But not before she throws some harsh criticism to a promising congressman from the Republican Party named Jack McIntyre. Caroline regrets what she did and just waiting for an opportunity to make amends to the congressman. So, when Caroline met Jack in a party hosted by the Speaker of the House… “I wanted to apologize for what I said about you during the campaign,” she said. “Oh, you said many things, but the highlight was that little remark about how I was…what was it…’a millionaire playboy trying to buy his way into Congress.’” “I shouldn’t have called you that,” she said. “It was an awful, terrible, slanderous thing to say and I deeply regret it. I thought about phoning you the next day to apologize but I figured you wouldn’t take my call.” “I wouldn’t have taken your call then and I won’t accept your apology now. Washington’s a big town, Ms. Gerard. I think we can do our best to stay away from each other.” Nothing to do but accept the fact that the congressman didn’t want her apology and as the night progress Jack & Caroline was able to see and talk to one another again and ironed-out whatever differences they have and beautiful friendship begun. The prologue is the present time and flashback from how Jack and Caroline met. Then (back to present) Caroline confined in a hospital controlled by the government. You won’t get lost in the story for it will grip your attention from start to finish that’s how well written it was. I like Caroline, the heroine, who isn’t afraid to tell whatever in her mind, be it her political views or in bedroom with Jack, no wonder the congressman was smitten by this woman. You will definitely fall in love with Jack, the epitome of a dream man who is intelligent, passionate, a dirty-talker in bed, funny and above all, sexy. Cecilia London was able to write a book that is suspenseful, gripping, enthralling, romantic, sexy and witty dialogue. Scene between Jack & Caroline, let me tell you it’s scorching hot!!! Conscience - Book 2 The story continues as Caroline Gerald slowly gains consciousness of where she is and how desperately she wants to escape from the clutches of her captors. Caroline is a tenacious character that can endure any kind of hardship, with only the memory of the past to keep her going, her relationship with Jack, unconditional love for her daughters and friends that she considered family. Hoping against hope that…"Jack will find me,she whispered." What a spine-tingling continuation of book one from start to finish! Brace yourself for this one is much darker with scenes that will make you squirm in your seat. Love scene that will make you hot and bothered. Quick-witted conversation among friends that will surely make you smile if not laugh. Sojourn - Book 3 Is this really the end of Caroline's suffering and her road to recovery? The people who helped her, are they for real without any ulterior motive? Those are some questions that are running in my mind while reading book 3. And I didn't put down until I reached the last page. That's how captivating this book is. I like how this book 3 ends and looking forward to book 4. Author Cecilia London really knows how to keep her readers immersed with her writings. I'm in awe how Author Cecilia London wrote The Bellator Saga with so much finesse. Time well-spent reading this book!!! Loved it!!!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2016
    This story truly touched my heart last year as I was reading each installment I have felt all sorts of emotions while reading the first half of the series & I really can't wait to see what the final three installments have in store for us! Author Cecilia London you brought me to tears, made me laugh, made me swoon over Jack, put so much angst into their story and deliver such a complex love story that is mixed up in a dystopian society, that you just have to read this half of the series & you will fall in love with it just like I have! (It's a LOT of emotions, I know)

    Dissident Review
    In the first installment of this book we meet Jack and Caroline. They don’t get along at first and despite his charms; she tries to push him away. The chemistry between the two of them is phenomenal. I had to go back to read this book in order to get a feel for what was going on in Conscience. I received that book just before publication in exchange for an honest review, and when I started it I felt I needed the background of how Jack and Caroline got to where they are in Conscience. He is very playful and flirty with her, and she really tries hard to push him away. But once the two come together, wew! It’s amazing how Cecilia has incorporated this love story into this broken version of the world you will read about in the series. I feel like this series for me is like mixing The Hunger Games and the Divergent Series together to get this dystopian society that you really just see the beginnings of the crumble in this book. So many sub-characters are introduced during this book that you will love throughout the 1st half of the 6 part series that you really want to pay attention to them so you really connect with all the characters and not just our stars. Although they are the best. Thank you Cecilia for giving us this series and I can’t wait to read more!

    Conscience Review
    I am new to this series/author and honestly had not read the first book. I got to go back to the beginning for this series, to Dissident in order to review Conscience, and was very glad I did!
    This series follows Caroline and Jack, both political Representatives in DC. In the second installment of the six part series, we get more background information on how Caroline and Jack have ended up where they are now. In present day, they are running from the Presidents men that have pretty much overtaken the government and in doing so, Caroline ends up hurt and ultimately captured by his men. Jack is forced to leave her behind when she is slowing him down, at her request, and she insists he gets the documents on the flash drive to where they need to go. We still don’t get a lot of information on who the documents need to go to, what they are, or why the people holding her captive have done so. I did struggle to get through some of the more gruesome details of her being tortured by Santos’ men during this part of the book. I do not do well with those types of detail in book or film, so it was tough during most of the “present day” chapters. I do think this has been very well written, in that she kept thinking about the past during her time in captivity and that somehow gets her through it. She has flashbacks and memories of time with Jack and that somehow puts her mind at ease and gives her hope that she will be rescued. Several other characters make disturbing appearances in the present day, in this installment from the first book as well.
    The way the book flashes back and forth from present day, to back when Jack and Caroline were getting to know each other and still just working in DC as representatives, fills in a lot of blanks and questions I had form the first book.
    This series is a political thriller with a love story mixed in. Throughout both books I found myself on edge wondering what is going on with all the politics/government secession's and what will happen with Jack and Caroline. I love the mystery of this novel series because it stirs up so many questions. As much as I don’t want a six part series, and want my answers to all my questions NOW, the way this is played out is sort of entertaining. Not getting all your answers about the who, what, and whys as to everything going on with Carline, Jack and the government. I can’t wait to see what happens next and get even more background information on their story and what has happened with them since they were married and Jack became Governor of Pennsylvania.

    Soujourn Review
    …and I honestly absolutely LOVED and devoured this book! I began the series late this summer and fell in love with Caroline and Jack. In the second book I was so sad and hurt at what was happening with Caroline that I didn’t think anything was every going to go her way again. Until I read Sojourn! This has been the best book hangover I’ve EVER had and I just can’t wait to see what is next in this series!
    Sojourn picks up right after Caroline is rescued from The Fed by three young men that are part of the rebellion. Two of them even work for The Fed as their cover. I fell in love with these new characters in Sojourn so much! The story of how everything plays out with them and the safe house is so well written and brings so much life back into her character that has been so beaten down and struggling for something to keep her going everyday and give her motivation to not just give up entirely.
    Caroline struggles both emotionally and physically in this third installment as she recovers from the mental trauma she has experienced loosing all those close to her, hearing them being executed or being dragged off to their deaths, as well as physically recovering from them breaking bones in her face, hands and other injuries she will have to struggle to move forward. She spends time with these men at the safe house as she recovers; Gabe, Crunch and Jones become her saviors in many ways. These three really do help her during their time together both physically and mentally. They are there to help her recover from everything she’s been through.
    Where the last book was a nail biter because of reading all the gruesome details of the things that happen to her at The Fed, this book has softer notes of healing, recovery and still some very steamy flashbacks of her and Jack! The sex scenes were hotter than ever and this book is very sensual in nature in regards to their relationship as seen through her dreams, or nightmares as she begins to see them as. Although very pleasant memories, they become nightmares to her as she will never see him again or any of her friends and family, and these memories does torment her throughout the story.

    “I relish doing things like this to you,” Jack said. “I love to give you a good spanking but this is so much more intense. I can see how much you enjoy it too. I’ve never met a woman who wants to please me as much as you do, not just in bed, but in all aspects of life. You’ve given up so much for me, Caroline, and given me so much in return.”

    This book ends in a place I tried to see coming one of my own theories, but most people just won’t see the ending coming. The last chapter I was biting my nails and crying so much, I am still raw and vulnerable from reading these book days even after the last sentence. You won’t regret picking up part three of the series, as you will too gain a whole new perspective on the character Caroline is and meet some new characters to love along the way!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2016
    At the end of 2015 I had finally managed to clear my schedule and dive into a series that had been sitting on my (never ending) “To Be Read” list. I had heard great things about the author, the writing, and the unique storyline and I honestly couldn’t wait to immerse myself into something new. Written by Indie Author Cecilia London, The Bellator Saga is unlike anything you have ever read before. With three books in the series already published, London brings to life a painful yet beautiful battlefield of love, power and control.

    With six books in total, The Bellator Saga: The First Trilogy is set against the backdrop of a country in political disarray, whilst the romance in this novel is emphasized through detailed and extensive flashbacks, allowing each book to highlight how Cecilia London uniquely pairs suspense and romance. Unexpectedly but very much welcome, London’s writing WILL completely captivate, and you will be left with no choice but to be intensely invested in the exquisite creativity her mind has to offer.

    Dissident: a person who opposes official policy, especially that of an authoritarian state.

    In the beginning of the series, in the most harrowing of circumstances we are introduced to Caroline Gerard and Jack McIntyre. Written in third person with ease and seamless transitions, each chapter flicks between the past and the present giving readers an essential understanding of their backgrounds, personalities and most importantly, their relationship.

    We become familiar with this intellectually sassy feminist whose tenacity is everything you want in a heroine. And at the forefront of the opposing party is the playboy of politics, Jack McIntyre. Watching Jack McIntyre fall in love with Caroline will be your undoing. Sex appeal paired with swoon, let your infatuation for him begin NOW.

    “I’ve waited my entire life for a woman like you to tell me that.”

    As each chapter highlights the importance of the connection between Jack and Caroline, it also ensures that you’re invested in the foundations of an emotionally charged and epic love story.

    The beginning of the series lets readers indulge in the beauty of Caroline and Jack falling in love whilst also bringing to life the political backdrop that becomes the catalyst for the biggest and most painful journey their love and life will ever endure.

    “I promise I will come back. I’m not giving up.”

    Conscience: a person's moral sense of right and wrong, viewed as acting as a guide to one's behaviour.

    Delving further into the series, book two guarantees that you will fall deeper into the world of Caroline and Jack. The reality of their circumstances sets the tone and it is blaringly obvious that a somber, dark, and treacherous path is what lies ahead. The sadness and heartache in these chapters will eclipse all feelings of love, light and hope. London’s attention to detail solidifies how mesmerizing and unique this series really is. Not for the faint hearted though, the loud thumping beat of your own heart reflects the significance and the implications of Jack and Caroline’s separation.

    “Don’t give them what they want. Don’t give in.”

    As political upheaval strikes, the backdrop of this story becomes the forefront. London’s flawless and continued use of flashbacks brings together more pieces of this intriguingly complex and layered story. Predominantly focused on Caroline, each chapter will have you hooked. as you piece together a mysterious yet painful puzzle. Through unrivaled strength and determination Caroline withstands brutality of unspeakable proportions, hoping that one day her survival is not in vain and her hurting heart may lead her to her happy ever after.

    “You’ll never break me.”

    Sojourn: A temporary stay

    With the ending of the first trilogy coming near the reminders of heartache and loss are not too far away. However, continuing to be consumed by a whirlwind of emotions, the anticipation of hope and beautiful display of courage will have you desperate for the light at the end of the tunnel.

    Will she get peace?
    Will she be happy?
    Will she get a happy ever after?

    Reaching into the souls of readers and plucking at all their heartstrings, the end of the first half of this series gives readers faith that everything might just be ok. Like a soothing balm London begins the healing process for what has been a torturous journey for Caroline Gerard.

    Along with Caroline, you will be pining and missing the presence of Jack in her life and relying on the flashbacks you didn’t know you so desperately needed, London reminds you how deep, how passionate, and how everlasting their love truly is.

    Holding on to hope with white knuckles, the ending of the first trilogy will be sure to blow you away. As the pieces of your heart slowly mend back together, London is deliberately getting you ready for what is next.

    “You are my everything, Caroline. My world, my life, the reason I exist.”

    ________________________
    The Bellator Saga: First Trilogy Box Set includes bonus material featuring a deleted scene from Sojourn, a sneak peek at Phoenix (book 4), and a never before released love scene told in Jack’s first person point of view!
    9 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • RBCRRBLOGGER
    5.0 out of 5 stars Politics, conspiracy, suspense, drama, violence, passion, romance and an epic love story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 7, 2016
    Reviewing on behalf of Relentless Book Chic’s Ramblings and Reviews

    Politics, conspiracy, suspense, drama, violence, passion, romance and an epic love story are all factors of this complex saga.

    Dissident- book 1.
    Caroline Gerard is a Democratic Congresswoman who is raising her two daughters alone since her husband was tragically killed in an accident.

    Left heartbroken and depressed, she doesn’t think she’ll ever be able to recover from her loss and deep grief but then she meets Jack McIntyre at a party, a man that she’d previously publically slurred on television.

    The book starts with Caroline and Jack running for their lives to get to the border and cross into Canada. They share one last kiss then separate to give Jack a better chance of getting away with the USB that the government desperately wants to get their hands on.

    We are then transported into the past when Caroline and Jack have a face to face conversation at a party. After spending most of the night talking, Caroline realises that she misjudged the type of person Jack is and actually had fun which is how their friendship begins.

    As their relationship progresses, Caroline struggles with her feelings. She feels guilty, like she’s cheating on her deceased husband and also scared as her feeling feel stronger and different for Jack than they did for Nicky.

    Once Caroline accepts that she loves Jack and accepts his love in return, she finds happiness again for the first time in years. Her daughters love Jack too so she feels a sense of peace and even though some of her friends aren’t fond of Jack in the beginning, he proves his love for Caroline and they warm to him eventually.

    The book continuously goes back and forth between the past and present and in the present; Caroline wakes up in a military hospital recovering from injuries she received from the soldiers who captured her.

    The level of political detail in this book is high and apart from understanding the basics, the more complex details were slightly confusing to me. I am British and before this saga, I had minimal knowledge of American politics but now I feel I could write an essay on it so this book was also educational.

    Concscience- book 2.
    Caroline is in a political prison and the FED are doing everything they can to get her to talk. She’s been beaten, tortured and broken both physically and mentally. All she has to get her through it are the memories of Jack and her children in her dreams on the rare occasions she’s able to sleep.
    This book also goes back and forth from the past to the present and it’s great to be reminded of the love between Caroline and Jack in the midst of all the horror that Caroline is enduring.

    In one final act of brutality, Caroline is beaten and left for dead at the hands of someone from her past. Just as it seems like the end for her, she is rescued by two unlikely heroes and that marks the end of the book.

    It’s really hard to write a review for this book without giving spoilers but the fact there’s another book in this box set suggests that Caroline survives her torture. If you’re not a fan of dark books, you may find this book disturbing and upsetting and I was surprised by the amount of pain that was inflicted on Caroline.

    Sojourn- book 3.
    The book starts with Caroline in the safe house and when she finally wakes up she meets the men who risked their lives to save hers.

    As she gets stronger, the mental anguish and grief continues as Caroline tries to come to terms with everything and everyone she’s lost and also the new version of herself she now has to live with.
    Once she’s healed, has a new identity and new look, Caroline and her new friends set out on a journey across America to get to California and hopefully reach the underground people who are fighting for the same cause, if they still exist.

    The end of the book leaves you desperately wanting more and I must commend the author for her exceptional writing style, the complexity of the plot and the details she included but also the way she makes you invest in the future of every character and want to continue their journey all the way to the end. This is the first of two trilogies so there will be so much more to this story and I’m looking forward to reading it.
  • Kelli
    5.0 out of 5 stars The best book I have read this year. It's on a scale all on it's own. Sensational!!
    Reviewed in Australia on March 19, 2016
    Wow. What an exceptional book. It took me a while to get into it at the start with the going back to the past and then to the present but it didn't take long for me to into the swing of the story.
    I have never read a political fictional story before, but this story is so intense. I laughed and cried throughout this book. There are some truly horrific scenes in this story as well.
    The book held me captive from beginning to end. I cant wait for the rest of the series to come through.
    I thoroughly recommend this to anyone who likes a good romance, throw in some intense darkness and a whole lot of turmoil.
  • Elle
    5.0 out of 5 stars If I can give this book more than 5 stars, there is no doubt that I would!
    Reviewed in Canada on March 8, 2016
    Hmmm…

    This is gonna be one interesting review, I think, and a loooong one at that (I won’t even go into how long it took me to write this one)… There’s so much to say and so many emotions to convey… Should I do this in chunks? Do I do it as a whole? Where do I even start?

    This came highly recommended by a friend on Goodreads, and now I know why. If I can give this book more than 5 stars, there is no doubt that I would! I haven’t felt like this about a book in a while, honestly… And considering the amount of books I read, I sometimes feel certain stories are a dime a dozen, so for this book to leave me gobsmacked at the end is quite a feat. And to think this is just the first 3 trilogy!!

    Let’s start with the series title, “The Bellator Saga”. Bellator means “warrior”, in Latin. In and of itself, it’s got oomph, don’t ya think? And within this trilogy are the books Dissident, Conscience, and Sojourn. These titles alone definitely give you an idea of what you will be in for. Very clever!

    This is the story of Caroline and Jack (Btw, very Kennedy-esque, eh? No? Just me?) This is their journey told in third-person and from Caroline’s perspective. It moved between flashbacks and the present alternately. So while I feared for the things happening currently and my anxiety level remains high, Caroline and Jack’s love story was unfolding thru the flashback and I was falling in love with them and couldn’t help but get all hot and bothered along the way.

    They’re both politicians on the rise. Their first encounter was far from congenial but from that first encounter grew a friendship which blossomed into more. And in a way, you can say they live happily ever after. But as their relationship solidifies, there are things happening in the country, things that both Caroline and Jack can’t ignore and because of that, sacrifices have to be made, actions had to be taken.

    If I can quickly sum up my take of each book, this is how it would look:

    Dissident: lays a good foundation for what’s to come. You get to know Caroline. You start getting glimpses of what’s to come down the road, esp for Caroline. You see Caroline and Jack fall in love.

    Conscience: is the hardest to get past thru. While you continue to get flashback to see how Caroline and Jack’s relationship progress, you get more of what’s happening in the present, what was happening to Caroline, to be exact, and it wasn’t pretty at all. Cecilia did not gloss over any of the atrocities and it was brutal to read.

    Sojourn: shows how Caroline is starting to recover. But there’s much more to be done. Caroline and Jack on the one hand continue to be solid in their relationship as you read thru the flashback.

    One the one hand, I personally am glad that I got to read this in its entirety as I think it enhanced the emotions reading the 3 books within it one after another. But on the other, now here I am, about to ramble, to try to express how much I LOVE this series…

    The storyline alone gives you such fodder for contemplation. Cecilia categorized this as an erotic political thriller. I couldn’t agree more. This is romance, yes; romance layered with heat, suspense, and action. There’s also a dystopian feel to it that feels contemporary at the same time, especially considering the times the Americans are in at this very moment. It’s fascinating in a disturbing but also inspirational way.

    The prologue alone hooks you right in. Immediately, the questions begin. Immediately, you feel the suspense. Immediately, you get a sense of the strength of the characters.

    The characters alone give a lot of room for good discussion. After everything I’ll write, I don’t think I’ll be able to cover everything I want to, which goes to show the care that Cecilia took in developing them.

    I love how Caroline and Jack are on equal footing. Both are smart and intelligent, passionate in their beliefs albeit not always coming from the same side, have very strong commitment to their civic duties, and confident with and despite of their personal insecurities. Caroline with her feminist inclination, surrounded by similarly strong friends, embodies, in my mind, what young girls should aspire to be. And Jack is the man that a woman like Caroline deserves. So what you get then is the ultimate power couple.

    Their times together are impressive, witty, and explosive. There’s something to be said about the maturity of these characters. There’s a formality to some of their exchange that just seems fitting but also very heartfelt. While pretentious if taken out of context, it’s appropriate, for lack of better word. And as much as I almost want to say that things moved at a sluggish pace at times, I also realized I needed to read them all to get a full sense of their story. I suppose my anxiety didn’t help in that I just want to speed things up.

    And with all the things happening, not only did I fell in love with Caroline and Jack, but I became just as enamored with Caroline’s friends. My heart broke over and over for Caroline and her friends the way things were unfolding in the present. The brutality was hard to stomach at times. I was getting just as angry and impassioned. I seriously hope one character will get his comeuppance in the hands of both Caroline and Jack.

    Considering how this book ended, which means it’s the end of Sojourn, you know their fight has barely started. No matter what’s in store for Caroline and Jack, they’ve already made their marks in my mind. I bet I will cringe, I will swoon, I will be anxious, I will be smiling, I will be a lot of things, and none and all of that will matter because I’m already sold right from the prologue, and I just want to be taken thru their journey in all its glory.

    My, my, my I think this is one of the longest reviews I have ever written! Yet I feel like I can talk about it some more. But I won’t. I’ve subjected you enough to my ramblings…

    I say just friggin’ read it!!!!!

    *I received an ARC in exchange for a review AND I also own a copy
  • Laurie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on March 16, 2016
    Wow oh wow oh wow! A MUST read book and series!
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best read in a long time!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 18, 2016
    Every now and then a book series comes along that will blow your mind.........and this is definitely one of them! I not gonna go through each book individually so shall review them as a whole. I've given them 5 stars because even the negatives can't take away from how they made me feel. The negative being the small amount of mild BDSM featured from time to time. For me it was pointless. The American politics bamboozled me, occassionally, but it was interesting and intriguing. Caroline and Jack are mature, well established, successful adults. Such a refreshing change from the usual twentysomething newbie falling for, and being dominated by, the all powerful boss.
    I don't know why there aren't more reviews for these books. People need to read this! I want to tell everyone to read this!
    The story is funny, adorable, heartwarming, sexy, thrilling, frustrating, sickening, gutwrenching, devastating, heartbreaking........... I can't wait for the next book!!

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