Hunger Awakened by Dee Carney
Paranormal Erotic Romance
March 5, 2013
Carina Press
Reviewed by Tori
Favorite Quote: “This keeps getting better and better. Not only do I have wings, I have snotty wings.“
Sebastian (Bast) Kent has always been considered an outcast in the vampire community. Unsure who sired him, Sebastian has struggled his whole life with his identity. When he becomes violently ill outside of a bar, he is rescued by a young homeless woman named Alice.
Alice Bowman lives on the street as a victim of circumstances. When she sees Bast getting violently ill she can sympathize due to her own illness and risks her life to take him to safety. Bast is attracted to Alice and hires her against his better judgment, to help him trace his genealogy to discern the reasons for his mysterious illness. An illness that only dissipates beneath the cool touch of Alice’s touch and kisses.
As Alice and Bast explore their growing passion, Bast’s mysterious illness morphs into something incredible and dangerous. So dangerous in fact that certain individuals will stop at nothing to ensure Bast never recovers…even if that means death.
Hunger Awakened is a hot and steamy erotic paranormal romance. Dark and sensual, it is balanced by touches of humor and whimsy that allows for a fast paced read. Easy to follow, the world building and character development allows us to slip easily into this secretive and highly guarded world of vampires and the harsh politics that rule their domain. Though Hunger Awakened is connected to two other books (Hunger Revealed and Hunger Aroused) it readily stands on its own and reading the other two first isn’t necessary.
I enjoyed meeting Bast and Alice and watching their romance develop. Though the sexual escapades happen fairly quickly, I enjoyed the fact that the “I love you” wasn’t as tossed at us as quickly. They both have issues that need addressing and Carney takes her time developing them so that there is a reasonable resolution for both parties. There is also the small problem of Bast not being human. Alice’s reactions are quite believable in that aspect. She often wonders if she’s crazy and is unsure at times if she is considered friend or food.
Both our protagonists are intelligent, caring, and their sexy and humorous dialogue keeps the storyline entertaining. Bast is not what I would quite call a true alpha male. He is strong and protective but he respects and listens to Alice. I don’t get that bossiness vibe from him as I did with some of the others. Alice in turn is equally as strong and protective and I love how she has no qualms about letting Bast or anyone else know they are not behaving towards her in a respectable fashion. Bast’s illness is quite ingenious and I admit to laughing when the reasons behind it are finally revealed.
Secondary characters (some from previous books) make appearances and add to the overall development of the plot lines. Each one has the ability to star in their own book and it says a lot about an author who can develop a character to that point in such a short time.
The storyline and ending is predictable, but I liked the roads Carney uses to bring it to fruition. Hunger Awakened is a welcome addition for PNR readers who love strong heroes and heroines and a sexy storyline that is a bit darker and grittier than the norm.
Overall Rating: B-
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Is this a novella or full length novel?
I’ve read Dee Carney in the past and enjoyed her books but I think I’ve only one read PNR. I might need to give this one a shot.
Full length though it read so fast, it was like a novella. lol I enjoyed it.
Looks good Tori! My reading has been sorely lacking in vampires. I might need to include in my TBR.