His Darkest Hunger
Author: Juliana Stone
Publisher: Avon/HarperCollins
Pub. Date: March 30, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0061808777
Retail: $7.99
384 pagesJaxon Castille: jaguar shifter, warrior, assassin. He has long hungered for the chance to make his former lover, Libby Jamieson, pay for her deadly betrayal. After three long years he’s finally found her. The hunt is over . . .
But the Libby that he finds is not what he expected. She has no memory of their tumultuous affair, of her treachery, of anything beyond her own name. A shadowy and deadly clan has marked them both for death, and in an instant, he game changes: the hunter has become the hunted.
On the run, with the ghosts of their past between them and a dark, desperate hunger quickly reclaiming their bodies and souls, Libby and Jaxon must discover the truth behind the dark forces working against them. Together, they must grab hold of a destiny that has the power to either heal them or destroy them.
But the truth is far more shattering than anyone could imagine . . .
~*~*~
Ms. Stone introduces readers to a hot, dark, steamy, action packed story.
His Darkest Hunger is a tale of a jaguar shifter who was betrayed years ago by his lover. Vowing to seek his revenge, he waits patiently to find her, only to discover the woman he once knew no longer remembers him or their turbulent past. Hold onto your seats because Ms. Stone brings the qualities I love most to this story: betrayal, passion, and forgiveness.
Jaxon Castille is a jaguar that once headed up a government paranormal anti-terrorist unit. Strong, sexy and oozing sensuality, Jaxon is a force to be reckoned with. He is a man on a mission to find the one woman who had destroyed his world. Three years ago, Libby (a human) betrayed Jaxon by seducing him and leading the opposing DaCosta clan to ambush them. The betrayal caused Jaxon a member of his team.
Libby Jamieson is now a shell of the woman she used to be. Scared, battered and broken, she struggles to find safety in a small town. Her small haven is rocked when Jaxon, a mystery man to her, enters her life. After a high packed action scene, where Jaxon learns that Libby has no recollection of her former life, he whisks her off to his compound.
Once Libby is safe in the confines of Jaxon’s home, she slowly learns that she has a past with him and they parted on bad terms. Slowly, the author reveals the physical and emotional abuse that Libby has endured. As she fights to regain her memory, she can’t help but find herself attracted to Jaxon. My heart broke for Libby. She was so lost and confused for the better half of the book. Stone was able to express Libby’s emotions in a realistic manner. When she finally regains her memory, whoa, do readers get to see why Jaxon was initially attracted to her.
The relationship that the author depicted is intense, turbulent and passionate. The two lovers are both strong-willed and fight to accept one another. I enjoyed reading Jaxon’s turmoil as he fights the battle between loving and hating Libby. Though at times, I felt the story dragged in places, I did understand it kept the suspense up and never once deterred me from the book. The love scenes are hot and steamy. At times, I was unhappy the couple resolved their issues through sex. I wanted more conversation between them.
Secondary characters Ana, Declan, Jagger, Cracker and Julian all add an interesting element to the story. Each, though dysfunctional, have a story waiting to be told. The vibe between the members of the unit, though shaky at times, resembles a family. I wonder what Ms. Stone has up her sleeve for this bunch. The world that Stone builds is full of shape-shifters, practitioners of magick, vampires and other paranormal beings that add excitement to this dark tale.
His Darkest Hunger is an excellent start to a promising series. Readers can expect many twists and turns to keep them excited. Paranormal fans, gear up! Ms. Stone is marking her place. I look forward to her next installment, His Darkest Embrace.
Rating: 8 (Very Good)
Heat-Level: 3: (Sensual)
Have seen this book mentioned on several sites. Good review. It gives me a better idea of what the story is about. Had not been sure before that this would be part of a series. I am in the sampling phase of reading paranormal books. There are a lot of variations out there. This sounds like a good one to try.
Samantha, thank you so much for reviewing my book! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
You’re most welcome Juliana. It was a real good read.