After reading and enjoying Juliana Stone’s “Black Legacy”, which I reviewed here a while back I have really been looking forward to “His Darkest Hunger”. I’m delighted to say her first novel did not disappoint and Ms. Stone’s work has now become an auto-buy.His Darkest Hunger
If you are a fan of the ‘Jason Bourne’ movies, then imagine him with the preternatural ability to shape-shift into a black jaguar with extraordinary strength, cunning and hunting instinct, and you have the hero of “His Darkest Hunger” Jaxon Castille. Not only that, sensuality literally oozes from his pores and he possesses an aura that is dark, extremely powerful. Jaxon is a jaguar warrior, a predator who is the descendant of an ancient race created by the Aztecs through dark majick. Jaxon has a magnificent physique, and clan tattoos that color his left shoulder and curve down around his abs. There is something frightening about Jaxon that as a reader I found literally palpable, I think that it is how Ms. Stone has characterized his nature, his jaguar claws at him just below the surface, he is a hunter, cold, calculating and lethal, and, he is an elite assassin.
Jaxon is the leader of an covert government ‘paranormal antiterrorism unit’ (PATU) and works with team members, Declan, a powerful practitioner of magick; Ana, a three hundred year old vampire; and Cracker, a lethal ex-military man whose heritage is a mystery. Three years before the opening of the story in a secret operation gone wrong, Jaxon’s shifter cousin, fellow team member and Ana’s lover, Diego, was murdered. Jaxon’s lover Libby Jamieson, a human, and a member of PATU was felt to have betrayed the operation. When the team returned from the mission, Libby had vanished off the face of the earth. Jaxon has hunted for her for 3 years with one objective, revenge.
An emotionally and physically frail Libby and has no memory of her life before she arrived in a small town in Michigan 2 months earlier. Prone to anxiety and panic attacks she is functioning minute by minute working in a diner, owned by kind elderly, Pete who took her in and cared for her. Little does Libby know but Jaxon has her in his sniper site, and is ready to end her life.
As Jaxon watches Libby through his scope waiting for the right moment to ‘take her out’ he senses something isn’t right. She is thin, favors her side and appears emotionally and physically exhausted, frightened, not the strong ‘kick ass’ operative he knew intimately. It is because of this sense of unease that Jaxon abandons his sniper post and heads to the restaurant, to evaluate her face to face. Where has she been for the past 3 years? What happened to her?
Following a hair raising action scene Jaxon takes an agitated and terrified Libby to PATU headquarters where what is learned from a medical examination very nearly brings him to his knees. Libby has been tortured and abused physically and emotionally over an extended period. In addition she is under the influence of a mind block from powerful black majick that has caused her amnesia. My heart broke for Libby, Ms. Stone portrays, her fear, panic, confusion, and embarrassment graphically. I could feel Libby’s disorientation and terror and wondered how Ms. Stone was going to effectively mould her character given the horrors she had endured. However, as the mind block lifts and Libby’s memories come rushing back, a strong, determined, capable and pissed off woman emerges. Libby wants vengeance against her captors and she blames Jaxon for what happened to her.
The relationship between these reacquainted lovers is complicated and evolves slowly over the course of the story. I will say the love scenes penned between Jaxon and Libby are spontaneous and nuclear grade hot before and after her memory returns. In spite of bitter conflicts between them there is a primal draw that neither can resist. Jaxon particularly has commitment issues because of his heritage which you will have to learn about by reading the story if you choose to.
Libby gives Jaxon directions to her captor’s lair and the team embarks on a perilous mission to stop the spread of a malevolent, treacherous evil. This story is littered with exciting action scenes from start to finish, which are skillfully integrated into a plot that has a number of suspenseful, surprizing twists and turns, for me this read was a page turning rush.
Strong well developed supporting characters are introduced including Jaxon’s two brothers Jagger and Julian who are also powerful jaguar shifters but each unique in their own way. Ms. Stone crafted some excellent world building into the narrative and the riveting climax and conclusion of “His Darkest Hunger” sets the stage for the next book in the series, “His Darkest Embrace” which is Jagger’s story.
If you enjoy a fast paced, dark paranormal romance with elements of black ops military suspense, you may like to give “His Darkest Hunger” a try. I am so looking forward to “His Darkest Embrace”.
Heat Level: It boils, the sensuality between Jaxon and Libby burns up the pages. 
My Rating: 5/5 stars (I loved this story)
A special thank you to Juliana Stone for submitting “His Darkest Hunger” for review.
Please click the buttons on the widget in my right sidebar for synopsis and ordering information. “His Darkest Hunger” hits the shelves Tuesday.
Next in series:
“His Darkest Embrace” – Jagger’s story, Available October 26, 2010
“His Darkest Salvation” – Julian’s story, Available in 2011
In a blog post Juliana recently shared a picture she used for inspiration for Julian and I thought wow! I couldn’t resist sharing. *g*
Other Reviews:
Fiction Vixen
Goodreads
Well, I certainly find that photo inspiring!
Not entering, but I'll mention the contest Thursday – they can just make it if they read early and hustle their butts over!
Wow that was a quick comment Chris! Thanks for the mention and for commenting.
I hope you had a great weekend. *g*
Oh yea, that photo is inspiring!! Can he come to my house?? Yours was a terrific review and I'm hoping I can win this one..Either way, she will definitely go on the to buy list. Please enter me!
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
Now that is one hot book cover! Count me in please! =)
It was relaxing, Lea, thanks – hopefully you did, too!
I'm loving the cover! HOT! I definitely want to read this.
Great review! I can't wait to read it now. It sounds like it packs a real emotional punch.
I love cat shifters and have been waiting for this one to be available.
Wonderful review for what sounds like a really sensational book. Please don't enter me in the draw. I want to get this one myself.
awesome review count me in!
mortalsinn@yahoo.com
I just love Werecats! Sounds like for hot romance and action.
alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/
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(='.'=) Happy Easter from Bun!
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Enjoyed reading the review, which makes me want to read this book even more! Can't wait to get my hands on it!
lilazncutie1215 @ yahoo.com
Oh!! I've been wanting to read His Darkest Hunger for the longest. The whole jaguar shifter angle is so interesting. And your 5/5 really has gotten me antsy to read this now. Terrific review Lea!
I've had my eye on this book for awhile, 5/5 I wanna read it!
Wow Lea
Julianna had me at the name Jaxon Castille LOL. I love Black Ops & this story sounds so intriguing.
Marvelous review. Don't enter me. I want to buy her first book.
Nice picture. I can live with that…
Sounds like a great book too.
bacchus76 at myself dot com
Story sounds good, and that "inspiration" ain't bad either. lol
Hi Lea,
sounds great, I've heard so much about this book and it's on my to-buy list! I need something nice here in the middle of our snow…
Happy Easter!
Poor Libby, I hope she can get happy adn safe again. but then she does have a strong jaguar by her side, sounds exciting
Gorgeous photo and I can see it totally! A great way to finish off a review. By the way who is he?
Very good review! And nice photo, too
Lea…what an awesome review. The book sounds fascinating! OMG, I love stuff like this.
Sexy picture of the inspiration that formed the hero! Glad you put that in!
Hugs
Hawk
Wow 5 of 5? That sounds like a fantastic read hon. And I really like the cover. Please count me in!
Hope you have a great start into the week.
Hugs!
Great review Lea.I've been wanting this book since the first time I saw the cover.
Please count me in for the giveaway
Wow, Lea! An amazing review! You made the book leap out at me like a powerful, magical, sensual jaguar! RAWR!!! I want the whole series! Thanks for the "man pretty" : )Please enter my name in the drawing.
US Resident, Follower, Subscriber
gcwhiskas at aol dot com
Omigosh I'm an absolutely huge fan of shifter romances and this book has been screaming my name ever since I first got wind of it. I can't wait to have a copy in my hands *hint hint* lol
hugs,
Anna
s7anna@yahoo.ca
Please count me in! By your review you make it sound so good, I want my chance to win this book
Re-posted your contest at: http://contests-freebies.blogspot.com/2010/03/win-his-darkest-hunger-at-closerwriter.html
Cherry
mischivusfairy-warrior [at] yahoo [dot] com
Hi Lea!
I have this one on my to buy list, lol, the cover is great and the story sounds even better.
Count me in!
Dottie
*Waving At Everyone*
Thank you so much for all your comments and entering. I'll by back after work tonight to say hi to everyone!
Have a great day.
I love the cover – and have been hearing such great things about this book! (*whispers* I only skimmed the review because I fear spoilers.) But I'd love to win this book- thanks for having the giveaway!
I love Jason Bourne, I love shifters – I guess this is my kind of book, Thanks for a chance to get it for free.
Hi Lea!
wow, a new auto-buy author? I've def to check it out!!! thanks a lot!
greetings, Ina
Sounds interesting.
count me in.
Juliana is a new author for me. Thanks for the introduction! The character Libby sounds so compelling. I'm interested in reading His Darkest Hunger to see how things turn out.
I would love to read His Darkest Hunger. Sounds good.
Crystal816[at]hotmail[dot}com
I love cat shifters!
I enjoyed the post (and the cover!) and look forward in reading His Darkest Hunger.
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
This is a book I definitely want to read
Love the cover!
Hi everyone!
Thanks so much for all your nice comments and interest in Juliana's book!
I just got home from work, and am pretty beat so I'll be sure and say hi to everyone tomorrow.
Rest assured everyone is entered for the draw.
Have a great night!
L
Great review! I'm a huge fan of shifter romances and cat ones are ones I don't run across very often. So definitely sign me up for this. The sexy cover also interests me and makes me want one just like him for my very own.
joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com
Oh count me in please! Great review!
Black cats have always brought me luck and anyway who could resist such a cover?
Please count me in.
cindyc725 at gmail dot ocm
I would love to win a copy of this to read. It really sounds great
jellybelly82158 aat gmail dot com
This is a hot read… please enter me too!
Miranda
mdwartistry at yahoo dot com
@Hi Martha! Thanks so much.
Consider yourself entered and good luck to you!
@Hey there Christine M: Welcome and good luck to you!
@Bookie! Hi there it is a hot cover isn't it? Great read for me too. Good Luck!
@D.L: Welcome and good luck!
@Beth: This is one hot cat shifter *g*! Good luck to you!
@SiNn: Welcome back and good luck!
@Lisa R: Thank you for the Easter wishes! Good Luck!!
@Jeanette8042: Welcome back and good luck!
@Hey Donna: Thank you so much! I'm so delighted you joined in!
@ScorpioM: Welcome and thanks! Good Luck!
@Hey donnaS: Welome and good luck!
@Renee! So delighted to see you entered! Good Luck.
@EvaS: Happy Easter to you too, good luck!
@Blodeuedd: Welcome and good luck my friend.
@SueA: I don't know who that guy is. lol I'll ask Juliana though and let you know. Good Luck!
@Host: Welcome, glad you joined in! Good Luck.
@Hawk: Great to see your comment, thanx! Welcome and good luck!
@Hey Susi: Happy you joined in, good luck and you have a great week too!
@Elaine! So great to see you here. Good Luck!
@Hi VirginiaC: Welcome back and good luck.
@s7anna: I really enjoyed this shifter story (obviously) Good luck to you!
@Cherry: Thank you so much for the pimpage! Good Luck to you!
@Dottie!! Glad you joined in! Welcome and good luck.
@limecello: Hey there I really try hard not to give spoilers, *g* but I do skim reviews too. Welcome and Good Luck!
@Calcamanin: Welcome and good luck!
@Hi Ina!! Welcome back and good luck to you!
@Sullivan McPig, I love your Avatar by the way. Thanks for joining in and good luck!
@LSU Reader: Welcome Back and Good Luck to you!
@CrystalGB: So happy you joined in! Good Luck to you!
@Estella: I like shifters too, especially the Castille brothers! LOL Good Luck.
@booklover0226: Welcome and good luck!
@throuthehaze: Glad to see you back! Good Luck to you.
@Joder! Thanks so much. LOL Yeah, I wouldn't mind one of those for my very own either. Good Luck!
@LisaF: Welcome back and good Luck!!
@EvaSB: Welcome and good luck!
@Hi I Heart Book Gossip: Glad to see you here – Good Luck!
@jellybelly82158: Welcome to the gang and good luck!
@Miranda: So great you joined in! Thanks and good luck.
Have a great evening everyone!
Hi Beth:
Thank you for your nice comment, I hope you enjoy Juliana's book as much as I did.
L
Hi Mary!
Thanks so much.
I hope you too enjoy Juliana's book.
L
Lea!! Great to visit you!
Awesome to be able to visit and to chat books! This book I have up on my wishlist to get when I first heard about this coming. Its one that once I saw about the shape-shifting to a black jaguar and all the passion of the romance, I've been so excited about this one! Your review rocks, I was out of breath reading about it, its that exciting!! I'd love to be in the contest too! Thanks! I have to check out BLACK LEGACY you read as well.
cathiecaffey(at)gmail.com
This sounds awesome. I would love to win it!
@Hey Caffey! How are you? Great to see you here, and I'm so happy you entered. Good Luck!!
@Spav: Nice to see you back! Thanks for entering and Good Luck..
Have a great evening everyone!
Great review, Lea! I would love to read His Darkest Hunger! It sounds wonderful!
@Janna! Delighted you joined in.
Thank you and good luck..
Hi Lea,
What a compelling review. As usual. To tell the truth, when I first started reading your review, I thought the story line sounded overdone and typical in the paranormal arena, but Libby's character and her situation really sounds heart wrenching. You sold me. I want to find out what happened to her and see her get her happily ever after! : )
Please count me in the giveaway!!
*in the nick of time*
Hi Christine:
So glad you decided to enter. Ms. Stone did write a compelling story IMHO. I really liked the non stop action and Libby is an interesting heroine.
Good Luck, and thanks for entering!
L
Hi everyone, the contest is closed to entries.
Thanks so much..
sounds steamy! Count me in!
mlatalladi10@wooster.edu
Great review, I really enjoyed this book too. I look forward to the next in the series. Now that you made the Jason Borne comparison, I think this book just got even better LOL.