The Hunger

The horrors that they had lived through made them both unwilling to experience their true emotions…

Betrayed by all that he trusted in his youth, John Staunton, now the Earl of Langley, fled to the continent. During the Napoleonic Wars he quickly discovered that he possessed the skills to become an excellent English agent. It was easy for him to lull women into betraying their country, without involving his passions. His excellent language skills gave him passage in many French towns and exalted families without raising suspicions.

Lord Langley’s legendary prowess and rumoured feats have not escaped the notice of the Countess of Lente. Beatrix Lisse is a courtesan of extraordinary merit; her salon is popular with all the young English bucks. Yet, she lives a tormented existence; it has been many centuries since Beatrix felt any passion for life. She has watched young men come and go in a repetitive pattern that stretches forever. Lately she has felt the rise of darkness overwhelming her in a flood of painful memories and despair at a monotony that threatens her very sanity.

Lord Langley has caught her attention with his strong masculine presence. She senses his attraction to her body and yet, he seems able to dismiss her so easily. The pain of his rejection catches Beatrix by surprise and stirs her blood anew. Just when she feels that she is making progress, he cries off their appointment and disappears.

The Hunger is an entrancing tale steeped in emotion. From the living torture of the immortal ones to the heights of sexual ecstasy and passion; readers will find themselves caught up in the haunted lives of Beatrix and Langley. Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic age, the romance takes place in a period of great turmoil. Langley is unwilling to reveal his role as a spy to Beatrix, so she sees his frequent disappearances as disinterest. After many years of observing humans, she is able to accurately assess his character, but is blind to the true regard that he is feeling for her. Langley is not sure what to make of Beatrix and has no idea of the monster within that she feels must remain hidden. Langley finds Beatrix intriguing even though she possesses every trait he despises in a woman. He cannot seem to forget her; indeed it is her image that gets him through his darkest moments when captured.

The introduction of a secondary vampiress heightens the level of danger and intensity. Many of the vampiress’ actions are explained in very gruesome detail and the many intense matings leave nothing to the imagination. These erotic moments are heated and transcend just a physical bonding. The Hunger is actually a prequel to Susan Squires earlier paranormal regency, The Companion,. I am absolutely sure that you will want to read them back to back. Although loosely linked, each is also enjoyable as a solo read. Susan Squires has plans for another addition to this series and I cannot wait for this release. The Hunger is a regency spy tale with a delicious paranormal twist, definitely a must have for your collection.

Reviewed by: Naomi