Awakened ~ Brenda K. Davies

I have read so many book lately my head is going to explode! (Can that really happen when you're blonde?)

I don't know about any of you, but when I read....no matter how real or far-fetched the topic may be, I always like to wonder what it would be like if I was in the shoes of the characters in the novel. How would the story go if 'I' happened to be the lead protagonist....

One of my favorite reads of late has me asking this specific question:

What would you do if you found out your lover was a vampire?

Now, I don't know about any of you, but I'm pretty confident that first I'd shit bricks than I'd run to the nearest Catholic church for a crucifix and Holy Water, hunker down on a pew for the rest of my life....

Or do this.....

Buffy ain't got nothin' on me

Another fantastic freebie find that I couldn't put down is Awakened (Book 1 of the Vampire Awakenings Series) by Brenda K Davies. A new novel (released earlier this year) that actually gets 4 Stars from me (loved the concept), and I am not exactly the biggest Vampire fan. At all.
(I am wearing a scarf and snacking on garlic as I type this...)

Book Description from Amazon.com

 Traumatized by her past, and struggling to move on from it, Sera has spent the past three years of college hiding herself from the world and content to stay that way. A chance encounter with Liam shatters her sheltered world, leaving her stunned and shaken by the strange feelings and emotions he arises in her, feelings she never thought she would experience and that frighten her in their intensity. Harboring a dark and deadly secret of his own, Liam knows that he should stay away from Sera; that he will only bring her more hurt, but he is irresistibly drawn to her and unable to deny himself the pleasure that only she can bring to him. But when their pasts collide with their present, and Liam’s true nature is revealed, will their love for each other be enough, or will they be torn apart forever?


My Take:

The cover kind of creeps me out (he's staring at me.....) and I was expecting some Twilight Fan fiction, but was pleasantly surprised to discover an entertaining romantic vampire-soul mate story. It wasn't gory, dark and sinister, and for that I am grateful. I'm not big on gore. It obviously had blood-drinking (eewww) but what the hell did I expect? Cherry Kool-Aid?

Serendipity (aka Sera) is the lead female character. She's a quiet collage girl who likes to keep to herself and her studies. She has good reasons as to why she stays away from parties and men. A fear she just can't shake. Kathleen, her vivacious best friend and roommate, drags Sera to a party where she meets Liam, a smoldering sexy playboy who's instantaneously attracted to Sera (and vice versa)
It doesn't take long before the two are wrapped up in each other and both their secrets are spilled. Dark, haunting secrets....
The vampires in the novel, for the most part are very humane, easy going and non-threatening. They are still very much capable of human emotions and interaction. I loved that the author played with the myth. For Example: Why some vamps can go out in sunlight, while others can't....they still consume human food and drink...little things like that.
My biggest complaint, I wish we had more back story regarding Liam. Where is his family? It always mentions his friends, but no mention of family.

The book has an 18+ mature content rating, as there is a lot of hanky-panky. Complete with blood sucking that brings a whole new meaning to the term 'blood lust'..... (I'm all for kinky, but I'll skip the A-B negative body shots thanks...) I did catch a few errors in the pages, misspelled words etc.. that should have been addressed in editing, but it happens. Small errors don't deter me from the story when I am enjoying what is going on. I will most certainly keep up with this series, not to mention read it again!

People like me, who tend to shy away from vampire novels... this is one that is fun, romantic and easily stomached. If you love romance, than why not give it a try? Step outside your comfort zone.
It isn't a scary read, so if you are looking for the boogie man, sorry, not gonna happen in this novel.
If you want a steamy vampire love story, bingo, we have a winner! Support an Indie Author!

Try to catch it on Kobo and Amazon while it's free! I will post the links for you while it is still available at the end of this blog! (also join my Facebook Page where I occasionally post the links for free books I come across)

I enjoyed Awakened so much, I immediately purchased and delved into the next novel in the Vampire Awakening Series called 'Destined'. Stay tuned for that review.

Now maybe I do like this book more simply because it's a vamp read I can really sink my teeth into, but that's okay! It may have cracked the door open enough for me that I may try another Vampire series out. (Maybe. We'll see. Don't hold your breathe....are you laughing at me and my aversion to Vampires?...Bite Me....)

Why don't you grab a copy and see what you think for yourself?

Happy Reading!

Awakened for Kindle:
http://www.amazon.ca/Awakened-Vampire-Awakenings-ebook/dp/B008S2DDU6

Awakened for Kobo:
 http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/awakened-7