FORBIDDEN: THE AWAKENING
By Samantha Sommersby
The past two months have been the longest of Byron Renfield’s three hundred and seventy-nine years. After almost four centuries of dedicated service to his clan, four centuries spent in the pursuit of redemption, the powerful vampire did the inexplicable and unforgivable. In an impulsive act of passion he claimed the beautiful Violet Deeds, a human, as his mate.
When Violet found herself stranded on a remote island occupied by the charismatic Byron she never imagined that she would be saving him, but the fiery red-headed psychologist did just that – bringing the immortal to life and introducing him to love.
Now, afraid of retribution from his clan and afraid for Violet’s safety, Byron takes steps to protect them both. But will it be enough? Irrevocably bound together, as the tie between Byron and Violet strengthens they step into one another’s worlds, awakening long buried desires and threatening the balance of society and nature.
A kidnapping, and underground world of rebel vampires, an elaborate network of elite clansmen led by an ageless prophet, and a rescue mission that will keep you on the edge of your seat all come together perfectly in this thrilling sequel to Samantha Sommersby’s Forbidden: The Claim. An erotic romance you won’t be able to put down, Forbidden: The Awakening will have you begging for more.
Forbidden: The Awakening is the second installment of Samantha Sommersby’s intriguing new take on the vampire tale. We were first introduced to Byron and Violet in Forbidden: The Claim and let me say that I was anxious to pick up where that story left off. While The Claim was more of a tease to get your interest piqued in the coming story, The Awakening grabs hold of your imagination and doesn’t let go, even as the last page is turned.
We return to Byron and Violet’s story as Byron is finally able to rejoin Violet after a two-month long separation. Byron had previously sent Violet away in order to protect her from the possible, if not almost guaranteed, consequences of their mating. He has been working hard to put all the pieces in place in hopes of guaranteeing Violet’s and, by nature of their mating, his own safety. Their reunion is poignant, but their happiness is short-lived as the very people they are trying to be free from find them. The danger that has been circling them closes in and the story gallops along at a fast pace.
Although there is suspense and intrigue as Byron and Violet fight for their love and the chance to have a life together, Samantha Sommersby still manages to inject moments of levity with her intriguing cast of supporting characters who I find myself absolutely adoring. Our hero is also led along on a journey of discovery and redemption as he reevaluates his previous beliefs and starts to form his own values that are contradictory to those he had been taught his whole life. These realizations come as he fights to protect the woman he loves and the future he realizes he needs to survive.
As I said previously, this book was fabulous and a definite page-turner. Samantha Sommersby has a real talent for suspense and intrigue without losing the poignant love story in the process. This one is definitely a keeper and I find myself eagerly awaiting the next installment to Byron and Violet’s story!
Book Rating:

Reviewed by Viscaria