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The Hunted #1

Once Forbidden

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When Devlin Wilkes sees Sarah Hart horribly disfigured by a fire, he knows that he can save her--but it's Forbidden.

Dare he put her on the radar of the Hunters and his own Vampire Council?

He's torn between wanting her safe--and wanting her heart.

The Hunters feel it's their obligation to find and kill every vampire. Should he stay away from her--or make her his and risk their wrath?

Book One in THE HUNTED Series.

Once Bitten will be released this month, and book three, Once Hunted, this fall.

This edition has been entirely re-edited since its original release in 2009.

76 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2009

26 people are currently reading
174 people want to read

About the author

Hope Welsh

28 books161 followers
I write books. I've always been a writer. I know it's cliche but I started writing almost as soon as I learned to read. I wrote a play for school--in the third grade--that they put on for Christmas that year. I've never quite forgiven my sister for getting married that night. I missed my own production!

I've worked in various fields throughout my career. I was a cop, EMT, photographer, journalist, high school English teacher for special education, and most recently, a published author.

I enjoy using the skills I've learned in those jobs in my writing. A little less research is needed when I write books with police or medical information.

I love to hear from readers and other writers. I can be reached on Twitter at @HopeWelsh and my blog at http://hopewelsh.blogspot.com or my website at http://hopewelsh.com

Authors write because they have a story to tell. They publish to tell you their story. Please be sure to leave a review when you read a book you enjoy. We do appreciate it, I promise.

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5 stars
31 (34%)
4 stars
21 (23%)
3 stars
23 (25%)
2 stars
6 (6%)
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9 (10%)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
July 25, 2013
Devlin he's kind of a bad boy, I must say I was likin' it, "for this woman though, he considered the forbidden anyway. She was special - and not simply because she was one of the Chosen." He also doesn't really care about rules, "yes, he had the answer. He'd make her his - to hell with what the Elders would say." Sarah even though Devlin comes to her in her dreams the girl is totally head over heels in love with the vampire, "sometimes he made love to her slowly and gently. Sometimes he was rough and demanding...but always, he made sure that she found as much pleasure as he did." See that is the type of man we all need ladies! You can tell how much Devlin loves Sarah the boy would move Heaven and Hell for her if she asked, "tell me what you're afraid of, love. I don't think you're afraid of me. I would never cause you harm." There's an easiness about Devlin when he and Sarah are together, "no I haven't - well, not much. I'm sure I only yelled when you tried to brain me with a hammer. Remind me to never make you truly angry with me." This book was a quick read, it was fun, there was lots of sex (can't go wrong there) and it was an easy read.
Profile Image for Carol.
198 reviews
December 17, 2012
This short book (13 chapters) was a pleasant surprise. At first I thought it to be one of those where the heroin says, "Oh, so you're a vampire, cool!" No shock. No disbelief. But Sarah is a Chosen. As a Chosen, she has a sense of the supernatural and has always believed in the existence of other beings. So, it comes easier for her and it doesn't upset me too much.

Devlin, more than 100 years old, senses Sarah because she is a Chosen and potential mate. He watches her; fells in love with her. He comes to her in her dreams and makes her fall in love him too. This is where I wish it could have got a little deeper. Good sex is good but good sex is not true love.

The ending. It just ended. I'm hoping the next book, ONCE BITTEN, will answer some of the questions that were left unanswered, and will continue with Sarah has she learns all about her new world.

If your a fan of PNR, this is a nice way to spent an afternoon.



Profile Image for Lady.
1,185 reviews11 followers
August 24, 2013
This book is definitely adults only fare. There are major erotica tones but there is a definite and true plot. I think people tend to forget that in true erotica the sex is the story and that is really not the case here. There is a very good plot and likeable characters. Too many authors today are being classed as erotica when they really aren't. Yes this book has loads of sex but only as it applies to the plot. Personally I think maybe a prequel is in order to give a bit more back story on the world but I think the characters are well represented :) It kinda made me think of real life ... where you meet someone knowing nothing and little by little you learn more about them. I find this a very refreshing take on writing and look forward to reading more of this series :) If you are into vampires that have their own mythos (not the Dracula thing) and aren't squeamish about *gasp* sex scenes... this is the book for you!
Profile Image for A. Dinsmore.
Author 11 books15 followers
July 27, 2012
Once Forbidden is a quick read that definitely fits into the 'Guilty Pleasure' category. Vampire Devlin sets his sights on Sarah, one of the Chosen and a woman scarred after rescuing a child from a fire. Some unanswered questions I hope will be covered in the future books in the series and while there are some minor editing issues, the book is over-all well written and they do not stand out enough to make it difficult to read. It was an entertaining piece that I will recommend to friends who are interested in the more erotic reads, because this is a MUCH better selection than others that are out there.
Profile Image for pianogirl05.
81 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2013
I was really enjoying reading this story and then it just ended. It leaves you with a major question unanswered, which unfortunately was the whole reason a certain event occurred in the story. I was disappointed with that fact. I loved the characters of the story, but I don't know that I love them enough to shell out $3.49 for the next book, especially if it is as short as this one. This book was free, but I just do not think it is good enough to justify asking price. And, Chosen one???? For all of the talk about the possibility of being a Chosen one the author doesn't even tell you what that means.
Profile Image for Jessica Adams.
39 reviews19 followers
August 13, 2013
Once Forbidden is a quick read and a guilty pleasure all in one. I have always been a fan of vampire genre, toss in a love story and I'm hooked! Hope puts a new spin on vampires (if that is even possible) and Devlin will make you melt. Sarah has a hard time dealing with life because of the burns she got while saving a child and Devlin is there to help her feel like her old self even if it is just in her dreams, but soon they become too much for her. Devlin realizes even though it is forbidden to change humans she is the one he has to have, but is it worth the risk and danger it puts them both in? I would recommend this book for anyone. Couldn't wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for Jen Cothran.
477 reviews43 followers
September 2, 2015
Sarah is a delight to watch everything unfold with. From her intense dreams to the deliciously erotic reality of Devlin, this story is just too tantalizing to miss. Sarah captured Devlin with her self-less acts and the exterior of her shell does nothing to hide the beauty of her heart and soul. It may have been Forbidden, but that may not stop Devlin from the pleasures he gives Sarah and wanting to make her his. But fate may have other plans for Sarah, or at least not the plans she was ready for. This is a beautiful story of strength, love and acceptance with a whole lotta steamy sexiness throughout. So glad I #oneclicked this erotic paranormal romance. Can't wait for book two!!
Profile Image for Magen McMinimy.
Author 46 books184 followers
March 1, 2013
I don't have a lot to say about this book. It was really just eeh for me.
I didn't feel like there was a lot of substance in the story. I found Sarah to be quite the crybaby and over all I thought there was too much sex with to little story... I know it sounds crazy. I will say that while I wont be picking up the second book in the series, I would pick up something else by the author and give it a go.
Profile Image for Samaris Creech.
376 reviews7 followers
July 30, 2013
I absolutely LOVED this book. It was a fun and fantastic read. Even with just the brief descriptions we had of Devlin I was drooling a little lol. And Sarah was a delight put them both together and you have the perfect combo! Hope Welsh is an amazing writer I actually felt like I was there with the characters even for the naughty parts ;) Can't wait to" sink my teeth" into book 2 :)
105 reviews4 followers
January 25, 2014
this is the first time I have read this author. I definitely like her. the scenes were hot and steamy. the characters meshed well and now I must read the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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