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Ella Awakened

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Strong, independent, willful Ella Fitzgerald is changing, evolving – Awakening. Her life hasn’t always been easy and predictable, but never in her wildest dreams could she have imagined the twist it was about to take. Nausea and headaches lead to heightened senses and unimaginable bursts of strength and speed. A gorgeous stranger appears, claiming to have answers but wanting something in return. She finds herself torn between the normal life she’s always known, a love unlike anything she’s ever imagined, and an evil that she alone can defeat.
This is a new adult paranormal romance containing some language, violence, and sexuality. It is intended for mature readers.

216 pages, Paperback

First published November 13, 2012

4 people are currently reading
332 people want to read

About the author

S.E. Duncan

2 books19 followers
S.E. Duncan knows excitement. In 1994 she graduated from the U.S. Navy Gunner's Mate A School - the first female to do so after combat rates were opened to women. She traveled extensively with the military to places like Russia, Romania, Italy, Greece, France and Spain, just to name a few. Her dearest accomplishment was participating in a project collecting tiny sea turtles to be released when they had grown and had a better chance of survival. After meeting her sexy, bad-ass soul mate (who still travels the world defending freedom), she laid her weapons down and picked up a few books. She is a graduate of Old Dominion University. She currently lives in Virginia with her husband, two children, and a variety of trouble-causing critters. Between working, hanging out with a den of cub scouts, and taxiing her beautiful children around; she somehow managed to fulfill her dream of becoming an author. "Ella Awakened" is her first book. The sequel to "Ella Awakened" - "Ella Provoked" is expected out in late fall of 2013

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5 stars
31 (36%)
4 stars
25 (29%)
3 stars
23 (26%)
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5 (5%)
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2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Delta.
1,959 reviews24 followers
May 18, 2014
Ella was suffering strange symptoms...

Ella Awakened has a great action/adventure PNR plot with hot romance. The novella does end with a bit of a cliff hanger, so I sure hope the sequel, Ella Provoked will be out soon!

Unaware of her otherworldly heritage and destiny...

University junior, Ella Fitzgerald, doesn't know that she isn't fully human. Her father, a warrior from another planet, became stranded when he and his friend, Burke Gellar, pursued a murderous demon through a portal between their world and Earth. Ella's father and human mother died in a car accident when she was ten and before she learned anything of her heritage.

Suddenly awakened to a new life, love, and mission...

Youth of Ella's father's race mature in the days preceding their twentieth birthday in a process called "awakening." Burke has been watching Ella grow from afar to protect her and also to watch for signs of her awakening. Once awakened, Ella would have superior speed, strength, and other gifts that would equip her to help Burke finish the mission of destroying the serial-killing demon.

Will she and Burke survive the coming battle?

Ella and Burke quickly become a team in every sense of the word, and steamy romance and adventure ensue. If you like PNR-action-adventure, I highly recommend S.E. Duncan's Ella Awakened.
Profile Image for Char ღ Denae.
985 reviews92 followers
December 31, 2012
Oh my God!!! This sucks!!!! LOL!! I was totally into this book and then I find out that the next one doesn't come out until LATE FALL 2013!!!! Ugh!!! I hate waiting.... *whine*whine*whine* Hee hee!

This is a really great read, though!! It was nothing like I expected. Reading the blurb, I expected Ella to be a vamp but she turned out to be something else, entirely. The story sucks you in from the first page. You're constantly trying to figure out what's going on in the beginning, then, once you're in on the plot, the intrigue keeps you reading. You want to know what's going to happen next and then, the end just throws you for a loop!

Very original sci-fi/paranormal/romance. There's even some nice sexy times, so a little something for everyone. A definite keeper!!
Profile Image for Emily.
1,261 reviews
February 26, 2013
4.5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. I'm looking forward to reading ELLA PROVOKED this coming Fall.

The ending was great, and left just enough of a cliffhanger without totally frustrating the reader out, but instead boosting their anticipation. I became totally engrossed in the story, and quickly fell in love with the characters.

This is the first contemporary paranormal romance that I've read that deals with both aliens and demons, and I liked the combination very much. I'm anxious to see what happens next.

This is an adult romance...not ya. The author recently switched the genre to "new adult," which is an 18+ category. There are some "fan-yourself-inducing-moments" that are quite steamy; yes, steamy in a good way. The love scenes are sensual and spicy. Hot. Hot. Hot.
76 reviews
December 1, 2013
I picked up this book shortly after it was released on the recommendation of a friend, who knows the author. I downloaded it while on special for free and hadn't gotten around to reading it until recently and to be honest, downloaded it without even reading a description. It took me a little while to get into the book and I wasn't really sure how I felt about it. But as it got more into the meat of the story, I was hooked. It is not a "typical" story in that it is very unique compared to the other books I've read as to the characters and story line. I was so disappointed when I got to the end and realized it was part of a series. I immediately wanted to pick up the next book to continue reading.
Profile Image for Joy.
1,591 reviews11 followers
April 9, 2015
I thought this could be interesting because it's a sci fi romance novel.

Ella is a college student when suddenly she falls dangerously ill. She is cared for by a complete stranger named Burke, who turns out to be an alien and her father's best friend. She is turning into an alien herself and the two of them become "Hutsool" which is kind of a life mate.

I would have liked to rate this higher but the writing just wasn't the best and seemed a bit shaky. It also is really convenient that Burke and Ella are "made for each other" and everything. I did find the character of the Demon to be interesting.
Profile Image for Brandy.
Author 8 books33 followers
May 7, 2013
This book had more positives than negatives and I did enjoy it. The characters are likable. The story has an original themes. I really like Ella. She's a strong character who doesn't need someone to take care of her.

While the theme itself was original some elements of the story were cliched. Also, I didn't like that the story really didn't have a climax. It's the beginning of a series so its forgivable.

Overall, I liked the book more than I disliked it. I'll be sure to read the next one.
Profile Image for Sarah.
633 reviews
January 18, 2013
I was pleasantly surprised by this mature young adult book (emphasis on mature hah). I read it in one day and was happy to see at the end that there will be another one. There were certainly times I was reading thinking, "this can't be the only book..." so I can only hope the next comes soon! The style of writing wasn't my favorite but the story kept me entertained and I loved the characters. Couldn't ask for more!
Profile Image for Samyann.
Author 1 book84 followers
August 31, 2013
What a fun story! The ending will certainly have you anticipating the follow-up. A real cliff=hanger!

S.E. Duncan starts with a page turning event and doesn't quit. The relationship between her two lead characters blossoms quickly and it is a fun ride. There's what every author strives to accomplish, capturing the attention of the reader and holding on through each scene.

Nicely done, can't wait for the sequel!
12 reviews
January 21, 2015
First of a series...

I generally don't buy books that have a sequel, and was unaware this was a series until I got to the last page. It seems like it could have been wrapped up in another 20 pages, so I was surprised when it ended so abruptly. There were several unnecessary sex scenes. Otherwise, well written with no grammatical errors that I noticed. I appreciated that it was supernatural without being the overplayed vampire/zombie/werewolf storyline.
Profile Image for Hilary Powers reyes.
6 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2012
I love sci-fi. And I love pop culture romance. Ella Awakened is a lovely marriage of both. I was turned on to this book by a friend, and I'm grateful! It had its own universe, but it's not so involved to where you have to learn a new word for everything. Immersive, but not overwhelming.

I can't wait to hear more about Ella and Burke! Hurry up and wrote Ella Provoked already! :)
Profile Image for Joshandkim Watkins.
1 review
December 4, 2012
I currently read Ella Awakened. I loved it so much i was able to finish reading it in a few days. I could not put it down. You can not help but grow to love Burke and Ella. You will get drawn into this book and get attached to each and every character. i was very sad when i got to the last page and can not wait until the next one comes out.
Profile Image for JenRider.
144 reviews23 followers
December 26, 2012
I don't know hot to tag this book.. As paranormal or as romance... Either one can't cover it.. WOW.. that's the word that express my opinion on this book.. WOW... At the beginning I thought what is this book?? I didn't get it.. But at the end I could only say when does the next one comes out?? WOW..
Please give us something for the next book..
Profile Image for Kat.
682 reviews9 followers
October 12, 2013
What a fantastic first novel by S. E. Duncan.

What a great story which flows so easily. What a cliffhanger and I can't believe I have to wait for the next book.

Ella is a strong and independent college student but her body is changing, evolving, Awakening.

Burke appears out of nowhere, he can help Ella but will Ella let him??

I loved this book and would recommend it.
Profile Image for anne pavlish.
283 reviews2 followers
January 29, 2015
What's next?

Loved the story and the characters. Moved at a fast pace. Just when things are getting good and coming together the author throws in a spoiler. Ms. Duncan really wants you to read her next book or she can't figure out how to end this one within so many pages. That's why I gave it a three star rating. I don't get books that are left undone like this one was.
Profile Image for Tracie Douglas.
Author 53 books362 followers
February 17, 2015
I really loved this book. The only downfall for it....I cannot find the second to the series? Has it even been released? It said Fall of 2013 in my book and it's current Feb 2015....I cannot find it anywhere. Someone, anyone, if you have information regarding the second book, please help a girl out!!! Desperate to see how this story ends!!!
Profile Image for Zoe.
339 reviews32 followers
December 7, 2012
A good,solid story and well thought out.it was a little scatty at times but I sill really really enjoyed it. Very unique with a great plot. Characters are great, I would have liked get to know them better. It took me a little while to really connect with them. Enjoyable and pleasant surprise x
Author 7 books51 followers
February 14, 2013
Great read! Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. Great storyline, and the paranormal part was handled very well! I look forward to spending more time with the characters and find out what happens next. Now I sadly have to wait for the second one...
Profile Image for Laurie Nahrebecki.
1 review2 followers
December 2, 2012
This book will hold your interest from the very beginning!! I didn't want to put it down and can't wait for the other books to follow it!!
Profile Image for Sam.
Author 46 books185 followers
February 13, 2013
Easy to read, sweet story, but I'm still waiting for the real kick! Liked it!
1 review
January 19, 2013
This was the best book! I can't wait for the second one to come out. I know it will be just as good as the first. Was not like the normal romance books and that's a good thing!
Profile Image for Laura Pascucci.
Author 1 book2 followers
February 23, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. The characters drew me in from the beginning, and kept my interest throughout the book. The ending left me waiting for the sequel! Can't wait!
Profile Image for Kristine Anema.
39 reviews2 followers
September 18, 2013
It was a quick read. The ending was unexpected. I like how Ella is independent and am excited to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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