Carnal Sanctuary Book One: Savannah's Awakening (Second Edition): A Dark Paranormal Romance

Carnal Sanctuary #1

by Ellie Sandoval

The car wreck should have killed Savannah. Instead, she has awoken to a dark and steamy world filled with immortals, fae, vampires, werewolves, and witches. She may be immortal, too, but the hunky billionaire who owns the opulent mansion overlooking Astoria, Oregon, certainly is. For the first time in her life, Savannah feels safe, then she learns there are forces in the world who want to corrupt and harm people like her. Like the ancient goddess Lilith and her Lilin huntresses. Welcome to Carnal Sanctuary .

If you like spice, PNR, immortals, billionaires, fae lovers, sex witches, handyman werewolves, succubi/incubi, and Lilith, then the world of Carnal Sanctuary is for you.

★★★★
“This book is filled with hot, hot, hot sex, did I say hot, yes, I did lol.”
—Paranormal Romance Guild

★
“No story, just sex.”
—Rando Goodreads Reviewer

★★★★★
“High heat, fast burn.”
—Cassie, Amazon Reviewer

★★★★
“Wow! I think my Kindle just melted.”
—Goodreads Reviewer

★★★★★
“I was blown away and I’m really looking forward to more books by this author.”
—Madeline, Goodreads Reviewer

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Dark, Erotica, Paranormal Romance, Magic

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2020

About the author

When the twenty-something author isn’t watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer or reading mountains of Urban Fantasy, Steampunk, and Erotica novels, she’s writing her own stories with all those elements! Ellie began writing at a very young age and has won several awards and scholarships for her stories—but what she really wants to write is the type of paranormal erotica you are now holding in your hand. She can’t wait to give you more.

Carnal Sanctuary is Ellie's debut novel. You can read more about her and her novel in this issue of The Under-Heel: https://issuu.com/erinelson6/docs/202...

Ellie is also the author of the Lord Primcock erotic steampunk series and The Dragon-Shifter Diaries. Both series are designed to be serialized and loosely connected. The Audible audiobook for Lord Primcock's "The Vanity Mirror" is available now on Audible: https://adbl.co/2BtRm9e . You can review a sample of this audiobook and others on Ellie's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/_oIRXbCJgGQ

For more about Ellie and her writing, please read the Literary Vixen interview at https://bit.ly/3eBR4LQ

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah has always been a sensual being and she loves showing her body as a stripper. She's sure that something is watching her, stalking her. Sure enough, two pale women enter the strip club, her flight response kicked in and she ran. After crashing her car into a guardrail, she knew this was the end. But she wakes up in a strange place, with no one around except for a nurse who is tending to her wounds from the accident. She's overcome with carnal thoughts and her awakening has begun. This story introduces some of the main characters, in this series, very effectively. It's obvious that there's a slow burn developing between Roman and Savannah but, other than a quick touch or gaze, it's been hands off. One thing Savannah does know is that she feels that this is the place where she belongs. The narration is very well done by Hannah Altagracia. She brings each character to life with a distinct voice and personality. 

[Ellie Sandoval · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you have reviewed the serialized novel or not, we would love to get your review of this full and expanded novel on Goodreads, Amazon, and Bookbub. Please contact me if you would like an ARC for review purposes. Thank you so much!

[Ashley Zwieg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down. I love PNR Romance, and this books satisfies my love for it. I highly recommend reading it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ellie Sandoval has done a remake of the Savannah's Awakening series and Carnal Sanctuary is up first.


The story is told from a third person narrative which I'm not accustomed to but I found that it didn't bother me. Unfortunately, I did have issues with the characters' actions. At times things were fine then a scene would pop up and the characters' actions or thinking felt weird. Things didn't fit right. Because of this, I couldn't connect to the characters, so I have no feelings one way or another. However, I will say it was an interesting mix of personalities. Plus, something was going on with a character or a group of characters, I can't tell and neither can MFC Savannah. It was one of those "purposefully confusing" moments.


On a better note, the story (minus a few weird scenes) was interesting, it's one of those plots where I have absolutely no idea what's going on. There were a lot of weird and mysterious things going on but I couldn't pinpoint exactly what was happening. There were immortals and all types of supernaturals, a sketchy supernatural history, bad breakups, amazing hook-ups, and some mythology come to life. Not to mention a lot of sexual tension and a lot of sex. I like that I could quite figure out what was going on. There's the Lilin, possible assassination attempts, and a nice touch of magic. Those elements were great, Sandoval did a good job bringing them together.


I'm a bit conflicted. The story had weird moments, especially towards the end (there were a few scenes I could do without) and the characters I just could connect to. However, the plot has potential, and the supernatural and mystery elements were good. I love a dark story and this series seems to have possibility and who knows how the second book will go. I could be willing to give things another shot.

[Amanda Ruthenberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book.

Savannah has to be the horniest FMC I’ve read about in a book. She’s constantly trying to have sex with everyone she meets. With that being said, the first few chapters felt a little rushed, but the storyline was intriguing. I’m interested to see where the story goes from here.

[Kimberly · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf … it tried too hard to be sexy and just ended up sounding shallow & vapid. I’m not a fan of books that constantly state how beautiful, gorgeous or hot the main character is. I think there was potential in the plot but the writing was too base.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great paranormal erotica read!

The cast of immortals, fae, werewolves, witches and more make this paranormal erotic romance one that you would love to read!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

ALC given by author to review.
Savannah is very aware of her sexuality and not ashamed of it. Parts are super hot and steamy.
Something was waiting for her but things get weird when after a car accident causes her to blackout and wake up in a mansion with a lot of sexy shifters surrounding her with servants that will do get anything for her.
The story does get better over time but could be developed and started better.
Not a huge fan of the narrator of the audiobook and I do think it should have been rewritten slightly for better flow for audiobook.
Has so much potential in this writer/audiobook will keep an eye out for Ellie Sandoval.

[Peaceful · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author asked me to read her book and leave an honest review.

Talk about an awakening! Savannah is a very self aware, confident in her sexiness, and is very sexual aware and active. But something is going on. It was interesting to see her accept her new life and it seemed once she accepted it she was aware to this whole new world. The story line was intriguing and the steamy scenes were on fire.

[Ryssa Elyse · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, if you’re NOT into spicy reads, this is NOT the book for you! Second, if you ARE into spicy reads, make sure you know your spice limits! There is definitely plot to the story, but I will say that there is also a lot of spice: some understandable for the plot and some not so much. The plot of the book is actually what caught my eye and interest. However, the amount of spice did take away from it at times. The concept of this book had a LOT of potential. So much so, that I could easily see a series being made of it and to be honest, I could even see it being a sort of paranormal tv show too! I was excited for the mystery and to learn who/what certain characters were and what their motives are and then as soon as I’d start trying to piece things together, there’d be characters trying to go at it for no reason lol. The author DEFINITELY knows how to write a spice scene, I will give them that! But personally, I’d love to see a more plot-focused project from her with less spice like maybe a dark romance, suspense, or physiological thriller even! Personally, I just didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I genuinely believe she has much more to offer and I hope we get to see her grow as an author on the pages! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessie griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ this book is amazingly spicy and defiantly spice that I could use in my life. I actually really enjoyed this book and the plot that being said let me explaine why I am giving 4 stars I want to give it 4.5 but Goodreads doesn’t let you do a half star. I loved the book I loved the story. The only reason why I put it at 4 stars was because on occasion it was hard to follow and I had to go back and reread a page or two. The only other thing that was difficult for me was I couldn’t really put myself in Savannah’s shoes. I loved how the story was told with the inner dialogue but I still had a hard time relating to savannah. Of course that most likely could be because I’m not immortal and I don’t have said desires. I would like to have more background on savannah so that I can better understand her character. That being said if you love smut read this book it is wonderful because it’s is smut but there is a story with it.

[Chiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

What in the world have I just read???

It was..... awesome! This book is the THE smuttiest book I have ever read and I have loved every part of it.

The first few chapters were a bit strange, with Savannah having visions and stuff, but everything, or almost everything was explained along the book. She has to be the horniest charachters I have ever read, she's always trying to get it on with basically anybody who breathes.

Someone said the plot is non-existand and I disagree. It was quite interesting. It's a plot you have no idea what's happening, a lot of mysterious and supernatural events, but that's the beauty of these books.

Now I need to read the revised book 2!!

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting….

Ummm I don’t know how to feel about this book. It’s most definitely spicy. It has a ton of potential. However I was utterly confused most of the book. Also kinda feel sick at how Savanna would sc*ew or try to literally anyone, but Roman didn’t blink an eye at it and said he two end up seemingly m0nogamous at the end of the book. Half of me wants to continue to book two to see if any answers are revealed but I don’t think I will.

There’s a lot going on in this book. Tons of FF scenes. Light BDSM and a femdom (neither with hero or heroine). Lots of Fae. There’s vampires and shifters and seemingly some type of ancient gods.

Still unsure exactly what species Savana and Roman are. Who was behind the gloryhole?

[• Dan reads books • · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun read!

If you’re looking for something paranormal with spooky vibes and a lot of smut and some, please read this, you don’t get disappointed!

Savannah it’s such a fun character and horny as hell but my girl knows what she wants and believe me… she take it! And Roman it’s so mysterious and gorgeous that yep we get the hype hahaha

I had a pretty fun time🙌🏽

[Elena Lueraharris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay but this book is literally the 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ i need in my life ! Had the chance to be an ARC reader, and honestly it couldn’t have been a better book to read!! I definitely was living through Savannah as I followed her journey (and tryna get her good good 🥴). But anyways this story flows so well and is beautifully written, and it was my first real paranormal story! Needless to say I will be definitely adding Ellie as one of my fave authors.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story line in this book. We have some interesting situation's that Savannah tends to get herself into. She has an enemy that she doesn't even know she had until things start happening to her in her dreams. I am anxious to continue this series to see what other interesting things will be happening to her.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shannon Zell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! It sort of reminds me of a fairytale that is spicy, steamy and hot! I loved all of the characters and the way they meshed really well together. There were some strange steamy scenes, but I was all for it! I really enjoyed it!

[Amanda Goodell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the SMUT-iest book I've ever had the privilege of reading! Savannah is a very *ahem* interesting FMC. Loved the book and ask the revisions, it really helped it flow better. Can't wait for the next one!

[Leslie Twitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carnal Santaury is a suspenful page turner. From the first chapter you feel like your with Savannah. A great fantasy read. Easy to read with great storyline.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DMA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the world building in this and the characters. There is a lot of hot sexual scenes which kept the heat level high. However I found the writting style rather odd and the story didn't really flow for me but I still did enjoy it.

[Tara Bright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this! It was definitely spicy, the addition of fae, witches and immortal characters gave the story some unique twists. The fmc was definitely in control of her sexuality, and had no problem taking what she wanted. I’m interested in seeing how her story with the mmc progresses.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Carrie Hayhurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me right from the beginning! It was a good blend between romance and fantasy!! The writing was good and the spicy was 🌶️🌶️🌶️. Over all it was a great read!

[Sarah Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a lot of steam, and I mean a lot. So if you love that type of books. Give this one a read. I was a little confused in the beginning, but I feel like that's how the author wanted you to be like. Because the MFC is confused too and this helps you understand how she was and how it feels to learn everything. Mind you, I'm still questioning certain things. Like I want to know the answers to them.

I feel like I will get most if not all the them answered in book two. I did like this book a lot. It's a lot of mystery, immortals, and honestly depressing stuff. I didn't expect to read about Kyle, but when I did I felt so bad for the kid. I would hope they let Savannah know what happened to him. But like I said. There a lot of steam in this book with mythical creatures. I liked it a lot and can't wait to read book 2.

[Genoveva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please check all CW and TW before starting this one. Before reading this one I had see another review that rated this low and stated this was a story of just smex with no plot lol. This made me run even quicker to this one. While yes this one is filled with spice the plot if very much plotting and kept me pulled into Savannah's story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tabitha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad for a book that the author prefaces with what amounts to a “debut novel disclaimer”: “ I’m a different writer than when this story began, so revising and expanding it made sense.” I don’t know what the previous edition was like, but I certainly did not hate this one. I was left with questions after the wrap-up, but the narrative seemed to acknowledge that some things were left purposely unanswered, so I was comfortable letting it go for now and wishlisting the next book for later.

The characters in this novel are relentlessly horny and unabashedly bisexual. Most of the FMC’s encounters in the book are actually with other women, while she weirdly pines over the MMC with a sort of claim-staking possessiveness that I am not sure he really deserves, since he seems really unnecessarily secretive. Sure, he gives her his whole life story the first time they talk, but the man is also 8,000 years old, which means he can basically talk for hours about all the interesting wars he’s been in, historical events he’s witnessed, books he’s read, and people he’s known without ever giving away any really juicy secrets, y’know? And a lot of times when he’s given the opportunity to tell the FMC the truth, he doesn’t, even though her spidey senses and emotional intelligence gives away the game almost immediately, like with the “business trip” and the necklace.

I thought there were too many over-the-top references to the FMC’s good looks. I kept waiting for the reveal that she was actually the goddess of sex and lust or something, because that was the only way I could make it make sense. I’m not convinced that hot people actually spend that much time thinking about their flawless skin, toned butts and taut tummies while they’re getting dressed for dinner. Eh, maybe a LITTLE bit of “damn I make this dress look good” is warranted, but pepper it in, don’t overseason!

[Glitter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was stunning! I didn’t expect the twists from the beginning to each flip the entire story on its head! I was supremely impressed and can’t wait to read more. Also, I love the two epilogues!

[Lauren Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carnal Sanctuary: Savannah’s Awakening, is the perfect opening book in a spicy PNR series. In a world where she’s never felt safe, Savannah (FMC), a human with no knowledge of the existence of a paranormal community, realizes she’s an immortal after surviving a horrific accident. I loved seeing Savannah’s journey as a new immortal as she grew into a stronger more confident version of herself. Roman (MMC), an immortal who has been around for centuries takes her under his wing along with his family of paranormal creatures. The paranormal secondary characters include fae, werewolves, witches, and many others. The villain of the story, Lilith, is based on the folklore with a creative twist making an original, terrifying, antagonist. I don’t want to say too much about Lilith; the reveals are so good and need to be read to be appreciated. Sandoval wrote each character with so much detail and depth staying true to each paranormal’s unique traits to create fully rounded characters. Even though I can struggle to visualize characters/ events, Ellie describes everything so well I could picture them without effort. There is lots of spice, immortals have an increased appetite for everything. The spice fits the storyline well and both are balanced. The ending managed to be both heartwarming and devastated at the same time. There are several mysteries left that I can’t wait to see answered in the future novels. I personally don’t love when a novel in a series ends with everything tied in a perfect bow.. if it’s ongoing I need something to pick at in my mind until I read the next book. If you love PNR with lots of spice and mystery, definitely check out Carnal Sanctuary: Savannah’s Awakening.

[Lauren Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carnal Sanctuary: Savannah’s Awakening, is the perfect opening book in a spicy PNR series. In a world where she’s never felt safe, Savannah (FMC), a human with no knowledge of the existence of a paranormal community, realizes she’s an immortal after surviving a horrific accident. I loved seeing Savannah’s journey as a new immortal as she grew into a stronger more confident version of herself. Roman (MMC), an immortal who has been around for centuries takes her under his wing along with his family of paranormal creatures. The paranormal secondary characters include fae, werewolves, witches, and many others. The villain of the story, Lilith, is based on the folklore with a creative twist making an original, terrifying, antagonist. I don’t want to say too much about Lilith; the reveals are so good and need to be read to be appreciated. Sandoval wrote each character with so much detail and depth staying true to each paranormal’s unique traits to create fully rounded characters. Even though I can struggle to visualize characters/ events, Ellie describes everything so well I could picture them without effort. There is lots of spice, immortals have an increased appetite for everything. The spice fits the storyline well and both are balanced. The ending managed to be both heartwarming and devastated at the same time. There are several mysteries left that I can’t wait to see answered in the future novels. I personally don’t love when a novel in a series ends with everything tied in a perfect bow.. if it’s ongoing I need something to pick at in my mind until I read the next book. If you love PNR with lots of spice and mystery, definitely check out Carnal Sanctuary: Savannah’s Awakening.

[Lauren Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carnal Sanctuary: Savannah’s Awakening, is the perfect opening book in a spicy PNR series. In a world where she’s never felt safe, Savannah (FMC), a human with no knowledge of the existence of a paranormal community, realizes she’s an immortal after surviving a horrific accident. I loved seeing Savannah’s journey as a new immortal as she grew into a stronger more confident version of herself. Roman (MMC), an immortal who has been around for centuries takes her under his wing along with his family of paranormal creatures. The paranormal secondary characters include fae, werewolves, witches, and many others. The villain of the story, Lilith, is based on the folklore with a creative twist making an original, terrifying, antagonist. I don’t want to say too much about Lilith; the reveals are so good and need to be read to be appreciated. Sandoval wrote each character with so much detail and depth staying true to each paranormal’s unique traits to create fully rounded characters. Even though I can struggle to visualize characters/ events, Ellie describes everything so well I could picture them without effort. There is lots of spice, immortals have an increased appetite for everything. The spice fits the storyline well and both are balanced. The ending managed to be both heartwarming and devastated at the same time. There are several mysteries left that I can’t wait to see answered in the future novels. I personally don’t love when a novel in a series ends with everything tied in a perfect bow.. if it’s ongoing I need something to pick at in my mind until I read the next book. If you love PNR with lots of spice and mystery, definitely check out Carnal Sanctuary: Savannah’s Awakening.

[Lauren Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carnal Sanctuary: Savannah’s Awakening, is the perfect opening book in a spicy PNR series. In a world where she’s never felt safe, Savannah (FMC), a human with no knowledge of the existence of a paranormal community, realizes she’s an immortal after surviving a horrific accident. I loved seeing Savannah’s journey as a new immortal as she grew into a stronger more confident version of herself. Roman (MMC), an immortal who has been around for centuries takes her under his wing along with his family of paranormal creatures. The paranormal secondary characters include fae, werewolves, witches, and many others. The villain of the story, Lilith, is based on the folklore with a creative twist making an original, terrifying, antagonist. I don’t want to say too much about Lilith; the reveals are so good and need to be read to be appreciated. Sandoval wrote each character with so much detail and depth staying true to each paranormal’s unique traits to create fully rounded characters. Even though I can struggle to visualize characters/ events, Ellie describes everything so well I could picture them without effort. There is lots of spice, immortals have an increased appetite for everything. The spice fits the storyline well and both are balanced. The ending managed to be both heartwarming and devastated at the same time. There are several mysteries left that I can’t wait to see answered in the future novels. I personally don’t love when a novel in a series ends with everything tied in a perfect bow.. if it’s ongoing I need something to pick at in my mind until I read the next book. If you love PNR with lots of spice and mystery, definitely check out Carnal Sanctuary: Savannah’s Awakening.