Awakening the Dhampir

The Last Dhampir #2

by Sara Sines

I’ve spent my entire life believing I was in control. I never had any doubts about my future, my goals, or my dreams. I knew exactly what I wanted and how to get it.

Every bit of it disappeared when he decided I should be his blood slave. I no longer had dreams of traveling the world. No more hopes of climbing the ladder of success in my career. No chance to find out if my feelings for Kenrid are real. And no chance to test Damon’s claim that fate put us together.

I couldn’t see my future past the four concrete walls surrounding me.

Could I dare hope that my guys would find me? Or would I have to release the monster inside of me to save myself?

Awakening the Dhampir – Book 2 of The Last Dhampir Series ends with a cliffhanger.
Please check the trigger warnings inside the front cover.

Genres: Vampires, Fantasy, Demons, Romance, Magic, Shapeshifters, Paranormal Romance

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2024

About the author

Sara Sines is the pen name for a Best Selling - Urban Fantasy author who may (or not) be revealed at a later time.
Sara writes romance - fantasy romance, sci-fi romance, contemporary romance, you get it (wink, wink). She might even delve into monster romance at some point in the future.

To find out about special edition hardcovers and new releases, check out her website at
https://chapters-and-charms.com/

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saying this is slow burn would be an understatement. The entire first book was an introduction to everyone, and the action (or what little there is of it) begins in this book. It's a quick read at 216 pages. If I had to write a quick summary, it would be: The Dhampir figures out her new life as this other being and how to be the love interest to several guys.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so thankful this is on a rapid release schedule because my GOODNESS this was incredible!!!! I can 100% say that the cliffhanger is SO worth it!!
I loved the opportunity to explore the world more and dive deeper into the unique dynamics between and among the different groups. I felt like it added much needed, in-depth context to everything that’s happening, and connected the clan to the bigger world around them.
Speaking of dynamics… We got some interesting updates regarding Lorna and her men.👀 The spice is here and it is so good, as promised!!!! (🌶️🌶️🌶️) I’m absolutely cheering for them to explore the bonds more. There were a ton of super sweet interactions which I also loved. It was great to see tremendous character development throughout the storyline, and I felt like everyone really opened up. I’m excited to see even more.
Don’t be upset with the ending, we have one more book to go!!!

[Michelle | the_unexpected_reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: Awakening the Dhampir
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

“Awakening the Last Dhampir” by Sara Sines is the second installment in this enthralling trilogy. The novel picks up with a gripping intensity as Lorna’s life, previously under her control, spirals into chaos. Her harrowing experience after being captured tests her resilience, pulling readers into a dark and compelling journey.

The spice definitely kicks up a notch in the best way, as Lorna’s fate becomes increasingly intertwined with the MMCs. The dynamics between Lorna, Kenrid, and Damon are enthralling. The chemistry between them is fire, and Sines definitely delivers during those spicy scenes.

Sines once again balances plot, character development, and intrigue within just over 200 pages. Despite the brevity, the story is richly layered and well-paced, making it a quick yet satisfying read.

One of the standout elements of this installment is the anticipation it builds for the final book. Nathan’s story is hinted at, leaving readers eager to learn more about his character and his role with Lorna.

Overall, this is a fantastic continuation of the series, combining elements of fantasy, romance, and suspense. Sara Sines has crafted a world that is easy to get lost in, with characters that linger once you put the book down. Can’t wait for the next book!

Thank you to @literaryinspired and Sara Sines for providing me with an ARC to review!

[Danelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's absolutely amazing. I love this series. Please note that this is book 2 in the series, and it is not a stand-alone read.

I love the character development of Lorna. Really done well. What I enjoy the most is that she isn't a 18-20 year that hasn't even started to build a life. This is a 34 year old woman who has built a life, and now has to make decisions about this life she has built and this new life looming in front of her. She can't just jump on a rainbow and run away.

I am a big why choose lover and with most of the why choose the men are all just yes, we share...but with this series even the men are having to come to terms with things their own way and work out how to move forward. I love that, definitely a little different.

I feel this series has the perfect amount of action, drama, and spice. Book 1 was a build-up to what is released in book 2.

Great story. Great flow. Great characters. Just a great series. Can't wait for book 3🖤

[Georgina Prince · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awakening The Last Dhampir
Book two of The Last Dhampir Trilogy
By Sara Sines

Genre: Reverse Harem, Paranormal Romance, urban fantasy 18+

Publication date: 18th June 2024 OUT NOW and available on KU

🌟: 4/5

Yet again thee writing was great and the story kept me reading, the third book is now a must for me I can’t wait to see how it ends.

The 4 boys are all swoony in their own unique ways and I need to know what happens with Nathan, we all know it’s coming 😉

A super quick read at just over 200 pages again it took me two quick sittings and was effortless reading, I’m really enjoying the shorter reads at the moment after being used to huge fantasy Books.

The story and fantasy creature politics are as intriguing as ever, I love the variety of the creatures and their different abilities and magic. The characters are even more likeable and I’m enjoying seeing each of their story arcs and personalities develop. While knowing some spice and the overall romance.

The rapid release for this trilogy of one a month finishing in June just makes it perfect, I love knowing I won’t have to wait long for book 3!

[Cheyyleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I may have to say 2.5. This was a lot of filler and personally the whole book being essentially the kidnapping and drive back was tedious.

[Queen Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I think I liked this one more than the first book! It hooked me from pretty much the beginning and I ended up binge reading this one. Lorna went through so much in this book, that she was finally able to come to terms with her Dhampir. Which like the title says, is now awakened. To make sure that they are both able to survive, her inner Dhampir decides that they are going to work together to make sure that she not only doesn't hurt the men that she is coming to care for but to also not get hunted down. We actually get some real spice in this one! I do hope that we get solo scenes with her and each guy. I like it when you can see the individual relationships between the FMC and the men in harem. When they always just have group scenes it kinda takes away from the personal relationships to me. However I do understand why Lorna is not ready for that yet. I'm ready for all the guys to get on board with what is going on between them all. Of course there is still some obstacles that they have to get through, not just in their harem but also with Lorna and her Dhampir. I can't wait for next month to get here so that we can get the conclusion to this series! It has been so interesting so far! 


The spice in this book was also really good since we finally got to it. Since 2 out of her 4 men are like the sweetest candy buffet for her, there is always someone else with her when she is with them. I really can't wait until she is able to get with one of them in particular. I think that it will be the spiciest one yet and it's not the obvious one either. Then guys are working on ways to get around the fact that they are jealous of each other, which is good since they are definitely all her mates. I give the spice a 3 out of 5. It was nice but I'm ready for more and waiting for one guy in particular to get his chance with Lorna. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and give it a 3 out of 5. I definitely think that everyone should give this series a try.The world seems so interesting and there is still more to see! I can't wait for the last book in this series! Definitely recommend this to anyone who is a lover of why choose romance with men who fight against being with the FMC. It is a mini slow burn but it is worth it so far! 

[Ingrid van Straaten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just received my ARC of 'Awakening the Dhampir' by Sara Sines, and I couldn't be more excited! 🌙✨ A huge thanks to @literaryinspired for organizing this amazing ARC read. Dive into a world where our heroine faces dark forces and uncovers hidden powers. This slow-burn reverse harem is sure to captivate! Who else is counting down to the release on Kindle Unlimited?

What you can look forward to:

🌆 Urban Fantasy
👻 Supernatural Creatures
🔥 Slow Burn
👩 Outsider Heroine
✨ Hidden Powers
🏰 Forced Proximity

LOVED THE SEQUEL! Especially that I didn't have to wait years for it like so many others
I love how Mir now officially has a name and that they realize they are connected and not sperate entities or enemies.
I am very interested to see where this romance takes them

[Kaeleigh Erasmus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down! This was an amazing second book in this thrilling series! Lorna's character is one strong FMC, who definitely questions everything and doesn't just jump at opportunities! I loved her interactions with Mir! They most definitely brought some really good laughs! The banter the guys also bring really just makes this book even better!

This book may not have a ton of world building, but the character arcs are perfection. Each following different ways of dealing with sharing within the harem and their claiming of Lorna. Getting to see how each guy fills a need for Lorna in order to survive and thrive with Mir!

I am so grateful to have gotten to be part of the second book as an ARC reader, thanks to Sara Sines and Literally Inspired! Excited for book 3!

[K’s bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loving this trilogy and writing style of the author. I didn’t want this book to end and impatiently waiting for the final book. The world building and the characters is great and unique. Each character brings something different to the story and group dynamics drawing you in more. The way they’re all helping each other grow to deal with their challenges by revealing stories on how they ended up together is one of my favorite parts. The harem is becoming more established now and the acceptance by them all is endearing while understandably having growing pains. I am extremely curious to see who’s behind everything and how it all comes together! Definitely interested in seeing if we will get a spinoff series or what Sara has in store for us!

[Shere · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better, normally paranormal romantacy is not my thing but I just love this one.

Awakening the dhampir is a fun read, easy to get lost in the characters and the development of their story. Lorna shows strength and perseverance. While each of her men prove their loyalty, ability to love her and cherish her.

The spice does show up in this book and it was worth the wait 🥵 insert chef’s kiss here. Im so happy that this series is a fast release and I get to have the next book soon.

[Lindsey Dzhavadova · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am ridiculously engrossed in these characters and this world Sara has built 😍

Once again, we have another amazing book to this series and it was even better than the first!

I can’t wait for the final book to see where Lorna and the four guys’ relationship goes and discovering who ends up being the one to have kidnapped her. Damon is still my favorite. I love how easily he can read Lorna. But I’m slowly coming to like Elliott a lot more now that he has more of a head on his shoulders and he’s not constantly raging.

Overall, this was a great read and I devoured it in a day. If you’re into supernatural romance with a sprinkle of reverse harem, you’re definitely going to enjoy this book, too!

[Jeanet Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In book two Lorna keeps struggling to come to terms with her new reality.

Her world has been turned upside down. She has discovered she is actually a Dhampir, the last of the kind, and there is a whole supernatural world she knew nothing about.


Lorna has been taken prisoner and has to find a way to escape and return to her men.


Really like the slow build of the relationships even though there is an instant mate connection.


Diving straight into book three.


2🌶️

4⭐

[Bethanie Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gosh!!! I loved seeing Lorna grow more into her new life. And watching the bonds with her guys grow. Good amount of spice but would definitely still call it slow burn. Not happy about a cliffy at the end. But absolutely loved it and can't wait for the last book. Thank goodness for rapid release <3

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
Sara Sines does it again. I love this series and her writing.
Lorna' s character grows and shows so much more of herself. The guys as always are swoon worthy.
I love the relationships between them all. I cannot wait to see Elliot and Nathan's stories develop.

[Emma Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh wow, I definitely enjoyed this book as much as the first! It is another extremely well written and well thought out narrative. There is also still pretty good character development, especially on Lorna's part, she already seemed to have her head screwed on but this book just showed how strong and resilient she actually is. The development of her relationships with the guys was also great to read and with the teaser of that spicy scene....I can't wait to get stuck into the last book!
Would recommend!

[Jessica Martens · Rating 4 out of 5]

action packed! I’m happy some of her mates are official now! bada$$ FMC. my only complaint is that it ended to fast. hoped for a bit longer of a book with more information but i am excited for book 3!!!!

[Devanshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the book!!
I am so glad it's on a rapid release schedule, even if it wasn't the book is worth the wait.

[Danielle Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome 2nd installment of this series with some incredible character development on Lornas part and an incredible steamy scene.. who know such descriptions of Demons could do such things.. can't wait for the 3rd book!!

[Galina Sulaiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dhampir Awakened

Book two was just as amazing as book one. The plot has definitely thickened! I will be chomping at the bit for the next book! Bravo to the author for this work of art!

[Linda Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the growth for Lorna as a character and the continued slow burn of the relationship between her and her mates. The spice did not disappoint....but I want more!!! Come on book 3, we need the entire harem to represent.

[Londyn Strandquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely love that these books are on a rapid release schedule because I did NOT want to wait!

I enjoyed this book and am super excited for the third one! It’s different than books I’ve read before so it kept my interest! Plus SPICE!? There was spice in this book so that was an exciting plus! Plus the character development was A+! Can’t wait to continue this series! 🤩

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awakening the Last Dhampir is the second book in the trilogy by Sara Sines.

Lorna has been kidnapped and doesn’t know if the men who said they would protect, are the ones responsible. Lorna has always been in control of all aspects of her life and now she has lost all that control or so she thinks.

In Awakening the last Dhampir we see the amount of self control that she has. She’s resilience. The character development is 🤌🏻 all their stories is what will make them stronger.

When Damon and Kenrid claim Lorna 🥵🌶️🌶️🌶️ their chemistry is entrancing. Damon is so intuitive and he’s been my favorite since book 1.

I like that we are able to see more of everyone’s personalities. There is so much more to Elliott and seeing him be able to take care of Lorna while she was so vulnerable, tugged at my heart stings. We learn more about Nathan and I can’t wait to hear his story in book three. I’m enjoying the slow burn between Lorna, Nathan and Elliott. Each of them has something different to offer Lorna and they have to figure out how they can make it work. They have to learn more about themselves, since this is new territory and this shows how strong their bond really is.

We are left with another cliff hanging because we do not know who’s after Lorna or why. The suspense!!

🌆 Urban Fantasy
👻 Supernatural Creatures
🔥 Slow Burn
👩 Outsider Heroine
✨ Hidden Powers
🏰 Forced Proximity

[Madeleine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot! The spice was maybe my least favorite part. The slow burn is still in effect just with only half of her harem. The introduction of the castle / home base compound is really nice and expands the cast and depth of the story. Overall it was a quick, fun read but peaked my interest a little less than the first book.

Lorna discovers a lot about herself in this novel. She is kidnapped, starved, exposed (yet resists most temptations), and accepts her bond with 2 of her 4 men. She is also aware that her feeling so strongly for these near stranger men is weird. I like the awareness her character has. She’s stronger than ever, expanding her sexual horizons & letting herself be accepted exactly as she is.

Thank you for letting me read this book as an ARC!! I love getting these opportunities and am very grateful!

[Shalei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just received my ARC of 'Awakening the Dhampir' by Sara Sines, and I couldn't be more excited! This is definitely a different version of some of the things I read. Theres dark forces and hidden powers and a totally different world. This slow reverse harem is sure to captivate!
You can look forward to supernatural creatures, Slow burn, hidden powers, strong FMC, and so much more. I loved this book even though I totally red the books backwards 🤦‍♀️. I am interested to see where this romance takes the characters

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well the gang are all back together again and things have gotten very interesting. We pick up where Lorna is not surrounded by her listing monsters. Say what?! Yep! Poor Kendrid, the fae is working overtime to make things right. Elliot is quiet and working behind the curtains. Damaon, just wants to pound something and Elliot, well he’s just horny as wolf. Mate for life. That’s all I’m saying. The book seems to expanded a little on the gore part. I was hoping to see more of Lorna’s hand to hand combat skills. The book was good. It was fun to read. I look forward to read the next installment.

[MoonLit Inksights · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book one was a lot of world building and laying the groundwork for the characters and the story, but book two really starts getting to the good stuff!!! Lorna, the FMC was really tested here in book two and learned what she was and what that means for her future. As expected, book two did get more spice and the relationship with Lorna's male love interests starts to intensify. In hindsight I wish I could have read all the books together instead of having to wait for the next to be released since they all end on a cliffhanger and you're left dying to know what's next.

[bersabea giudice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mi aspettavo qualcosa di più sostanzioso a livello di trama da questo libro, invece si riduce tutto a Lorna che cerca di gestire il suo dhampir e la sua sete di sangue e i 4 ragazzi che cercano di tenere a bada la gelosia visto che devono condividere la propria compagna tra di loro.
Ai margini della trama vediamo qualche macchinazione, dei fae soprattutto, ma diciamo che la maggior parte del libro si concentra sulle dinamiche romantiche dell'harem.
Mi stupirei molto se il terzo e ultimo libro uscisse da questo binario.
Diciamo che è un libro godibile, breve e molto poco impegnativo.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot thickens. This story builds on the plot from book 1 with good character development, world building and mpov. The story flows well from book 1 and slows down so the underlying plot points can be seen alongside the overaching romance. Whilst this is a slow burn, the physical relationship progression is believable and the spice is hot. I'm eager to read the next and final installment of the Last Dhampir Trilogy.

[Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I loved the first book when reading this series, but it's nothing compared to how much I loved this book! I love that we get to meet Lornas other side in this book and how the guys navigate around trusting her. The relationships, the plot, the style of writing, I'm obsessed even more now!!

If you haven't read a Sara Sines book yet, more specifically this series, run, go pick it up now! I promise you won't regret it!