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Hunger

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The day I went with my soon-to-be stepmother to pick up her son from rehab was the day my entire life changed. Luke wasn’t an alcoholic. He wasn’t a junkie.

He was a former sex addict who was coming to stay with us for a few months while he got back on his feet.

He looked like a rock star. Tattoos, piercings, ripped muscles, and an 'I-don't-give-a-crap' sense of style. He was gorgeous.

He might have broken his addiction in rehab, but the intensity of his gaze told me otherwise. He looked at me like he was on death row and I was his personal choice of a last meal.

I wanted him badly. Badly enough to set up a devious plan to reawaken his hunger.

The plan worked, but not without consequences.

242 pages, Paperback

First published August 24, 2015

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488 people want to read

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Arabella Abbing

30 books90 followers

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5 stars
113 (30%)
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116 (31%)
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93 (24%)
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34 (9%)
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17 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for K.
195 reviews63 followers
April 13, 2016
Not what I was expecting. I have a few bones to pick with this one.
Interesting. <------ True.

The description of this book sounded so…promising. I’m not a big fan of step-anything romance, but hey, I was willing to give this a shot! I’m not entirely sure what happened though.
This book in one sentence: This book was like ordering too many tacos, the first few are delicious and then the rest are hard to eat.

So I will take the blame for this one. The let down I felt about this one was my own damn fault. I read the description and I hyped this up for myself. I really thought I have found a good one too!

description

At first, I loved our main character, Jenna, and I thought she was a real, funny, down to earth girl. Her best friend, Daniel, popped up throughout this novel and the conversations they had made me seriously laugh. She meets her "step brother", Luke, for the first time and he is sarcastic, has tons of tattoos, and has a no care attitude. He is also a recovering sex addict.

And I’m going to cut to the chase. Don’t read what comes next if you possibly plan on reading this, but if you don’t care if my comments may contain “spoilers", then read away because I have a mouthful to say.

My first problem is the blatant disregard for the addiction Luck was trying to overcome. I mean, I’m sure it takes a lot for someone to go to rehab for something they may or may not consider a problem, and the whole time, Jenna doesn’t care and makes a game of it. With the help of Daniel, she pretty much flaunts herself in front of Luke, teasing him in a sense, and trying to get him to give in to his addiction. It was like she was dangling a glass of alcohol in front of a recovering alcoholic without a care in the world. Eh, its just shitty man. But hey, it all worked out for the best for them, so hey!

My second problem is that after a few sex sessions, Luke became instantaneously obsessive and possessive over Jenna. In a way, I’m all for the crazies, but he was not a fun crazy.

“My girl finally got laid!” [Daniel] said loudly as he got out of the car.

“Shut up,” I hissed. “And my god, don’t call me that around Luke. He might punch you.”


description

Your new boo might punch your best friend for saying “My girl”?

Bless. And the best part is that throughout the book Jenna like recognized the ridiculousness of the “relationship” she was in but still went with it. I mean, overall this is one of those books that are easy and quick to read and the story just kinda goes over the top. I will admit that most of the scenes in this book were fire but the story just didn’t do it for me.

Eh, anyway. Other reviews and such HERE
Profile Image for Babel.
2,350 reviews197 followers
September 20, 2015
What a hot surprise! I just loved this so much. Whenever I see the stepbrother label attached to a romance book, all my instincts perk up. I strive for originality too and this tale has it in spades.

First of all, the man is not a bully with a foul mouth and a bad attitude. Don't get me wrong, that works wonderfully well too, yet it can get repetitive. So this man, Luke, is reserved and intense, and actually respectful. Do you think that defeats the hotness purpose? Oh, no, think again. This beautifully tattooed, pierced, ripped man is fresh out of rehab due to his sex addiction. Ah, now you get it ;-)

My advice? Read it, enjoy it as much as I did cause it's delectably enticing and sweetly fun too. The girl in the story lets herself be convinced by her friend to lure Luke into giving in to his wanton desires. Believe me when I say that those games she plays are hot as fire. Especially that truth or dare game. Oh, yes, please.

The romance was quite fast in developing, but it didn't bother me as even the characters acknowledged it too with a bit of trepidation and honesty. I also liked the fact that the author addressed the issue of birth control seriously. The family's reaction is crucial to the plot and made sense. I'm very happy that I found this story as I now have another author to stalk... ehem... adore.
Profile Image for Nadine Bookaholic.
3,730 reviews529 followers
May 15, 2016
I'm on the fence with this one, I enjoyed the story line but I just couldn't connect with Luke and Jenna. The sex scenes were hot but I just didn't feel the chemistry...not sure why. Lots and lots of family angst and Daniel was the ultimate BFF.
I am dying to know more about Daniel and Gregg though....I wonder if they will have a story of their own.

so-so book read image
Profile Image for ✯ baya ✯.
198 reviews
March 28, 2018
I struggled with this one.

I nearly stopped reading in the first chapter because of the poor writing. Everything is over-explained and the authors tries to force conflict where there isn't any (in the beginning). But then I came back here and read the reviews and thought 'okay, maybe it's me' and continued reading.

I'm glad I did because the writing became mildly better (or I got used to it) and the story was very interesting. The main character's best friend was very entertaining and one of the reasons I continued reading. I'm not usually a fan of step-brother romances, in fact I avoid them, but I liked the premise of this one and did have some hot sex scenes and a sweet ending.

The reason for the three stars is that 1. I felt the main character was childish and selfish for wanting to tease a sex addict, 2. she was disrespectful and ungrateful to her dad, 3. the book focused more on the sex than the story (they just HAD to have sex first after the major climax in the story before discussing it) 4. somehow she was a knowledgeable, experienced virgin and I'm getting annoyed with this in books, 5. it wasn't clear if his 'treatment' was successful or if she broke it or what.

So yeh, give it a try. I might check out the author's other books... depends on the blurb and release date (hopefully her writing will get better with later books.).
Profile Image for Gracia.
115 reviews42 followers
November 3, 2020
'2.5'
And that rating is just because the sex was hot (i'm actually thinking of lowering it anyway).But that said, even though I didn't enjoy this book, I didn't totally hate it (But it was bad (I feel like i'm contradicting myself here)).
One of the worst things was the Hero (I don't even remember his name), he is one of the most one dimensional characters i have ever read. He definitely didn't feel like a real person. The other worst thing was the ''sex addiction'', i'm not an expert on that topic but i'm pretty sure that's not how it works. There are other things that contribute to the low rating, of course, but i will leave it there.
There is represantation for queer people (the heroine's male best friend is gay (which is kind of cliche)), but I can't really talk on how accurate or respectful it is.
205 reviews2 followers
December 30, 2021
Very good but....

This was actually a much better read than expected BUT I can't seem to get over this one major flaw *spoliers*


Luke is a sex addict, literally just released from rehab when we first meet him and despite warnings from parents the heroine and her friend decide to tempt him. I mean would you dance around with a bottle of vodka daring your recovering alcoholic friend to have some? God I hope not, yet this is essentially what these guys did and it didn't sit well with me.

Other than that I actually really enjoyed the characters, especially Daniel, for a gay best friend he certainly had his own unique charm.

Overall its a worthwhile read and like I said, much better than I expected.
I would recommend 👌
164 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2017
A great read!

This is a great stepbrother romance with a twist. I wasn't sure what I thought about the devious plan the sister and her friend made to get the stepbrother but I have to admit it was funny. Loved the gay friend Daniel he had me in stitches!
Profile Image for Lucy Roderick.
384 reviews10 followers
May 8, 2023
WOW

This incredible tale of sex addiction and first time sex was written as an emotional tale of love that drags you in and holds you to the very end.
Profile Image for Tammy Hamilton Green.
738 reviews16 followers
September 13, 2015
Up for a round of truth or dare? Will it be HEA or HELL?

This was a surprisingly good read. There are sooo many step-brother romance novels out there it's tough to do something different. Soon to be stepbrother Luke moves in with his Mom and her soon to be husband and his daughter after getting out of treatment. He wasn't a drunk, popping pills, or shooting up. That would be easy to recognize. No, he was a sex addict. This gorgeous, tatted, 23 year old checked himself into rehab when he came to the realization on his own.

Jenna just graduate high school and plans to start an Ivy League college in the fall where she's considering a career in medicine. She's a very innocent young lady with a bright future. Daniel has been her best friend for years, even spending the night from time to time, but no threat to Jenna since it's well-known he bats for the other team.

From the moment Luke and Jenna first meet, the sparks between them are electric, but fortunately her Dad and Luke's Mom don't pick up on it. Luke's Mom has been great to Jenna, who lost her Mother years ago. Despite the sexual tension between Luke and Jenna, it takes coaching from best friend Daniel to help push Luke over the edge.

A sleep over starts with Daniel asking, “Who’s up for a round of truth or dare?” “Now you can ask her anything—something embarrassing if you want—and she has to answer honestly.” “Anything?” “Anything.” Luke finally looked back to me and stared me dead in the eye as he asked, “Are you a virgin?” I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded. “Yes.” Jenna later accepts a dare and it would seem she'll need to find her cleats for base running before someone finally invokes the mercy rule. From that night on, things take an interesting turn between the two. What begins as lust, hot and spicey, develops into something more. What does it mean to each of them? Are they willing to make sacrifices to keep it? Will it be an HEA or HELL for this forbidden love?
1,338 reviews34 followers
October 17, 2015
I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review and here it is.

I've read quite a number of stepbrother romances, but this one certainly had an interesting twist. Jenna, whose father, Bill, is planning to marry his his fiancee, Clara, within the month, has a son, Luke, who will become Jenna's stepbrother. Luke has been in rehab for his sex addiction and has just checked himself out. He'll be spending the summer with Bill, Clara and Jenna at Bill's home. Why Bill permits this is one of the few faults I found with this novel.

Jenna is a virgin, who just graduated high school and is spending the summer at home before heading off to an Ivy League college in the fall. Lucas and Jenna are immediately drawn to one another, and although Lucas tries his best to steer clear of her, Jenna and her gay BFF, Daniel, plot to seduce Lucas, and boy do they ever succeed. While I think their plot to seduce him is less than honorable, given that Daniel and Jenna are only 18, and Jenna is hot to have Lucas, I doubt that honor had much to do with their decision.

My only other complaint about this novel is that I wish the author had spent a little more time developing the emotional side of their relationship. While this is undoubtedly one of the hottest and most sexually explicit stepbrother romances I've ever read, the narrative seemed a bit rushed, and I think that this would have been a 5-star review had Jenna and Lucas been given the time to learn a little more about each other as their relationship progressed, and I believe the novel would have been stronger for that.

All in all, it was a good read, well written, blazing hot and entertaining save for the two minor issues mentioned.
Profile Image for Armenia.
908 reviews17 followers
October 7, 2015
Sexually Addicted Stepbrother

Luke has just checked himself out of rehab, finishing his treatment program for sex addiction. He is soon challenged, though, when he meets his soon-to-be step-sibling, Jenna. Luke’s plan to stay with the new family for the summer seems like a bad idea when he’s living under the same roof with innocent beauty, Jenna. Jenna’s BFF is the totally, irreverent Daniel, and one absolutely hilarious guy. Daniel thinks its time Jenna gets her V card punched, and who better than the movie star gorgeous Luke. Daniel hatches a scheme, for Jenna to follow, in Luke’s seduction. Anyway, what ensues is pretty devious and only manages to sexually torture Luke. But both can’t deny the attraction they feel for each other and emotions run high.

Hunger by Arabella Abbing is a sexually charged story doused with gasoline, it was that flaming hot. From the first page to the end, I was completely engrossed in the story and characters. In fact, I started reading before bed time and couldn’t put it down until I finished and it was not, by any length, a short story. The pacing was fast and the conflicts kept me motivated and focused. Needless to say, the next morning I was beyond tired and staggering around, still thinking about the book. It was well worth it. Ms Abbing has put together great characterization in Hunger and it all seemed to work wonderfully. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this gem of a story.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My rating: 4.5
Profile Image for Tanja.
739 reviews16 followers
September 16, 2015
if you want hot, naughty, dominant, sexy and emotional, then this book will provide it all. their respective parents have moved in together. her dad has agreed that the adult son of his fiance can move in. one look is all it took for her to be in limbo. one moment it's like he's devouring her and another moment he seems so distant. their situation doesn't get easier as she's told that he just came out of rehab, not for drug or booze but he went in for being a sex addict!
she can't help but want him. what starts as a game to poke the caged lion ends up being so much more. will they work through their emotions? how will their future change? what will their parents do?
so much happens between them and once they made that one important step of sleeping together, all divine hells breaks loose. the stamina of that man, no wonder he had to go to rehab daaang!
this being a taboo story will make it a not-for-me-book for some people but if you like a hot steamy read, with a good story to tie it all together you can give this one a shot. it's reads fluently and is well written.

free copy gifted in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Cindy Caron.
1,387 reviews4 followers
October 28, 2015
If you are looking for something a little bit different to read, that is hot and steamy, that touches a few different difficult subjects, and has a happy ever ending...this may be it! The author has given us a "stepbrother/stepsister" romance with a twist. As the story begins, Jenna's dad, Bill, is engaged to Clara, the mother of Luke, who has realized he has a problem and had checked himself into a rehab centre. Jenna is a virgin, and almost put in a glass case by her father, who is very protective. Oh! And we can't forget Daniel...Jenna's best friend, who, by the way, is gay. The moment Luke and Jenna meet, the sparks start to fly. But, Luke is being over cautious and Daniel is cooking up a plan to get his BFF laid this summer.
Ms. Abbing has developed strong characters that will have you drooling before too long. Be prepared to experience many ups and downs as the emotional roller coaster twists and turns. This ride is a rocky one, but well worth the read. It is very well written, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the end. It is a stand alone and gives the complete story...no cliff hangers. Well Done!
Profile Image for Nikki Wilde.
371 reviews5 followers
October 6, 2016
So, this was weird. I didn't hate it but I didn't really like it either. First of all, Jenna meets her soon to be stepbrother while her dad and soon to be stepmom are headed to pick him up from rehab. What sort of rehab you ask? Well, Jenna didn't bother asking. Luke's in rehab for sex addiction. So when they first meet outside rehab and they shake hands, sparks fly!

Jenna doesn't care, she wants Luke. So her and her best friend, Daniel, (who happens to be my favorite in all of this) end up concocting a plan to get Luke into bed. Um, guys? You remember he was in rehab right? For just such a thing. A bit insensitive, don't you think?

Secondly, Jenna doesn't even get to know him. She's sees him, wants him, and plans to bed him. However, what does she know about him? NOTHING. The most we learned and it was Luke learning about Jenna during truth or dare.

The weird part when it gets to Luke being scary, possessive, obsessive, and a bit mysterious. Yeah, what? When would be a good idea to find out why he was in sex rehab? I don't know. It was good for what it was, but if you try to put more thought into it, you're just going to be disappointed.
Profile Image for Lenna  Wright.
3,405 reviews36 followers
September 27, 2015
Worth more then 5 stars. First of all I love Daniel if he wasn't in this book it would be good but with him he help make it what it is. Luke and Jenna are about to become step siblings but what Jenna sees when she firsts meets Luke that he is a stud but doesn't know why he was in rehab for. When she does find out she has mixed feelings but also finds out she is a bit creep out at first at Lukes behavior. When she entrust her secretes to her male best friend Daniel, no worries they are batting on the same team, and Daniel help Jen come up with a plan to break Luke and get the ball rolling. Jen never figured out what she was barging for when her wanted her first time with Luke because he will not give her up easily ever. His mother and her father are very loving towards one another and towards her, no hated in anyone but until the real truth comes out then the crap does hit the fan. I hope in the future there will be a story for Daniel and his romance department. BTW Hunger is Jenna's P.O.V. no one else's.
Profile Image for Heather Anastasiu.
Author 8 books668 followers
March 30, 2016
I was into this book, but kept waiting for the complications I thought were obviously landmines from the relationship that had been set up. A sex-addict starts having sex with an 18 year old right after he gets out of rehab and there's a bit of insta-love, he's a bit obsessive, and no one thinks this is a problem?? Well, the heroine and her friend do for 2.5 seconds, but then...nothing ever comes of it. It's all just, fine and dandy! Normally I get that there are things in romance novels that in real life would be red flags, but this book's set up was just EXTRA insane red flags. If any man says these things to you, it is NOT okay, it will NOT be a HEA in real life. Like, I would have been okay and interested if he'd had the difficulties after rehab and the book had EXPLORED those and his addictive tendencies in regard to his relationship with Jenna, but it was just all glossed over like this relationship could be fine and dandy as is and I was like, what? This is not okay.
2,943 reviews15 followers
September 14, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is not your typical stepbrother romance. I am not sure if Luke fits the true description of a sex addict but I really think Jenna and Daniel's actions were deplorable for manipulating him. I mean really, would it be okay for someone to lure a recovering drug addict or alcoholic back into the addiction they were trying to get over? Having said that, the scheming was brief and then the story became a romance which was refreshing in that it didn't follow the same pattern as most of the other step romances. They don't hook up and then do the endless back and forth, agonizing over their "taboo" relationship, like the majority do. I liked that they were strong in their commitment. The sex scenes were very steamy! I thought this was a really well-written book. It didn't drag in any place and I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Jackie O'Donnell.
474 reviews8 followers
September 15, 2015
I received an ARC copy for an honest review. This is a story of Jenna and Luke who surprisingly fall in love. Jenna's father is going to marry Luke's mother, but before they get married Luke is picked up from rehab and brought home. Jenna had no idea at first that Luke was a sex addict, but once she found out she decided she wanted to lose her virginity to her delicously sexy stepbrother. Jenna and her friend Daniel set out to entice Luke into breaking his promise to stay away from Jenna. But Luke can only stand so many lustful advances and soon he gives the beautiful step sister what she wanted. With their parents fast approaching wedding Luke and Jenna find it hard to keep hiding their building relationship from them. This book is not just about sex, but also a passion of young love and how two people will do anything to be with each other.
Profile Image for Shelly Wygant.
1,328 reviews24 followers
October 2, 2015
This is a great stepbrother read in the fact that Luke is a recovering sex addict. At first I didn't like Jenna had an agenda to get him into bed but I was written in a good way and had a good effect. The sex scenes were not over the top but were steamy enough. The relationship between Luke and Jenna did cause some major problems with their parents and I loved this because that is not usually written in depth in many stepbrother books. What made the book for me was Jenna's BFF Daniel. He had me laughing so hard I was crying. Great characters and a well written story line made this a good book.
I received a gift copy in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for Catherine.
97 reviews12 followers
September 30, 2015
I freakin' love it! Luke is so hot and I love how he's not a jerk like most of the stepbrother genre nowadays. Jen is cool too and I like the fact that she just doesn't easily throw herself to Luke compared to other girls in stepbrother romances. And Daniel is adorkable. I hope there's more parts for him but I think what he had is also just enough. It's so refreshing to read something that doesn't have dark and brooding protagonists that have some serious issues with the world. Such an easy read.
9 reviews
October 6, 2016
Insta love but more

Luke and Jenna. Step siblings.. A virgin tempting a recovered sex addict.
I was expecting a light taboo read and not much else. I got that and more. I love Jenna and Luke. She feels bad that she wants to tempt Luke, but not bad enough to not do it. And Daniel the best friend, every girl needs one of him in her life. He is hilarious and just plan awesome! I would love to read his story.
Profile Image for Lisa.
653 reviews19 followers
October 14, 2016
4"You Motherfuckers! " Stars... Me like-y this one. Luke was one bad boy . :) & a very hot step brother. I had a few LOL moments too . Loved the dad and wish I had a BF like Daniel he was so funny!!!." You know , I`m sure running with boobs hurts like hell , but it probably doesn`t compare to running with a boner." I laughed & shook my head. "probably not. Especially not with a dick as big as yours".
Profile Image for Roanne Germaine.
864 reviews15 followers
August 28, 2015
4 hungry stars!

This was a very quick read. The conflict in the story wasn't fully emphasized. However, it's a HEA. The plot is very typical as it is but Jenna and Luke is one very compelling couple. There were also funny moments in this story , especially that with Jenna's BFF. Luke is one very fierce alpha male. And as the title implies, this is one hot read.
445 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2015
ARC for honest review.

Loved this story. First half i done a lot of laughing and felt a little.. sorry for, i guess, Luke. However, the second half i was fanning myself, a LOT. Wow was it hot! Daniel is brilliant, i love him! I would love to read a story about him, including bits about Jenna and Luke too maybe, just so we know they are still together and happy.
Profile Image for Belinda  Page.
94 reviews14 followers
October 2, 2016
Life is complicated.

For Luke and Jenna life couldn't be more complicated then when and how they met. Her future step moms pick up her son from rehab. what a way to meet your future step brother. Sexy a sin and in rehab for a sex addiction. What's a girl to do other than seduce the sexist man she's ever met?
Profile Image for Country Goose.
1,131 reviews12 followers
October 4, 2016
Enjoyed It

Over most eroticas out there, this one is pretty good. It is pretty in depth, but too quick, I think. It didn't need much more as far as plot, but it needed more for character connectivity. It was an insta-love scenario, and the move to sexual encounter took a span of less than a week.
Profile Image for Alice Malary.
280 reviews6 followers
December 30, 2015
I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.If you want hot, naughty, dominant, sexy and emotional you will love this book..Not to dominant just alot possessive..


A highly enjoyable erotic-romance.
437 reviews
February 9, 2016
Loved this book I couldn't not put it down I enjoyed the characters so much and the forbidden element made it awesome. This Author found herself another fan know I will be keeping an eye out for her work.
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