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Awakening
In the two years since Lilly Frank’s mother was brutally murdered and the killer set free, Lilly has worked hard to create a safe and stable life for herself. But she’s thrown off balance when she meets Torren Frisk, a handsome stranger whom she finds both irresistible and frightening. Her growing attraction to him, coupled with his offer to help her track down her mother’s killer, threaten to unravel Lilly’s carefully constructed world. Torren’s undeniably different from any other man Lilly has ever met, but what does he really want from her?
81 pages, ebook
First published August 1, 2012
About the author
Jeanie Grey
10 books47 followersJeanie Grey writes sophisticated, steamy, unconventional romance and erotica for readers who like to think. She is the authoress of The Lilly Frank series, At First Blush, and Crouch and Other Stories. A fan of social justice, sex positivity, and chocolate, her list of favorite things in life also includes foreign films, Lady Grey tea, men wearing sweaters, and curling up in bed all day with a good book. She lives in Portland, Oregon and is working on a historical pirate romance series.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 11, 2016
Coming into this book, I was under the impression this was going to be an adult thriller. About midway through the book that's when i realized that this was about vampires. However, this did not deter me. I loved Jeanie's writing style and i enjoyed all of the characters, even Lilly's god-awful father. It left me wanting more and made me wish vampires existed! I wish i had that electric feeling she feels with Torren.
March 8, 2015
This was one of those books that I hummed and hawded over for a while…I do like a good vampire book…and every good book needs at least a little romance (with a few exception)…but I just wasn’t sure if it was my cup of tea (yes I do drink tea); but for 99cents I gave it a shot.
Wow! Jeanie Grey is a really good writer! Awakening is the story of Lily Frank and Torren. They are both living separate, lonely lives. Torren has a plan to bring them together.
The characters in Awakening are exceptionally vivid; they are good or evil; there is no in between. In a story of this size (about 78 pages) you have to get straight to the point and create an immediate connection with the characters. This was very well done.
I enjoyed Awakening. It was a very well written, complete story. I personally would have like more vivid violence in the book (Vampires are supposed to be vicious killers after all), but that’s just my personal taste. Would I recommend the book? I read Awakening 2 just 3 days later…so I would have to say yes.
3.5 Stars
Wow! Jeanie Grey is a really good writer! Awakening is the story of Lily Frank and Torren. They are both living separate, lonely lives. Torren has a plan to bring them together.
The characters in Awakening are exceptionally vivid; they are good or evil; there is no in between. In a story of this size (about 78 pages) you have to get straight to the point and create an immediate connection with the characters. This was very well done.
I enjoyed Awakening. It was a very well written, complete story. I personally would have like more vivid violence in the book (Vampires are supposed to be vicious killers after all), but that’s just my personal taste. Would I recommend the book? I read Awakening 2 just 3 days later…so I would have to say yes.
3.5 Stars
August 20, 2014
What happens when the monsters that we fear as children turn out to be kinder than the people that we know?
Lilly has always been a pawn in other people’s games and their struggles for power. Being raised in an affluent family in one of the world’s largest cities, Lilly grew up surrounded by important and powerful men. Her father was one of them. Lilly never had the closest relationship with her father, she always felt like he resented her for the fact that her mother didn’t dote on him the way she once did. She had a child to shower with affection now.
With the savage murder of her dear mother, and the killer being set free, Lilly was in constant fear and sadness. With the help of one of her friends, she was brought out of her dark depression and forced to rejoin society and the living. Her life was forever altered with the death of her mother, she always felt that her mother was the only person to have ever truly loved her. She felt alone.
The night that Lilly literally falls for Torren, she is both frightened and captivated by him. He is gorgeous, mysterious and very attentive to her. She is in a relationship and she shouldn’t feel anything towards this stranger, but she does. It isn’t like her current relationship is exciting and spontaneous – even their sex life is dull and predictable.
As Torren and Lilly spend more and more time together, there is a definite attraction and sexual chemistry between them. He is different from the other men that she has encountered and she is very curious to find out more about him. Torren is a victim of loneliness as well. He longs to have companionship in his life once again and will do anything to get it.
Awakening is a fast paced, well written book that engages the reader right from the very beginning. It has an intriguing story that takes some shocking twists and turns that will leave you wanting more (and luckily, there is a second and third book in this series)! Awakenings demonstrates to the reader… that sometimes it’s the humans in your life that are the real monsters.
*4.5 Stars *
I would like to thank the author for the copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.
Lilly has always been a pawn in other people’s games and their struggles for power. Being raised in an affluent family in one of the world’s largest cities, Lilly grew up surrounded by important and powerful men. Her father was one of them. Lilly never had the closest relationship with her father, she always felt like he resented her for the fact that her mother didn’t dote on him the way she once did. She had a child to shower with affection now.
With the savage murder of her dear mother, and the killer being set free, Lilly was in constant fear and sadness. With the help of one of her friends, she was brought out of her dark depression and forced to rejoin society and the living. Her life was forever altered with the death of her mother, she always felt that her mother was the only person to have ever truly loved her. She felt alone.
The night that Lilly literally falls for Torren, she is both frightened and captivated by him. He is gorgeous, mysterious and very attentive to her. She is in a relationship and she shouldn’t feel anything towards this stranger, but she does. It isn’t like her current relationship is exciting and spontaneous – even their sex life is dull and predictable.
As Torren and Lilly spend more and more time together, there is a definite attraction and sexual chemistry between them. He is different from the other men that she has encountered and she is very curious to find out more about him. Torren is a victim of loneliness as well. He longs to have companionship in his life once again and will do anything to get it.
Awakening is a fast paced, well written book that engages the reader right from the very beginning. It has an intriguing story that takes some shocking twists and turns that will leave you wanting more (and luckily, there is a second and third book in this series)! Awakenings demonstrates to the reader… that sometimes it’s the humans in your life that are the real monsters.
*4.5 Stars *
I would like to thank the author for the copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2012
Jeanie Grey’s “Awakening” has all the ingredients for a great romance story: a damaged, yet determined heroine (Lilly); a lover who doesn’t deserve her; a suitor who is either the biggest jacka$$ on the planet or completely misunderstood; and a mysterious stranger who promises to be either her salvation or her destruction.
Lilly’s mother is dead (and I can’t write that without hearing Jon Voight say, “You’re more dead to me than your dead mother.”)—murdered two years earlier by a killer who was set free. As if that isn’t bad enough, Lilly has daddy issues galore. No, she doesn’t cry for him in the middle of romantic interludes—and believe me, with Grey’s penchant for juicy details, we would know!—but he certainly blows a hole in the ‘ol father knows best tenet.
Is it any wonder the poor woman’s frustrated with life? And ripe for change? Well, Lilly’s life is about to get turned upside down in some pretty spectacular ways.
I won’t spoil it by sharing details, but I will say this: Grey’s the real deal. Her writing is crisp, her attention to detail is admirable, and her characters are strong. She packs one helluva wallop into 70+ pages. In fact, there was so much story to explore that I couldn’t help but feel cheated by how quickly Grey blasted through it.
Nevertheless, “Awakening” serves as a great beginning for what will surely be a longer series. And for the guys out there, Grey also offers a not-so-subtle PSA: Never surprise a woman in the kitchen.
My bet is that Lilly Frank would suggest you stick to the apple pie.
I highly recommend “Awakening” to paranormal romance and vampire fans.
Lilly’s mother is dead (and I can’t write that without hearing Jon Voight say, “You’re more dead to me than your dead mother.”)—murdered two years earlier by a killer who was set free. As if that isn’t bad enough, Lilly has daddy issues galore. No, she doesn’t cry for him in the middle of romantic interludes—and believe me, with Grey’s penchant for juicy details, we would know!—but he certainly blows a hole in the ‘ol father knows best tenet.
Is it any wonder the poor woman’s frustrated with life? And ripe for change? Well, Lilly’s life is about to get turned upside down in some pretty spectacular ways.
I won’t spoil it by sharing details, but I will say this: Grey’s the real deal. Her writing is crisp, her attention to detail is admirable, and her characters are strong. She packs one helluva wallop into 70+ pages. In fact, there was so much story to explore that I couldn’t help but feel cheated by how quickly Grey blasted through it.
Nevertheless, “Awakening” serves as a great beginning for what will surely be a longer series. And for the guys out there, Grey also offers a not-so-subtle PSA: Never surprise a woman in the kitchen.
My bet is that Lilly Frank would suggest you stick to the apple pie.
I highly recommend “Awakening” to paranormal romance and vampire fans.
June 15, 2016
Jeanie Grey has empowered the read and lover or Vampire Romance to step beyond the shadows and into the light. A truly fantastic read for those who love a good hero tale and a great Romance story.
This one is filled with passion and respect for both a lover, and fearful girl who misses her mother and a woman, set on a revenge she didn't know she was seeking.
Lilly's "routine" is a subconscious plan to find the man who murdered her mother and take out a revenge on him that she didn't know she was harboring. Two years in the making, she has been working toward loosing her fear and frailty so as to never become the victim herself. She wants to be tough, to keep her predictable routine, to live her life.
As with everyone's plans, something steps in Lilly's life will never be the same again. She now has no doubt that the man who has found her, knows her inner thoughts and desires and his one mission is to let them all out; let the little demons out to play.
A riveting read from a talented and passionate writer.
I eagerly look forward to the next installment of Awakening.
This one is filled with passion and respect for both a lover, and fearful girl who misses her mother and a woman, set on a revenge she didn't know she was seeking.
Lilly's "routine" is a subconscious plan to find the man who murdered her mother and take out a revenge on him that she didn't know she was harboring. Two years in the making, she has been working toward loosing her fear and frailty so as to never become the victim herself. She wants to be tough, to keep her predictable routine, to live her life.
As with everyone's plans, something steps in Lilly's life will never be the same again. She now has no doubt that the man who has found her, knows her inner thoughts and desires and his one mission is to let them all out; let the little demons out to play.
A riveting read from a talented and passionate writer.
I eagerly look forward to the next installment of Awakening.
July 16, 2013
I received an eARC copy of this book in return for an honest review. I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the sadness, the humor, romance, and the suspense of the story. I would have never guessed this to have been the author's debut book, because of how well written it was and the magic that I felt come out of the pages. It's a MUST read ya that will tear at your heart strings and pull you into the story and keep you entertained from beginning to end. I fell in love with the characters and loved every minute of the story.
July 29, 2013
Pure entertainment from start to finish, Awakening grabbed my attention and kept it. I agree wholeheartedly with the other reviewers who rave -- this has all the right ingredients for a fun, suspenseful, romance-rich adventure.
June 23, 2013
Loved this vampire romance.
March 10, 2016
Good
Good worth a read, but too short. I'd rather not read a bunch of 100 pg things. It's irritating and only for money.
Good worth a read, but too short. I'd rather not read a bunch of 100 pg things. It's irritating and only for money.
July 8, 2013
My Review
Lilly's life has been turned upside down when her mother is murdered. And lives in a type of suspended reality watching the world around her revolve while she attempts to get through each day. Then she meets Terron and her life is turned upside down yet again.
Terron is a force of nature in Lilly's life, one she can't ignore. With his help she pulls herself out of the self inflicted limbo she has been living in.
Liked:
This was a fast read, once you get past the first half of the book, which was slow going, the read speeds up and things start to happen. So I enjoyed the second half of the book. Fast and easy read, read it in one sitting.
Disliked:
I really disliked the internal monaloug of the protaganist for the first half of the book. She came across as whiny instead of in moarning and terrified. Which I believe the writer was trying to convey. She came across as a hypecrit and rather self centered. The one character that said exactly that to her she dropped like a hot potatoe and you don't hear from him again.
As a reader I should have felt some type of sympathy for the protaginist and I did not feel any sympathy toward this character.
Plus the book ended on a cliffhanger.
Overall
I had a hard time connection with the main character. And as stated earlier the first half of the book felt stunted and unnecissary. Overall, this wasn't a great read, but it was awful either. Toward the end when it was getting really good it cliffhangered...which was seriesly frustrating.
??Recommend??
This was a well written short story, but lagged in several places. That being said I would have a hard time recommending it, but wouldn't say I would never recommend it.
Rating:
There were more things I disliked then liked about this book. Therefore I am giving Awakening by: Jeanie Gray 2 1/2 out of 5 stars.
Lilly's life has been turned upside down when her mother is murdered. And lives in a type of suspended reality watching the world around her revolve while she attempts to get through each day. Then she meets Terron and her life is turned upside down yet again.
Terron is a force of nature in Lilly's life, one she can't ignore. With his help she pulls herself out of the self inflicted limbo she has been living in.
Liked:
This was a fast read, once you get past the first half of the book, which was slow going, the read speeds up and things start to happen. So I enjoyed the second half of the book. Fast and easy read, read it in one sitting.
Disliked:
I really disliked the internal monaloug of the protaganist for the first half of the book. She came across as whiny instead of in moarning and terrified. Which I believe the writer was trying to convey. She came across as a hypecrit and rather self centered. The one character that said exactly that to her she dropped like a hot potatoe and you don't hear from him again.
As a reader I should have felt some type of sympathy for the protaginist and I did not feel any sympathy toward this character.
Plus the book ended on a cliffhanger.
Overall
I had a hard time connection with the main character. And as stated earlier the first half of the book felt stunted and unnecissary. Overall, this wasn't a great read, but it was awful either. Toward the end when it was getting really good it cliffhangered...which was seriesly frustrating.
??Recommend??
This was a well written short story, but lagged in several places. That being said I would have a hard time recommending it, but wouldn't say I would never recommend it.
Rating:
There were more things I disliked then liked about this book. Therefore I am giving Awakening by: Jeanie Gray 2 1/2 out of 5 stars.
July 7, 2014
Favorite Line "Don’t run away.”
Whoa!! What a cliffhanger!!
Lily is a strong independent woman who lost her mother and Torren is a oh so hot Vampire.
When the meet Lilys father suggests she take him out. Little dies Lily know but, Torren asked to be set up! Yummy!!
Torren gives Lily some shocking news!! Oh you must read it to find out what happened!!
Fabulous Novella!!!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review (RBTL)
FOUR STRONG INDEPENDENT FAIRIES
Whoa!! What a cliffhanger!!
Lily is a strong independent woman who lost her mother and Torren is a oh so hot Vampire.
When the meet Lilys father suggests she take him out. Little dies Lily know but, Torren asked to be set up! Yummy!!
Torren gives Lily some shocking news!! Oh you must read it to find out what happened!!
Fabulous Novella!!!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review (RBTL)
FOUR STRONG INDEPENDENT FAIRIES
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February 10, 201678pgs
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews