A Hunter Within

The Alliance of Power Duology #1

by Anna Applegate

He's the vampire king of the northern territories. She has no idea who she truly is. Together, they'll take on an evil that threatens to destroy them both.

When Research Scientist Jules Parker lands an internship at the most prestigious pharmaceutical company in the country, Falcone Industries, it’s not what she’d hoped. After all, there’s hardly a fine line between taking a volunteer and shackling someone down before injecting poison into their body.

As she attempts to uncover the truth, she finds her own life in danger. Until Seeley Ronan, vampire king, saves her life, introducing a strange and powerful connection between the two of them. He’s sexy, dangerous, and a major distraction...and reveals Falcone is run by rogue hunters who are harming innocent vampires in a quest for power.

Desperate to protect his people, Seeley needs Jules’ help. But that means she’ll have to turn her back on the only path she’s ever known. She’s in way over her head, her world is about to change in a big way, and none of them could possibly be prepared for what comes next.

Fans of Charlaine Harris and Laurell K. Hamilton will sink their teeth into A HUNTER WITHIN, Book 1 in this exciting paranormal romance series by Anna Applegate!

One-Click on Amazon to start this addicting read today!

Genres: Fantasy, Vampires

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2021

About the author

Anna Applegate is a USA Today Bestselling Author. She writes fantasy romance and lives tucked away in rural Maryland surviving on coffee, champagne, and an unchecked book addiction. Anna is an avid reader, especially if it involves morally grey love interests. She enjoys escaping into the fictional worlds she creates - filled with strong heroines, surprise twists and turns, and "destroy the world for her" leading men.

She loves hearing from her readers and interacting with them on Social Media. Connect with her on her website to learn more, or subscribe to her newsletter for sneak peeks, giveaways, and more: https://authorannaapplegate.myflodesk...

Reviews

[Patty Maximini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not much of a Fantasy reader, but I loved this book!

The plot is really good, and the writing makes my bookworm heart happy. The characters were relatable and jumped off the page instantly. Seeley, the leading male, has my heart. He has a complex personality that makes him be protective and sweet in all the right measures. As for the leading female, Jules, she was such a joy to read. I related to her on so many levels -- from her morbid curiosity to her inability to use a curling wand. LOL -- that it just added a special layer of awesome to an already great character.

Another thing I loved was the pace of the story. I tend to enjoy books that mix emotional moments with fast-paced action, and A Hunter Within does exactly that. It has mystery, romance, infuriating moments and parts that leave you at the edge of your seat and wanting more.

I'm a recovering spoiler, so I'm policing myself not to say too much, but let's just say that towards the end of the book there were a few twists and turns that shocked me. As a compulsive reader, I can usually see plot twists coming, but this time I didn't and wow!! The revelations, the surprises, the curveballs kept me at the edge of my seat -- where I'll remain until the second installment comes out.

I can't stress enough how much I recommend this book. I loved the Ariya Adams series, but this new series from Anna Applegate is definitely my favorite! Go buy it and read it. You won't be sorry!

PS: The author gifted me with an ARC copy. However, I was in NO WAY required or requested to leave a review. The opinions here reflect my honest feelings. :)

[Laura Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not often that a PNR book can hold my interest lately--not because there aren't some great ones out there, more so because I'm a mood reader and I've been sticking to Contemporary Romance. That said, A Hunter Within is the exception to that. Jules is a strong heroine who handles a life-altering revelation with grace and determination. Seeley is a tortured hero who feels an ineffable connection towards this woman and would do anything to protect her. I was engaged from beginning to end. I'm a HUGE fan of the Buffy TV series and this book has that vibe. The plot is completely different, but if you love Buffy, you'll love this book. It's well paced and the author does a fantastic job of keeping you on your toes with all the twists and turns. I'm grateful to have received an advanced copy of this book.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m fairly new to this author and if she keeps writing stories like A Hunter Within I will definitely be reading more of them. Jules is a research scientist she gets an internship at Falcon industries, one day she gets attacked by a crazed man at work and she ends up getting saved by a sexy man ( Seeley ) and he just happens to turn up a few more times when Jules needs help. What’s going on with these experiments and why are they going wrong?, Jules didn’t believe in vampires until Seeley. This is an amazing story and that’s all I’m going to give you guys but know that there is so much more to this story to keep you entertained and turning the pages. Great story great characters a 5 plus ⭐️ read and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author created a memorable story with human and vampires. The relationship between them seemed believable. She was so fun to read...I fell in love with her character. I totally enjoyed reading this book.

[Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read by Anna Applegate. I did not know what to expect, but the premise sounded interesting enough for me to give this book a chance. It was easy to get pulled into Jules' story. Jules was an intern at the top research company, Falcone. She was driven by the desire to please her parents, both researchers, both deceased. While at the school, she meets Henry, who she instantly befriends. She accidently meets Seely when an escaped patient tries to harm her. After that, things just get weirder for Jules. Henry and Seely were both great characters and both were equally mysterious. I liked that some of their behaviors added to the mystery of what was really going on, and made sense towards the end. Many aspects of the story are similar to others I've read, but I was surprised at the end.

The writing is easy to read and get lost in. I had to read a couple of the intense scenes over, to make sure I understood what had transpired. The plot was easy to follow and kept you guessing. The pacing was steady overall. There were places where it picked up, but I did not find it lagging. It seemed appropriate. I would recommend this book to those who love paranormal reads with hints of mystery/suspense. I will read the remaining books.

This was a fairly clean read. There was drinking, grinding, kissing and tension, but no adult scenes and I don't recall adult language, which is a plus for me. 4.5 stars

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

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enough twists and turns to get you to the centre of a maze; this novel is amazing. A thoroughly enjoyable story with wonderfully charismatic characters, which all bind together for a gloriously adventurous and intense ride. I was seriously looking forward to a HEA but it appears I now have to read the next book in the series.

Having not read any of Ms Applegte’s works before, I was curious about how the story-line would progress, - with the book’s description. From the initial page the tension grows until in propels the reader to keep turning the page. I did guess where the story was leading, but that didn’t take from the actual enjoyment. A well written and thoroughly enjoyable novel, first in series.

[LaShanta Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise for this book was pretty good. I liked that Jules was going for what she wanted in life and that she was so dedicated to her goals. I also liked that she had a very strong moral compass. I also liked Seeley's character - no surprise there, I like all hot male characters (even villains, lol).

Unfortunately, I didn't connect with the story. For me it became pretty predictable early on. Although I liked it, there was no surprising or whoa-factors for me and after a while it seemed to just drag on.

While this didn't work for me, I don't think it was a bad book and would still recommend it to those I think would enjoy it.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great vampire romance. It does have a cliffhanger, but it keeps you wanting to read the next book as most issues are resolved.

Not your average vampire romance, I loved all the twists and turns.

I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an unbiased , honest review.

[Amanda Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for this review**

This was the second series by Anna Applegate that I've delved into and I was not disappointed at all!! Once I started into the book I absolutely could not put it down and finished it in one weekend. The main character, Jules, is not your typical damsel in distress-she is an intellegent, kickass heroine who is loyal and willing to lay down her own life for the sake of others. All of Anna's characters were well developed and each added their own flare to the book's atmosphere. Her story involved vampires and other supernatural creatures, but was not the same old tired plotline that we've all read a million times-there were a lot of twists, turns, heartbreak and surprises. I encourage anyone looking to give this book a try-I doubt you'll be able to put it down and, like me, will be eagerly looking forward to the release of book two!!

[Candice Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing !!!

Grabbed me in the first chapter !! Strong characters that keep you turning each page ! Ready for more !

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a read, twists and turns and plots. Well written storyline and characters keep you gripped throughout. Great read. I was given this via Booksprout and I give my honest review

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good paranormal romance read. The story has some good twists and turns. The characters are good and they are well developed. The story has fantasy, paranormal, heartbreak, surprises, and romance.

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

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Jules Parker a Research Scientist and Vampire King Seeley Ronan's story of danger, suspense, drama, abduction, a woman not knowing who she really is, villains, and a war starting. I would say if you do not like cliff-hangers wait until this series is complete as it is a story worth reading. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Shemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Legends are stiring
by Michelle S
A Hunter Within
Anna Applegate

I loved this. It was a complete new twist on the legend of Van Helsing and the Vampires. It came from a whole new perspective, and letbyou look at it in a new light. It kept giving you surprises, and twists you would not suspect. I would highly recommend this book as a great paranormal. I cannot wait for the next in the series.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m fairly new to this author and if she keeps writing books like A Hunter Within I will definitely be reading them. Jules is a research scientist she gets an internship at Falcone Industries, one day she gets attacked by a crazed man at her work she ends up getting saved by a sexy man ( Seeley ) and he just happens to turn up every time Jules needs help. What’s going on with these experiments and why are they going wrong?, Jules didn’t believe in vampires until Seeley. This is an amazing story and that’s all I’m going to give you guys but know there is so much more to this story to keep you entertained and turning the pages. Great story great characters a 5 plus ⭐️ read and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read, I know you will love this story just as much as I do.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Jules is leading the life she always imagined. She studies to get top grades to enable her to reach her dream of working for Falcone Industries, the leading pharmaceutical test lab in the world. When her parents died, she made a vow to follow in their footsteps. Becoming an intern at Falcone is the first step towards the rest of her life.

Jules’ world changes the day she encounters a violent man at Falcone. The confrontation with both the man out of control and the gorgeous guy that intervened to save her from harm left her shaken. What kind of testing were they doing? Surely this was an experiment gone wrong, but Jules really wants to find out what is going on.

The hunk that saved Jules mysteriously shows up again at just the right time. She soon learns that his name is Seeley. She is very attracted to him until she discovers he is a vampire. Her friend Henry is worried, and seems to hate Seeley on sight. How could she function when the two men she cares about cannot get along and there is the vampire thing.

Emotions ride high when Jules discovers Falcone might have ulterior motives other than testing new drugs to help humanity. Could Seeley be right? Are they doing experiments on vampires? It was all too much for her to wrap her head around.

As the plot unfolds, Jules realizes she may not be who she thought she was. There has to be some mistake, she is being manipulated from both sides and needs to find out for herself before things spiral totally out of control.

This fast paced paranormal romance/urban fantasy has a great plot and interesting characters. The page-turning action ramps up like a dragster with a great finish at the end. As the first book in a series, most loose ends are wrapped up, but there is a mission left open for book #2. I can’t wait to read it.

If you are a fan of Charlaine Harris, you will love this book. This is the first book I’ve read by Applegate; she has also written the Ariya Adams Trilogy.

Copyright © 2018 Laura Hartman

[A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

A Hunter Within is book one in The Alliance of Power duology by Anna Applegate. I was pulled into the mystery of this story, and I look forward to finding out how it ends!

Jules is a keen student who is an intern for a large pharmaceutical company. The company has a few strange rules, and Jules becomes curious about what's happening behind closed doors. What she finds opens her eyes to things she thought impossible. New friends are made, old relationships change and Jules discovers that she is stronger than she ever dreamed. This novel has a Buffy the Vampire Slayer feel but without the slaying. There is also a pinch of Divergent thrown in for intrigue.

The relationships between the characters develop well through the second half of the book. Henry's feelings towards the heroine Jules was of particular significance for me. It is obvious that Seeley has reciprocated romantic feelings for Jules, however, Henry is a mystery that pulled me in.

The pace of the story is slow at the start, but the action really picks up at the end with some surprise twists. The story becomes quite complex, however, I was able to keep track of all the characters and their interactions.

This novel has a New Adult feel to me. There are no sex scenes, though that may develop in book two. A Hunter Within would appeal to younger audiences and those who enjoy paranormal mysteries. I eagerly await book two, and the conclusion to this story.

[Cori Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Hunter Within (The Alliance of Power Duology, Book 1)

By Anna Applegate

I love paranormal books. I have never heard of Anna Applegate, but I am glad I found her. The world she builds for you give you just a small peek into what lies beneath the surface. I thought the characters were very well fleshed out and relatable. It was so easy to let my self become part of that world. I am going to be reading the second book as soon as I can.

We meet Jules when she is starting her internship at the one company she had always wanted to work at. She felt that become a research scientist would help her be close to her parents died so many years ago.

Seeley, also, has lost his parents recently. He is the King of the vampires that are in his area. He is doing the best he can to be the best king for his people. he throws his self into his work to, as Jules, be close to his parents.

There is some major sexual tension between Seeley and Jules. You can feel it and the others around them can as well. There are so many secrets kept from Jules, that it would take a long time to list. This book leaves you at a cliffhanger. I know there is a second book that I plan on reading and reviewing just as soon as I can.

If you like paranormal books at all I am pretty sure that you would love this book. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. Get your self and read it.

Celtic

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hunter Within is an engaging and exciting read. It starts a little slow, but builds steadily as Jules discovers that there's more to her new job than she ever could've anticipated. Once the action starts, so do the twists. This one is just the beginning of the story, so we get a lot of world building, but it's blended with the story in a way that doesn't feel like tons of info all at once. There are so many interesting characters and it seems everyone has a secret, some that are being hidden and some that need to be remembered. All in all, this first Alliance of Power book is a solid start to a promising story. The conclusion is open-ended with lots of danger ahead for Jules and company, leaving me anxiously awaiting what's next.

[Leslie Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh boy, this is one wild ride that will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat. This author has such a great story going and so many wonderful characters. You never know who is friend or foe. Vampires and shifters, both good and bad, and a corrupt corporation. This is the same corporation that Jules has dreamed about working with for years. I admire her courage and desire to make a difference. I think she handled finding out about the "monsters" in the world rather well. This book did not skimp on action or intrigue. With a new circle of friends and a huge amount of change, I can't wait to see what happens to them next. I volunteered to read an advanced reader copy and am under no obligation to leave this review.

[Brittania Dancer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The storyline is good and I hope continues to grow with the next book. The characters in the book seem to have good depth and I hope they continue to grow. The story is full of mystery, action and well placed drama scenes. The plot flows seamlessly with the story. This is my first book by this author and it wont be my last. I would recommend this book.

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

[Mandy Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna Applegate book A Hunter With in was so not what I was expecting and with the twist that were added just wow. this is a modern day twist to the Van Helsing tales of old and a love story of for the modern times between hunter an vampire with a twist. I won't give a spoiler but if you want to know please PLEASE pick up this book you will not be disappointed and I hope there is more to come.

Parker is not who she seems to be but then again when your past is hidden what can you do but be in shock, but with all that you learn and have so much thrown at you it's a wonder one does not loose her mind. but that is not the case. A Hunter With in is 100 percent is full of shock and awe.

[Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Cranky Stars


Age old tail of vampire and hunters, only this time they are on the same side.


A human has their sights on becoming great and more powerful than ever before. Many vampires are made victims in this pursuit of knowledge. The hunter and vampire team up to take them down and take you on a wild ride in the process.


I was expecting things to be a bit more dark and terrifying, and was surprised at the lightness of the tale. Don't get me wrong, the things being done to those vampires will give anyone the creeps.

[Lorella Piras · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book begins one of the most fascinating series! Not a typical vampire/supernatural book by any means.
A well written suspense with several interesting characters and an intriguing plot.
The characters came alive through the words and danced, changing and growing into beautiful beings.
A great interesting read,

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

[Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story, it captured my interest right from the start. Jules is finally living the life she has always worked towards, interning at the famed research center and honoring her parents memory but little does she know that everything was a lie and she is not whom she was raised to believe she was. Vampires are real, she is a hunter and everyone is seemingly out to stop her. Seeley is a vampire, with his own quest to safe his kingdom and his brother. AS these two cross paths they find themselves drawn to each other in a way that neither expect or can fight. An action packed story of two worlds crossing and the dangers that follow, twists and turns you don't expect, this story was fun to read. I can't wait for the next installment.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Nice Read

This was a nice quick read with a major cliffhanger. A nerdy girl finally falls for a guy and finds out he’s a vampire king. But that’s ok because there is a major thing she doesn’t know about herself. Lots of vampire fights, nasty female villain a best male friend I worried was a bad guy. Some heavy make out sessions between nerdy girl and vampire king when he wasn’t acting like a turd lol. I will read the next book because I have to know what happens.

[Megan Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story! Blew me away. Couldn’t put it down until I finished which is really bad when you have finals to be studying for yourself! Jules doesn’t know who she really is, but is pretty amazing anyway. Seeley is what we all want first loves and vampire royalty to be. Henry is the perfect best friend and so much more. Lots of twists and turns, but they keep the story exciting and moving. Can’t wait to read book 2

[Brie Pezdir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt like the first few chapters were slow and didn't hold my attention for long.after about chapter 3 things picked up and the book was good. I honestly can say that I can not wait for the rest of the series to come out.

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

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She got what she thought would be the best job she could ever get. Things are not as they seem. She had seen an awful sight and it horrified her. Then he comes along wanting her help to protect innocent vampires, he is the vampire king. They have a connection and it would mean her turning her back on the people she works with. What will she do? Can she call in love with him? See what she will decide to do

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

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is new to me and from the blurb I just had to take the chance. I’m so glad I did. Jules is an intern at a research company and while at school she meets Henry. Then when an escaped patient tries to harm her that’s when she meets Seely. There are so many twists and turns in this story it made for a great book, one that kept me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait for the next installment of this series!!