Hunter's Need

The Hunters #12

by Shiloh Walker

Duke is bitter. A shapeshifter betrayed by the psychic powers of Analise Morell, he cannot forgive her for putting him in the clutches of a feral vampire, but he also can’t shake his desire for her. And when she needs a Hunter, Duke must face his demons—and hers.

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Vampires, Erotica, Shapeshifters, Urban Fantasy

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 28, 2009

About the author

Hello... thanks for swinging by. I don't log into Goodreads much, so if you have questions, please visit my website to email me through my site.
Thank you!

My other me.... J.C. Daniels

And an experimental me that I put to sleep. J. Dallas




Bio...

Shiloh Walker has been writing since she was a kid. She fell in love with vampires with the book Bunnicula and has worked her way up to the more...ah...serious vampire stories. She loves reading and writing anything paranormal, anything fantasy, and nearly every kind of romance. Once upon a time she worked as a nurse, but now she writes full time and lives with her family in the Midwest.

To contact the author, please visit her website!

Reviews

[ᴥ Irena ᴥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've lost count how many times I've read this. It's not the second time, I can tell you that. This is one of those flawed books one keeps coming back to. I see all the flaws perfectly, I'd probably mock some of them in some other story, but I won't here. It just makes me feel good and I can't explain why.

Although each Hunters book has its own story, this one shouldn't be read first if nothing else to understand the Hunters' world, what they do and to understand what happened to Duke before.
---
One of my favourite Hunters stories. Ana needs help in Alaska and Kelsey manipulates Duke to go and help her. She acted innocent and said she'd send another man.
I loved this story. I loved Ana and her hidden strength.

[Kathrynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of potential, but the character's spent too much time getting over "events" that happened five years ago. My frustration with the way both character's handled themselves--toward each other--grew and I would have liked for them to have gotten over their "problem" sooner. Also, I grew tired of Ana continually putting herself down. Felt the character's spent too much time angsting--it just went on and on each time, too. I got it the first time. Sorry.

The suspense had a lot of potential, but it took a serious sideline in the book and I was frustrated with how the character's handled "things." Too many mundane details that went on for too long. Seemed like there was the EXPANSION of scenes in order to gain pages for the book?

The ghost had potential, but I grew frustrated with how that played out as well. Would have liked for Ana to have bucked-up and gotten her act together sooner. Her character just wore me out. Depressing. Would have liked for Duke's character to have been nicer toward her in the beginning. How they got together seemed sudden and I wasn't feeling the emotions with their lovin'. It just seemed off.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good shape-shifter romance. It's been a while since I've read one, so this was a nice change.

[Susi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just to warn you: this is my second attempt to write this review. After I wrote the first one the stupid program crashed and everything was lost. So sorry to say but I will keep it short this time.

This is book 10 in the Hunter series and I have to shamefully admit that I haven't read the first 9 books. I won this book in a twitter contest and realized too late what I got myself into again. But this book is written to be read as a standalone too.

Ana is one of strongest characters I every read about. She's not one of these kickass chicks ready to pull off your head in heartbeat but she's strong from within. She's not perfect and made one real mistake in her life that no-one in the paranormal world seems to be able to forget. She suffers from the judging looks she gets every day and decides to start a new life. I think that's not an easy decision to make especially because she has to leave her little brother behind. To pack all your belongings and start from scratch always sounds easier as it is. She goes far away and wants to live an ordinary life without paranormal incidents. But that doesn't work out the way she planned it.
Sometimes Ana annoyed me a bit with not believing that something good could happen to her but it was totally reasonable. After a life full of aggression and rejection, to start trusting is not an easy task. She's a very emotional and empathic character not only because of her psychic gift.

Duke burned his fingers the first time he met Ana. She played him and that's a thing he can hardly forget not to think of forgiving. Or so he tries to tell himself. He's a hunter and one of the most stubborn men I ever met. When he finally realizes that he can't ignore his attraction to Ana he so rocked my world. Have I mentioned that I so adore purring shifters? I so do and this one is so good at it.

I enjoyed the building up before they got together and loved the way the relationship developed. The whole back and fourth gripped me so much I couldn't put the book down- very steamy scenes included.

The plot around the love story was good. It was mysterious and gripping although I have to say that it was not the thing that kept me reading this book. But in my opinion this didn't make the book less wonderful. It's great the way it is and I highly recommend it to everyone who loves a steamy paranormal romance with a nice plot. The release date is December 1st. That's next week. So go and get this one!

[Willow Brook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Possibly even 4 1/2 stars. Psychic Ana and Hunter shifter Duke have more than their share of bad history. Five years earlier, Ana led Duke into a trap where he was captured and tortured by a psychotic vampire. She had her reasons (desperate to protect her younger brother) and the Hunters took her in, though she is viewed with suspicion and dislike by many. Ana is guilt-ridden over what she did to Duke and also drawn to him. Duke fights his own attraction to Ana.

When she leaves to live in Alaska, she feels compelled to investigate into a series of murders and disappearances. Though psychic, she is mortal, not a Hunter so calls them for help. Duke, against his will, is sent to answer her call for help. Once there, they give in to their desire for each other and begin an affair as they try to figure out who has raped, tortured and killed numerous young women over the past three decades.

I found the mystery a good one and was guessing at the killer until very close to his discovery. Ana and Duke are a wonderful couple and it was very satisfying to watch their relationship develop. They had great chemistry as they fell in love, learned to trust each other (slowly) and let go of their incredibly painful past. The plot moved quickly and the tender and/or intense sex scenes helped off-set the grim, violent aspects of the story. I rank this as the best I've read so far by Shiloh Walker.

[Kristina Deluise · Rating 3 out of 5]

BACK OF BOOK SAYS:

DUKE IS BITTER. A SHAPE SHIFTER BETRAYED BY THE PSYCHIC POWERS OF ANALISE MORELL, HE cannot forgive her for putting him in the clutches of a feral vampire. but he also can not shake his desire for her. and when she needs a hunter. duke must face his demons and hers.

desperate voices are battering anna's psychic shields. a serial killer with extraordinary powers is about to strike again and the tormented souls of his previous victims are screaming for her help. but ana can't under stand why they want her.

1. i will confess that I stopped reading at page 169.
because:

a. the constant bickering between the two characters EVEN AFTER THEY ......
b. her constant denial of her gift.

2. Just to give the other side of the coin, romantic times gave this book 4.5 stars and called it a scorcher.

this book would have worked BETTER FOR ME if she had a better grip on her talent/gift and stopped whinning about it. And if the two main characters would have stopped fighting after they got together or least come to some kind of agreement to work together.

romantic times says sexual tension that leaves readers panting for release.
after reading this, i was wondering if we read the same book, because all if felt was the anger/stress kind of tension. the paranoia of analise or her lack of confidence in herself.
281 pages.

[iDreem2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 overall stars

Couple 4.5
Plot 4.25
Story 4.5
Sex 4.25
Series 5.0

[Kat Crumb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow i love how you added another aspect to the paranormal world to this book.

[Angela]

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[Casee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book I ever read by Shiloh Walker was Hunting the Hunter. I was instantly intrigued and glommed her Hunters backlist. In Hunting the Hunter, I was first introduced to Duke. Duke was a shapeshifter, living a human life as a cop. That changed when he was lured by Analise Morell and subsequently tortured.

Though it has been over four years since then, Duke hasn't forgiven Ana. Nor can he forget her. He was drawn to her since he first laid eyes on her and has never been able to forgive her for her part in his torture. He's seen her a few times throughout the years, but tries to avoid her as best he can.

Ana has been at Excelsior, the Hunter's school since then. She knows it's time to go. Though she hates leaving her brother, Excelsior is not the place for her. Ana packs up and heads to Alaska, a place where paranormal activity is low. As a psychic, Ana is happy to quiet the noise that is often inside her head.

After being in Alaska for a year, Ana has finally found peace. Though she still deeply regrets her part in Duke's torture, she's not faced with it day in and day out.

With very little psychic activity happening, Ana is surprised when she is drawn to a homeless man. She's more surprised when she actually sees a ghost. After that, Ana is drawn into a mystery that has haunted the area for thirty years. Not knowing what to do, Ana calls Excelsior to request that a Hunter come and check it out. The last person she expects to talk to is Duke. He basically tells her to deal with it herself, which is exactly what he decides to do.

When Duke finds himself heading to Alaska and coming face-to-face with Ana after a year, he finally admits to himself that he can't stay away from her. His forgiveness isn't the only roadblock. Ana hasn't forgiven herself and doesn't think she ever will. Duke is the only person aside from her brother that Ana has ever loved. The fact that she did something so despicable to him is something that she'll never forget.

When Duke and Ana start looking into the unsolved murders that have haunted the area for over thirty years, they start realizing that they might be looking for someone that has the same sort of abilities Ana has. Adding that into the little they already do know doesn't do much to help them. Still, Ana won't give up.

I loved this book. I think what made it so good was that Duke was able to acknowledge that Ana was a victim herself. She was so young when she was forced to take part in what was done to him. All she was doing was trying to protect her younger brother in the only way she knew how. Duke's willingness to not only know that, but help Ana forgive herself is something that most wouldn't be able to do.

Ana was also a great heroine. She never tried to make excuses, she just tried to live her life as best she could. Both she and Duke deserved to be happy and they finally got it right in the end.

4.25 out of 5.

[Kyra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoiler Alert!!

Five years ago Analise, a psychic tricked Duke, a cougar shifter and used him to save her brother and herself from the clutches of a psychotic vampire. Duke was tortured at the vampire’s hands before being saved by his friends. Duke knows he should hate Ana for what she did but he can’t quite get her out of his skin. The passion left halfway still burns within them and when they meet again years later, the desire, bitterness, guilt, and betrayal is too hard for them to swallow, forcing Ana to leave Excelsior. A year later however, she is compelled to contact them when she senses something terribly wrong and evil lurking in the place she’s living in at Alaska. Duke not only happens to pick up her call but is the one who is sent to help. The first thing Duke seeks gets out of the way is his desire for Ana but she ends up snuggling closer into his heart. Ana relishes in the attention she’s getting from the changed Duke but when she realizes that her heart may be bordering on dangerous zone, she puts up her usual cold exterior to keep from getting hurt but Duke is determined to break into that exterior. Together, they also work on unveiling a buried secret and bring peace to many at last.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The concept of the story, especially the protagonist’s past and how they met was interesting. While I liked how Analise’s is actually strong on the inside, given how she hardened herself to torture and saved her brother, I didn’t like her having so low self-esteem, and being pessimistic and depressing most of the time. Her flaws gave her depth but I felt that it could have been better executed without making her that depressing. However, I appreciated how she tried to help Marie in the beginning and determined to accomplish it later in the book. It was realistic of her to decide that Duke handled the issue because it was rational. Her love for her brother was also heart-warming.

Duke was an interesting character, very much the alpha male. Though, until the end I felt something missing from his character. I couldn't connect with his character, it felt like watching a stranger. I wasn't able to put myself in his head. I also found thought that more of his cougar side could have been explored. Their relationship was warm and relatable. It’s interesting how they handle the tension between them; how they are perceptible, understanding and accepting of each other. I loved how they expressed themselves with light and consoling touches.

I liked the mystery and all the dead ends and how they got to the bottom of the mystery gradually, accidentally finding out the truth in the end.

[Nicole (bookwyrm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the latest in a series of novels (and, initially, novellas) about a group of supernaturals called The Hunters. They are werewolves (and other shifters), witches and vampires who act as a kind-of otherworldly police force, hunting down rogue supernaturals and stopping them. They sometimes stop mortal violence as well, but their job, the thing that really calls to them, is stopping the stuff that the mortal law enforcement can’t handle.

And in Hunter’s Need, the supernatural law enforcement is not sure they can handle it, either.

HN picks up the story that Hunting The Hunter left off, continuing with Ana and Duke’s story five or so years after we saw them last. They have grown and changed, and not. In some respects, it makes sense that they would be the same as they were in HTH – they went through some pretty traumatic experiences. On the other hand, I had a hard time thinking of the time between the two books as quite as long as it was supposed to be.

At any rate, once we do pick the characters back up, they develop quite believably. Perhaps the long period of time between the stories is for the best – they were each able to heal and move on without realizing it, so the lead-up to the steamy stuff was more a matter of admitting what had happened rather than needing to completely change.

As with the other books in the series, this is definitely a romance first. (I’m not complaining about the plot or the characters, mind. But do not expect sex scenes to fade to black.) I do think that Ms. Walker is growing as an author, as the plot and conflict seemed better developed in this book than the prior ones I’ve read of The Hunters series.

Probably my biggest (and perhaps my only) complaint is the style in which the narration jumps. I don’t have an issue with multiple narrators. I’m used to that in romances, and it can feel effortless. What throws me is the way a scene will start out in one character’s head and switch to the other’s part-way through. There is a gradual shift from one, to neutral, to the other, which makes the head-hopping acceptable, but it is not my preferred method of changing narrators.

Then again. Take my complaint with a grain of salt. I read this book in about 6 and a half hours, staying up until 3 in the morning (on a work night) to finish it because I couldn’t put it down.

Grade: A-

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Analise Morell is fighting to find her place in a world that she would love to blend into. After living at Excelsior, a school for the gifted to train to be hunters, in order to gain control of her powers and herself she decides it is time to move on. She has never felt like she fit in but has stayed to be with her brother, a powerful physic, who she would do anything in her power to protect. Now five years later Ana takes off for Alaska and a fresh start in order to put the past behind her.

Duke Lawson, a hunter for Excelsior, has constant reminders of the past and every time he sees Ana he is reminded of how close he came to death. His mixed emotions over Ana drive him insane but when it comes down to it he can't even tolerate another man looking her way. After Ana leaves for Alaska Duke takes off on one of his many excursions as a hunter for months but shows back up at Excelsior as if drawn to the only home he knows. Unfortunately he is just as restless as he was when he was gone and frustrated that he can't seem to pinpoint why... At least until he ends up answering a phone call from Analise.

Now a year later, Analise has grown to love Alaska as her home. The trouble is that she continues to feel that something just isn't right but can't seem to pinpoint what it is. When she calls Excelsior to get help and Duke answers her call she feels the past rush over her again and the feelings that flood her don't come only from the fact that they share an unhappy past. When Duke shows up as her help and not by his own choice things start off a bit rocky for them, but when they are faced with death and ghosts they quickly join forces to hunt down the evil that has made it's home in the Alaskan wilderness.

The characters from HUNTER'S NEED drew me in and I loved the fact that the heroine showed true vulnerability. The struggles that Duke and Analise face in order to overcome their past while continuing an investigation that leads them into unknown and shaky territory were wonderfully written. The story line unfolded in a way that kept me guessing and moved at a pace that was fast enough to keep me interested to the point of not wanting to put it down. Shiloh Walker has delivered a fabulous take on paranormal, suspense and romance with a touch of eroticism that was compelling and fresh. A definite must read!

[Bookwormgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really 3.5 stars.

Things I liked about this story.

The Characters, Duke and Ana, grew on me. I liked how they worked past some serious trauma together.

The flow of the book was good and the plot interesting.

It could be read as a stand alone even though it was part of a series.


Things I didn't like:

The implied age of Ana when she first meets Duke. I got the impression that she would have only been between the ages of 16 to 18. Duke comes across as much older, at least late 20s early 30s. At that stage she was an abused kid still under the control of her abuser.

The age thing really bugged me. I think because of the implication that Ana chose to be abused and should have found a way to fight back even if it meant her or her brothers death. This kind of feeling from people who are considered protectors? Where were the counselors? Ana should feel guilt about the man she led to his death. Ana should not be condemned for making the choice to try to protect her brother from harm.

But these negatives made this a better story. A dark, sexy read that has some complex emotions that readers will enjoy.

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hunter's Need" by Shiloh Walker. Book 12 in The Hunters series.

I so so so enjoyed this book! The characters of Duke and Ana (Analise) are perfectly matched. So much sexual tension between them! Both characters were introduced in a previous book and they did not have a "nice" meeting. So glad that the author put them together.

I really enjoyed this book because it kind of reads like a mystery! Both Ana and Duke are trying to figure out who is killing young girls in Anchorage, Alaska. But it doesn't start out that way. It's a worldwind journey with shifters, psychics and ghosts! The growth of Ana's character thoughout this book is really well done, as is Duke's character as well. Because of their "not so nice" meeting, it was interesting to follow their journey of how they come together.

The story line was excellent. The descriptions of scenes were fantastic. The chemistry between Duke and Ana is off the charts HOT! Throw in a murder mystery and you have a really great book! Can't wait to read the next one!

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really, liked this book. I love me an kick-butt heroine any day of the week, but it's kind of refreshing to see an heroine who is not that kick-butt and doesn't have all of these cool powers. Ana is a young woman who has a psychic ability but still leads an ordinary life with an ordinary job until the ghosts come calling. She has doubts about herself and has a tortured past. The hero, Duke, love him. A shifter who loves hard and is very forgiven. I really liked the plot (solving old/new crimes from one serial killer) and how well Ana and Duke worked together and fell in love. And you don't see too many uf/pr books that take place in small-town Alaska. A different location which I liked. The one thing about Ana though is that she cries a lot, but it's kind of justified though in some situations. All in all, a very good book, and I'm going to look for more books from Shiloh Walker. The excerpt from Veil of Shadows that was in the back of this book looks very promising.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars for this novel. hahaha

i can't enjoy the middle part. it's quite nice at the beginning, but the middle part has made it so slow and no progress, until it's near to the end where the story supposed to go to ending part, we found the culprit. it's quite surprising but at the same time, the surprise doesn't stay for a long effect. when I found out, oh it's so surprising, but then, that's it? no other thing? and the way the culprit's end is soooo... flat. i like the ending and the beginning part, it was built nicely and the plot is quite stable and enjoyable.

the emotional part is the ending, where actual event happen~ fiuhhh~ finally they admit that they love each other and the make out part is quite emotional. kkkk. my heart is almost burst out of happiness and heaviness of the words.

this book successfully made me read the ending part over and over again.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful literary effort by one of the favorites of all paranormal romance writers. A story of a shifter that had been led into the clutches of a psycho vampire by a girl whose psychi gift was being held hostage just as the vampire was holding her baby brother hostage. Now, five years later, Ana and Duke are strangers who pine for each other but who are separated by anger, disappointment, guilt, and a terrible sense of loss. This is a wonderful story and reflects Walker's irresistible creativity and her writing expertise.

[E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. Analise Morell is a moderately talented psychic who made a tragic decision that permanently scarred shifter Duke Lawson. He has never forgiven her for her betrayal but feels drawn to Alaska where she has started her new life. A mystery surrounding a homeless man and the complicated relationship between Ana and Duke intensifies until matters become dangerous and possibly more than the two of them can easily solve. The characters were not as vivid as is usually characteristic of this author and Ana in particular was somewhat annoyingly weak. An ok addition to the series.

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book 12 of The Hunters series. This was a 'meh' of a book for sure. Yes it was high on the sex meter but it was pretty low on the paranormal meter and certainly high on the whiny-lead-female meter. Overall I didn't feel as if my life was improved by reading this although it was not a total waste of time. No world-building needed and non given since this is set in "real time". No "catch up on other characters" action but all of this series is pretty much "stand alone" anyway. Read it if you want but it's not that great.

[MBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can never go wrong in picking up a novel by Shiloh Walker. Though I have not read the whole Hunters series and am not that much of a fan of romance of the paranormal genre, any book by Shiloh Walker is well worth the try. This book is trademark Shiloh Walker, mystery and suspense in spades together with a hero and heroine that you can relate to, whose love and need for one another is just out of this world.

Full review: http://bit.ly/burT0j

[Darcy · Rating 1 out of 5]

When I picked this one up at the library I didn't realize it was part of a series. I tried to get the previous books but my library didn't carry them. I thought I would try this one to see if I could read it and still follow. After about 30 pages I had to give it up. There was so much they kept referring to in previous books that it was easy to be lost. I decided to give it up, might go back to it if I can find the previous one.

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was by far the best one of Shiloh's I have read I really loved the twists and turns very mysterious. My psychic ability told me who the killer was the first time I met him but I will let you read that to figure it out. I soooo reccomend this book to anyone looking for a little mystery and a lot of love in there life.

[Cliff Wichmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not what I expected. In my haste to find something to read, I snagged it from a EBook site.

The story is about a Duke and his developing relationship with Ana. Duke being a shape changing Hunter and Ana with her own mental talents.

There is also a side plot that involves an investigation into a murder that Ana undertakes with Duke's help.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

For some reasons I lost my review but basically what didn't do it for me was the heroine, whom I thought was too whingy and passive in an annoying way (ex: Brigg's Anne is omega, thus not a kick ass woman, but still had a great personality and many positive traits, even if she was scared sometimes).

[Kerry sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, the dynamic between Duke and Ana was interesting and the thriller aspect was really good. I had no idea who the killer was so the reveal was great. The book was about forgiveness and how sometimes we need to forgive ourselves. It was skilfully written and kept me hooked till the very last word.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!!! I have been waiting for Duke's story since we met him!!! I honestly don't think I have ever read a Shiloh Walker book I didn't love but the anticipation of this one was so great and I was not disappointed. It was fantastic! Can't wait for the next one!!

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know I read this book. But I can't remember much about it. How's that for something odd? I generally like Ms. Walker's books quite a bit. When I rated it, I must have enjoyed it. Why I can't remember this story I don't know. I guess it just wasn't memorable.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

A ok book and I really like the idea behind it but I found the female lead way to whiney and the male way to dominant, he really wasn’t that nice to her and she was weak enough not to say anything because she 'loves' him

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I figured out who the killer was the first time he was shown in the book, so the only thing that really kept me interested was the smut. The initial round was disturbing and I almost put the book down, but the following love scenes were decent.