A Private Hunger [Paperback]

Sean Michael (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 12, 2008

Matthew is taking a break before going to university, working at a cafe in Seattle. He's expecting to spend a few months meeting people, having fun and generally living it up before hitting the books. Then he meets Drakon, a passionate, masculine man with an animal magnetism that draws Matthew in. When Drakon offers Matt a job, he thinks the man is full of shit. But it soon turns out to be an offer he can't refuse. As Matthew moves in with Drakon on his country estate, he slowly finds himself cut off from the world. He begins to wonder if that animal magnetism is more literal than figurative and he thinks maybe Dragon would be a better name for his new lover. His only friend seems to be Drakon's butler, Wetthers, an old man with a gentle demeanor and a sympathetic ear. But even Wetthers can't save him from the near-obsessive need he has for Drakon, or from the danger that lurks right on the edge of his new life. Soon, Matt begins to wonder if he'll ever have the will to tell Drakon no. About anything. Will Matthew stay with the man he's growing to love once he discovers Drakon's long-lived, carefully guarded secret?

Editorial Reviews

Review

CB Potts, editor of the upcoming Play Ball, writes: New relationships are awkward. You're not sure of each other, still trying out that delicate dance of new love, and whammo! It's the holidays. Someone's got to come over and meet the parents...or have the parents stop over.

Unless, of course, your boyfriend might eat them.

That's one of the itty bitty problems faced by Matt in Sean Michael's newest release, A Private Hunger. Michael manages to create an intense, almost obsessive, need-driven atmosphere, centering on the relationship between Matt and his new lover Drakon.

Drakon is more than he seems -- and in some dramatic ways, less. Michaels -- who tends to focus on main characters to the point of forgetting secondary characters exist -- paints a lovely portrait of Drakon's butler, Wetthers. Elements of humanity that Drakon might be a bit shy on are demonstrated via Wetthers, creating an odd dynamic of physical love and warm affections.

About that physical love thing -- this is one of Michael's best offerings, with lots of fun and games enjoyed in a mind-bending display of athleticism. There's an odd power dynamic to the couple, sure to please those who prefer the intellectual side of the darker pleasures, and a very able portrait of an alien mindset.

Very impressive overall, although those of you who like me enjoy eating whilst reading need to be aware that this title might put you off of red meat for a good long while. --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Torquere Press (August 12, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1934166987
• ISBN-13: 978-1934166987
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,197,521 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Won't satisfy your appetite, August 26, 2007

By 

R. Parker - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Private Hunger (Paperback)

I bought the book based on the reviews, and this is a book that obviously will attract and satisfy certain readers. The theme and characters offer interesting potential, but the book never lives up to it. The plot is basically set up to flow from one sex scene to another, and these are not particularly hot or steamy (despite Drakon's heat). The characters are likeable, but one dimensional and never well developed. The dialogue is not particularly convincing or meaningful, and almost monosyllabic at times. Further, it's less of a love story than a story about someone who wants to dominate another, and one who is willing to be submissive--even when thinking his lover is a serial killer. Further, a book about the sexual relationship between an old man (no matter how handsome and young looking) and a young boy/young man (just out of high school) probably appeals to only a certain segment of readers. One of the worst things about this book is that it (or, rather, its author) treats the reader as someone who will not notice inconsistencies, will not be bothered by loose ends, and does not know the difference between suspending reality and a writer who simply has made no effort to create and maintain a believable or credible "alternate" reality.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Good, May 4, 2007

By 

Jem (MD, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: A Private Hunger (Paperback)

I agree with R Parklane - this is an original tale, and not the typical "shapeshifter" story. I liked the fact the Drakon is not a man who can change to a dragon. He is a dragon who also has a human form. He is primal and raw. He hunts, kills, mates. He's ancient and powerful. This contrasts brilliantly with the very modern Sean, who doesn't really understand what is happening until too late.

The butler is fabulous! He reminds me of Alfred from Batman. This book is well written and does include the trademark Sean Michael hot, HOT sex. I found the story was lacking somewhat in the "romance" department (hence 4 instead of 5 stars), but Drakon is not human so that is understandable. Highly recommended.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cute young guy falls for his rescuers animal magnetism, May 15, 2007

By 

Benjamin (UK) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: A Private Hunger (Paperback)

Matthew, nineteen years old, is working away from home as a waiter in Seattle before starting his university education, when a handsome young man named Drakon makes him an attractive offer which he however declines. Yet by a strange set of circumstances Matthew soon finds himself in the arms of Drakon his rescuer and admirer, and sharing his grand country home where Drakon seduces him, a seduction to which he willingly submits; the two soon fall passionately in love. Faced with the prospect of a life of luxury with Drakon, cared for by his faithful impeccable, resourceful and sympathetic butler Wetthers, what more could Matthew want? But not is all as it may seem, there is something very strange about Drakon, is there something more to his animal charm; and as Mathew comes to learn some of the disturbing facts, for one he is much, much older than he seems, he begins to question his position. Is his love and need of Drakon enough to overcome the doubts; and while there is no doubt about Drakon's need for Matthew, is Mathew safe in his hands? Can Matthew cope too with the isolation of life in the country house with only Wetthers for friendly comfort and support?
This is a very touching love story with an air of mystery and suspense; for as we gradually learn the truth about Drakon we are never sure how long Matthew will survive. The majority of the tale is taken up with the erotic action between Mathew and Drakon, and it is quite hot and often tender. Matthew, a lithe and slender lad with long curly red hair, comes across as a cute an appealing guy, and the physically strong Drakon is very masculine and handsome, and devoted to Matthew whom he likes to call Pet. But perhaps it would have been good to have seen bit more explanation and plot and little less love action.