3.5 Stars

Maybe I'm being too discriminating ('rent-boys' is one of my BIG things) but this book didn't quite make it for me. There was just something missing. I liked both the MCs well enough but they didn't connect, in my mind. About the only thing I could put my finger on is the inadequate 'internal voice' description of how Declan feels and copes with his new-found job - e.g. after his first night at the Chicken Ranch, the next time we see Declan it's 3 months later and no real description is given for the intervening time. ( )

My first Amanda Young story and I'm in...like. (I always have trepidation when really liking a new-to-me author)

I love rent boy fiction. The romantic angle always intrigues me. And Hunger" book #1 of the Chicken Ranch series did not disappoint. 18 year old Declan Mayo has been kicked out of his home for being gay. He's homeless, starving and doesn't have many options. Joining the all male brothel, the Chicken Ranch, was his last resort. He might have forgot to mention he was a virgin but it doesn't matter right?

His first client is stuttering, geeky, loner Killian who is 30, lonely and okay with not having a partner. A friend suggests visiting the Chicken Ranch which he does.

The story is evenly paced through out the end. It should not be shelved as porn. The plot's good, the main characters even better. Even the secondary characters added to the story. There's sex but it is well written that could totally picture each action. Plus, this story more than sex. Surprised? Killian was my favorite character of the book. He was sweet without being mushy. His reactions and reasoning were sound. Love between an 18 and 30 year old? It can happen. And these two were deserving of one another, plus there was time for their love to build.

Thank you for Killian's introspection around 85% because I was seriously was wondering if he really did not have an issue with his boyfriend working as a prostitute after months of dating. It takes someone with bigger balls than me(and I don't even have any) to be able to sort of be okay with it.

On one hand there's a lover's jealousy with their partner having sex with others. (obviously open relationships are not included) And on the other hand Declan has a job and he shouldn't give it up just because he has a potential mate. *shrugs* It's up for debate. But I appreciated it.

A believable HEA Yes, Declan does retire from prostitution in the future! does happen. :)

I'm actually reviewing the next book of this series but I wanted to familiarize myself with the author. Happy I did. It looks like it might be a possible beautiful reading relationship." ( )

it was fun enough to read I guess, but it wasn't anything WOW-worthy and there a few things that bothered me.. ( )

I hate to say this, cause I know it will make me seem somewhat aged, but I do remember The Best Little Whore House in Texas coming out on video AND being allowed to watch it. My parents were obviously total freaks, for which I am extremely grateful because I LOVED it. Possibly because of the clip of the football boys dancing below. O-o It was cool beans. So, reading this book, which was very reminiscent of TBLWHIT crossed with Pretty Woman, made me a wee bit nostalgic.

Hunger was enjoyable and just a little bit grubby. Declan is a hustler with heart, cute freckles and a passion for Killian. While I found some of their relationship a little hard to fathom, and occasionally needing a little more warmth, they were overall a sweet couple. I was also really was interested to see how the author handled the transition from being a prostitute to shacking up with his one true love. Not to mention the whole semi virginal thing. Luckily my suspension of disbelief leapt into action, so it was all ok. Phew! The pacing was quick and a lot was packed in for a shorter novel, with the potential to flesh out more of the secondary characters for a series. Cute and quick read.

http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2009/07/10/chicken-ranch-hunger-by-amanda-young/ ( )