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Primal (Vengeance, #1)

by Raven Bower (Goodreads Author), Lain Bower

3.12 of 5 stars 3.12 · rating details · 34 ratings · 17 reviews

Pursued by a ruthless crime lord after witnessing the murder of an FBI agent, Wrey must rebuild the life they stole from her. When she meets mysterious Arvon Night, her precious new life unravels as she’s thrust into a web of betrayal, lust and violence.

Arvon knows he must slay Wrey to keep his secret safe from those who hunt him. Each hour his enemies stalk closer, ready...more

Kindle Edition, 361 pages

Published May 7th 2012 by Hydra Publications

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KBR Best Indie Books 2012 (Scifi/fantasy)

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Apr 07, 2013 Victoria Limbert rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult, crime, dark-brooding-male, erotic, love, magic, paranormal, reviewed, romance, supernatural, werewovles

I sat down for a long time thinking about how to write this review. There were many good things I liked about Primal, but also quite a few bad issues as well. Hence the 3 Stars.

One star I gave purely because the front cover is stunning, sexy, everything you want when delving in to a werewolf story. From the front cover I knew the scenes inside would be erotic, tantalizing and steamy and I was perfectly right. The erotic scenes in this book are fantastic, and that explains my second star. The de...more I sat down for a long time thinking about how to write this review. There were many good things I liked about Primal, but also quite a few bad issues as well. Hence the 3 Stars.

One star I gave purely because the front cover is stunning, sexy, everything you want when delving in to a werewolf story. From the front cover I knew the scenes inside would be erotic, tantalizing and steamy and I was perfectly right. The erotic scenes in this book are fantastic, and that explains my second star. The descriptions were...well they brought a blush to my cheeks that my partner couldn't help grinning at! The third star I gave to Arvon and Wrey's scenes which were great. Their romance story had me flicking past the other endless pages of sub story and long winded descriptions. I wanted to know more about them, wanted the book to stay focused on their tug of war relationship.

I loved Arvon as a character. He was most definitely more animal than man. He was a true werewolf in his spirit and mind, being primal and animalistic gave him focus on only a few things. Sex, hunger and power. Human emotions meant little to him, until he meets Wrey who is an extraordinary human with a few gifts of her own. She is of the Old Blood, meaning she can contact the spirit of animals and nature and ask for their strength and guidance. Not only is she one of them, she was also meant to be in training to be the Leader of her kind. We learn the reason she has not finished her training is because she is in Witness Protection for witnessing a murder, and the killer happens to be a part of a gangster family who serious cant afford for her to give evidence against them. This is a great plotline and one that had me finishing Primal in 2 days.

Which brings me to the reasons I couldn't give Primal any more than 3 stars. The other side of this plot, the gangster, mob family, was very hard to follow for me. New names were put in very quickly, I found the descriptions very long winded and...well...a little boring. I flicked past quite a lot of these scenes. There were too many names, too many people to keep track of and to be honest I didn't care about them. My focus remained on Wrey and Arvon who were by far the most interesting element. I did like where the plot joins up between the werewolves and mob/gangster family. The bloodshed and battle was nicely graphic. Unfortunately the ending was abrupt and I am not sure if it left me wanting to read the next book. I think the only reason I would continue is to follow Wrey and Arvon's story as it didn't end too well between them.

I guess we will see.

If you like something different give it a try and see what you think.(less)

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Oct 21, 2012 Lana rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: no one

I'm going to point you at J. Westfall's review because s/he said pretty much what I think about this book.

http://www.amazon.com/review/RXNAAQQ9...=

In the beginning the poor writing, bad grammar and worse editing were not quite as apparent. As the book wore on, it all got worse. I was pretty much ignoring all that and was interested in the premise of the book, which was that of a person in Witness Protection who actually had some knowledge of paranormal creatures. It could have been really fascin...more

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Jul 02, 2012 Sara Thompson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I’ve had the privilege of knowing Raven Bower virtually for years. I’ve enjoyed her advice and had many a great conversation with the woman. Recently, she asked me if I’d be interested in reviewing one of her books on my blog. I jumped at the chance. Free books – I am always there.

However, reviewing the book of a friend is nerve wracking. Before I even opened the cover, I was terrified. What if I didn’t like it? What if it’s awful? How will I ever face her again? I try to trust in the fact that...more I’ve had the privilege of knowing Raven Bower virtually for years. I’ve enjoyed her advice and had many a great conversation with the woman. Recently, she asked me if I’d be interested in reviewing one of her books on my blog. I jumped at the chance. Free books – I am always there.

However, reviewing the book of a friend is nerve wracking. Before I even opened the cover, I was terrified. What if I didn’t like it? What if it’s awful? How will I ever face her again? I try to trust in the fact that she has published several novels and one is currently under film negotiations. There has to be something here, right? (On a personal note, I feel this way about anything personal, whether it’s mine or their’s – can’t help it.)

I would like to say that I knew there was nothing to worry about but that goes against my nature. I know – by now you just want me to spit it out. What did I think of the book? It wasn’t long enough. It had a cliff hanger ending that just sent me into fits because I want the next book now.

I loved it. I did get a little caught off guard because that Raven is a naughty girl. Knowing her, the way I do, I discovered a darker side that I wasn’t really expecting. The book is smutty and gritty and I could read it all over again today.

The book follows Wrey, who is a witness in a federal case and in witness protection. She’s a tender hearted woman with a real soft spot for animals, which explains why she opted to pick up an injured wolf on a back road in the middle of the night.

As these things goes – it’s not an ordinary wolf. But then Wrey is not an ordinary woman – she’s got a few tricks up her sleeves.

Arvon can’t believe he had to get help from a human but that’s all well and done. He’ll have his way with her before having a more permanent way with her. Except she’s not falling for it. She’s resisting his charms.

Their stories are more tangled and twisted than they know. No one is who they say they are and everyone involved has a stake in Wrey and Arvon’s future.

Wrey is wanted by a vicious mafia-type family. The FBI has an agent with his own agenda and seems to be pulling strings both with the mafia and the werewolves. Meanwhile there’s a power struggle amongst the werewolves that can only be fixed through lots of sex.

If you are meek or weak-hearted this is not the book for you. However, if you love fast paced, living on the edge sort of thrill ride - this book is perfect.
I will say that I kept thinking of Alcide from True Blood the entire book – that same dark brooding male. MMM – no wonder my husband is leery of what I read.
(less)

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Jun 11, 2012 Renee Rearden rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paperback-text

Print copy provided by author

I’m a sucker for shape shifter stories, and werewolves are right up there among my favorites. Including elemental magic is a serious bonus for me. Combine a great storyline, interesting characters and break-neck pace, and I’m hooked to the last page.

Raven and Lain Bower pulled each of these important elements together in Primal to create a slam-bang urban fantasy that showcases a novel that is an equal part plot and equal part character-driven story—and those just do...more

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May 24, 2012 Shauntelle Hamlett rated it 4 of 5 stars

To be honest, if you had ever told me I'd read a book about a clan of werewolves, a...um.. witch, for lack of a better word... and a murder mystery, I would have stared at you awe struck since I'm not necessarily a big fan of the whole vampire/werewolf line of stories and my imagination is too vivid to read too many murder novels.

That said, I'm so glad that I picked up Primal! The story captured my imagination from the first chapter, something that's very important because I don't have a lot of...more

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Jan 10, 2013 Meagan rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle-lent-to-me

*SPOILERS*

I don't understand why this one has so many good reviews because, well, it just wasn't that good. I can honestly say that I skipped and skimmed whole freaking chapters because I was so bored. There was way too many points of view going on and way too much description and unimportant information being thrown in. There was just too much focus on the side characters and their stories. I felt like I knew the secondary characters better than the two main characters, so I'd skim the bullshit...more *SPOILERS*

I don't understand why this one has so many good reviews because, well, it just wasn't that good. I can honestly say that I skipped and skimmed whole freaking chapters because I was so bored. There was way too many points of view going on and way too much description and unimportant information being thrown in. There was just too much focus on the side characters and their stories. I felt like I knew the secondary characters better than the two main characters, so I'd skim the bullshit until I would get back to Arven and Wrey's points of view.

There was a lot of sex in this one too. I admit some of it was hot but some of it was not my cup of tea either... it was just too.. ewww. There was more sex going on with the secondary characters than the main two characters. I also didn't like that the male protagonist slept with another female while his female protagonist was in the other room scared for her and his life. I understand he did it because of the dynamic and the ways of the werewolves but he was insanely attracted to the other female wolf and even thought numerous times how beautiful she was and how much he wanted her. I think he used the "I gotta dominate her to beat her" excuse to screw her right there on the floor. He wanted her badly for a long time and this was his chance to finally get her... poor Wrey be damned. The fact that he completely forgot about Wrey (Wrey Who?) and had sex with that she wolf just ruined this book for me. It made me sick. I think it ruined and tainted whatever Arvon and Wrey had. How can I take them seriously as a couple and them falling in love when he is so easily tempted by other she wolves and he has thoughts in his head of mating with the wolf that is trying to kill him and his girl. I just can't... the romance in this book was a joke.

Oh, and I didn't really like the ways of the werewolves.. it was just disgusting. Their ways were raw, brutal, and repulsive. They raped and were violent. They mated for life yet they slept around and had orgies. Infidelity is their middle name. They would fight their mate and would allow others to hurt or rape their mate. If their mate was hurt and couldn't hunt their own food... they simply didn't care, they would starve. They would even murder their own mate if it was in their advantage. They didn't care for their mate (AT ALL). I really didn't even understand why these wolves even had mates? It was all, to each his own... so what's the point? To make babies? Hell, they are knocking each other up with all the damn sex going around anyways. Hell, how they know who their baby daddy is has to be an issue. So.... again... what's the fucking point?
I just didn't like the authors take on werewolves I guess.

The plot was all over the place. I had no idea what was going on half the time. Since there was so many side stories going on I couldn't keep up with all the people being mentioned. I was really confused 80% of the time.

Overall I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. It wasn't good, it was just okay (and that's being nice). Since the ending just kinda ended I'm guessing there is a book 2 and I'm still undecided whether I'll read it or not. I am a little curious to see how Wrey takes the whole Arvon cheating on her and him leaving her, so we'll see. (less)

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Sep 08, 2012 Sonic Alpha rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-collection, kindle-ebook

Currently hiding in witness protection, Maria assumes her new identity as "Wrey." Determined to stay under the radar from the people hunting her down, Wrey's life is once again placed in jeopardy when she happens upon Arvon Night; a mysterious stranger who is much more than meets the eye.

I tried my hardest to like this book, unfortunately the constant switches in focus ultimately did more to distance me from the characters rather than make them memorable & engaging. Along with the multitude...more

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Sep 07, 2012 Kat (idangerous) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: weres, supernatural-adult, supernatural-romance-adult, e-book, read-in-2012, reading-challenge-2012, romance-adult

Wow...I can say that I wasn't expecting this! This is meant for 18+ readers, I got it as a free book off a website and it was good. The plot was good, the characters had background that was easy to follow and such. Tis very...um..how to word this. Explicit. yeah, we'll go with that word. I've read some that are pretty explicit but this one was very much explicit in a different way. It's bout Werewolves and human...oh that's original. But it is to some extent, I do give the authors that. It has o...more

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Mar 01, 2013 Chanel rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

WARNING: This is an erotic novel. I don'tknow maybe, i overlooked something but i if i recall i did not seeing anything mentioning that before i bought it. But just so everyone knows. Anyway yes i started reading this book and was like whoa erotic novel where did this come from.

The cover is initially what drew me in. ITS HOT!!! But thats the only thing hot about it. This book could have been so much better though than it was. There is nothing wrong with including multiple characters in a story...more

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Sep 01, 2012 Eryn rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I enjoyed this book, but it was hard to keep up with the story jumping all over the place and there were far too many spelling and grammar mistakes. If the next book is cheap enough I would like to see how the story progresses but it's certainly not a favourite book.
I'd just like to add that I got this book when it was free. If I had paid $3.99 (or OMG $14.99 for paperback) then I would be seriously disappointed.

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May 28, 2012 James William rated it 5 of 5 stars

Dorothy, you're not in Kansas anymore..."

It is 'Eyes Wide Shut' meets creatures of the night in this graphic description of crime, sex, and murder. The story line is engaging and does imply continuation into a second novel. The author does well in carrying the story along, and is very complete in expressing the emotions of the individuals involved.

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Sep 01, 2012 Josephine rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

OMG! There are some parts that aren't even my standard cup of tea, but this book was well written and tied many seeming opposite tangents into a cohesive storyline. I think my favorite part is the fact that Werewolves aren't just humans who turn into wolves but truly a separate species with different social expectations. I am hooked!

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Jun 24, 2012 Ladymcbeth rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, romance, shape-shifters, werewolf

Really good book ...a little longer in the beginning but maybe it comes from my "bad" english (I'm french ^^)
Can't wait to read the next book of the serie.

I really love Arvon ... he's the alpha male I love in my books

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Jul 10, 2012 Rosemary Stoneman rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

*I received this in a Goodreads first reads contest.

At first it took me a tiny bit of time at the beginning to get into this book but after that speed bump I was hooked. This book had characters I loved and characters I loved to hate, an intriguing story line, an alpha male and capable heroine, steamy love scenes which all boiled down to make a great paranormal romance.

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Aug 09, 2012 Geli rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: weres-shifters, romance, giveaways, supernatural

This story was very hard for me to follow. Each chapter skipped over to a new character. It felt like I was having to start over at the beginning each time. I just couldn't keep up. I did like the story between Wrey and Arvon. They were the most interesting out of the whole thing. Hopefully the new book in the series is a little more planned/spaced out. And doesn't feel as rushed. The story is good just needs some work on the spacing of details.

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Jul 04, 2012 Stephanie rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: werewolves

I'm not a fan of books that jump around from character to character, and this one does it ALOT. Other than that its a good read.

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Jan 05, 2013 Sammy marked it as series-2-read-once-more-books-added · review of another edition

The cover looks hot but I won't be starting this one till the rest of the trilogy is out!

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May 13, 2013 Susan Commeford marked it as to-read · review of another edition

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Shelves: daddy-dark-s-baby-warrior-list

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Shelves: books-from-kindle, books-i-own-yet-havent-read, freebie

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About Raven Bower

I'm the author of three book series:

Apparitions series (supernatural suspense / horror)including: Apparitions, Wendigo and Rags Beneath (2012)

Vengeance series (urban fantasy): Primal (2012), Smoke (2013) and Dead Moon (2014)

and the Weeping Dark series (fantasy): Bleeding Edge (2012/13), Sorrow's Gate (2013/14)

Plus the fantasy novella, Nymph's Lair (2012)

I also enjoy writing scripts - the script fo...more

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Primal (Vengeance, #1)

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