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Primal Instincts (Primes #9)

by Susan Sizemore (Goodreads Author)

4.09 of 5 stars 4.09 · rating details · 404 ratings · 41 reviews

New York Times bestselling author Susan Sizemore draws you into a dazzling world of seductive vampires and unquenchable cravings . . . Tobias Strahan leads the elite vampire squad known as the Dark Angels, protecting the city’s paranormal denizens. It’s the perfect job for an übermacho Prime . . . until clan heiress Flare Reynard stirs an obsession in him that refuses to...more

Paperback, 387 pages

Published August 31st 2010 by Pocket Star (first published 2010)

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Aug 09, 2010 Bookaholics rated it 4 of 5 stars

Primal Instincts by Susan Sizemore
Paranormal Romance - August 31st, 2010
4 stars

Primal Instincts is the 9th book in Susan Sizemore's Prime vampire series. And although the author introduces new and intriguing subplots, this book can easily be read by itself. In this story we discover the secrets behind Francesca Reynard. The spoiled and seductive elite vampiress all the Prime vampires’ desire.

Francesca is young and impetuous. She values her independence and does not appreciate the arrogant if...more Primal Instincts by Susan Sizemore
Paranormal Romance - August 31st, 2010
4 stars

Primal Instincts is the 9th book in Susan Sizemore's Prime vampire series. And although the author introduces new and intriguing subplots, this book can easily be read by itself. In this story we discover the secrets behind Francesca Reynard. The spoiled and seductive elite vampiress all the Prime vampires’ desire.

Francesca is young and impetuous. She values her independence and does not appreciate the arrogant if sinfully sexy male Primes (AKA alpha) vampires from interfering in her life. Francesca is tired of being seen as a sex object and hides a deep pain from her past that rebels against submitting to any Prime vampire. In this book the reader discovers the reasons why she will not settle down with any Prime even though she is constantly pressured to bear a child since vampire children are so rare. So far Francesca has been successful in avoiding any entanglements. However, she has not counted on her annoying attraction the devastatingly handsome Prime Tobias Stranhan.

Tobias is the leader of the elite Dark Angels. The secret dark ops of the vampire community. He desires Francesca and this attraction soon takes a more serious turn when Tobias is ruthlessly blackmailed by Francesca's mother, Marti Angelica. Marti Angelica sees Francesca‘s unwilling attraction for Tobias and plans to exploit this knowledge. Marti Angelica proposes an ultimatum to Tobias, either impregnate her daughter or she will work to destroy the Dark Angels. Tobias knows he needs Marti Angelica's backing because their enemy the Tribe has become more dangerous and bold.

But what Tobias and Francesca don't plan on is the sizzling passion that flares between them. Both of them are against bonding which is the deep commitment among vampires but nonetheless feel the deep pull toward each other that bond mates often feel. Soon they find themselves getting in too deep. They find themselves able to 'read' each others’ thoughts. (An early sign of bonding.) And then they begin to crave each other's blood.

This was an easy and solid read. There were many subplots which added new and surprising dimension to this story. The one frustration I had was that Francesca was never proactive and many times seemed to lack maturity. This is because I never felt her character really developed until near the end of the book. It also took a while before the author revealed the reasons behind Francesca's actions but even when this was revealed. Because of this, I was not able to completely warm up to her. I felt Francesca banked too much on her looks and rank and kept waiting for her to do something worthy of her status.

I did love Susan Sizemore alpha Prime Tobias. He was extra sexy and fascinating. He had hidden depths I did not expect. His ruthlessness and vulnerability were an irresistible combination! But unfortunately, his strong character highlighted the contrast to Francesca’s weaker personality. Because of this I felt they were not quite on equal footing and was not able to enjoy the couple's romance as much as I usually do.

This book gives tantalizing hints of the Tribe enemy which aren't entirely. As such the book felt more like the 2nd book in a trilogy. Since there was no big 'payoff' even though the characters ended up together the story itself still seemed unresolved. However, this was a must have book for fans of the series, the only reason I didn't grade it a little higher was because I have enjoyed the author’s prior books more.

Susan Sizemore is a master story teller. Her latest, Primal Instincts is no exception. Fans of the series will not be disappointed but I enjoyed the romance in her earlier Prime books more. This story has enticing glimpses of what is in store for the Primes but it also felt more like a bridging book rather than a complete story since it brings up more questions than it answers.

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
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Sep 18, 2010 Cindy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: keepers

I fell in love with this series back on book 1. This installment continues the Dark Angels storyline [supernaturals vs. those trying to out/destroy them] introduced several books ago with the story of their leader, Tobias Strahan, and the ultimate vampire princess, Francesca [known as Flare] Reynard.

Flare is being forced to produce a child for the clan but is determined to strike a blow for female vampire independence by using artificial means. Her clan Matri blackmails Tobias into agreeing to m...more

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Sep 09, 2010 Melindeeloo rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, paranormal-romance-vampire

"Resistance is Futile" as Flare and Tobias succumb to their Primal Instincts

Pampered `princess' Francesca (Flare) Reynard, as a rare female of her Prime (vampire) species, is used to having male Primes falling at her feet. But just as Flare's finally come up with a scheme to produce an heir for her clan without having to tie herself to a Prime, danger looms for her race and Flare's devious mother - who is also the Matri leader of her clan - pulls yet another string and Flare finds herself being...more "Resistance is Futile" as Flare and Tobias succumb to their Primal Instincts

Pampered `princess' Francesca (Flare) Reynard, as a rare female of her Prime (vampire) species, is used to having male Primes falling at her feet. But just as Flare's finally come up with a scheme to produce an heir for her clan without having to tie herself to a Prime, danger looms for her race and Flare's devious mother - who is also the Matri leader of her clan - pulls yet another string and Flare finds herself being protected by the most uber Prime male of them all, Tobias Strahan the leader of the supernatural special ops-ish Dark Angels.

Tobias already has his hands full as conflict looms on the horizon threatening to expose the existence of paranormals to regular humans, when Flare's Matri makes him an offer he can't refuse. Fulfilling his bargain means keeping Flare close and soon the luscious Flare is playing havoc with his concentration just when he needs to be on top of his game. But even though both have an agenda involving the other and neither intends to bond ever, the pair soon discover that, as much as they think they are fighting the bonding, their instincts make it impossible to resist and soon they are both well and truly hooked.

What a great pairing, it obviously was going to take more than just any old Prime to bond with Flare - she's had all those gorgeous vamps throwing themselves at her forever - but Tobias is just so alpha and intense and, since he spent his formative years spent in the tribes, dominating. Surprisingly, since Flare is used to having her own way and wrapping Prime males around her little finger, Tobias' possession makes it impossible for her to resist.

I have to say that Primal Instinct is now my favorite of Sizemore's vampire tales, I really liked the way that Sizemore handled the relationship between this seemingly mismatched pair - warrior and socialite - she kicks things off with a strong physical connection and a good amount of steam and then uses their emerging telepathic bond to deepen the emotional intimacy between them and allow them to trust enough to share their secrets and then to make a true connection. I also loved the Dark Angels and hope to see more of a few characters who seem positioned for future books.
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Sep 17, 2010 Laura the Highland Hussy rated it 5 of 5 stars

My favorite of the Primes books so far. I really liked the futuristic one, which is unusual for me, but this is by far the best-humorous and sexy. I don't think I've gone in depth on many of this series' reviews. I'll change that now:

I really have enjoyed this series. I would say with the exception of one book, they have all been four and five star reads for me. I love LOVE the world Susan Sizemore created. Her vampire males, once they mature are called Primes (prime of their life..get it?)

Prime...more

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Sep 06, 2012 ♡ Sassy ~ Amy ♡ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, paranormal-romance, vampire, part-of-a-series, magic, shifter, werewolf, witch, psychic-phenom

This was the best I've read in this entire series. I like the daughter/dad relationship.

I'm not going to do a synopsis, because they are already out there... This one was cute. It had a lot of romance. I'd say pretty clean (in the written by your mother or older sense of not wanting people you know to read your dirty book side) Just saying.

This one was written more on a level of a current writer with acception of above romance details. I have another book to read & I can take the set to a us...more

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Apr 01, 2012 Ruby rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: pr, paranormal-romance

This review was first posted on http://www.rubysreads.com.

I was sick this weekend, which turned out to be a good thing because it meant I got to catch up on my reading. It also allowed me to burn through Primal Instincts in a day and half. It kept me reading while lying on the couch amidst a pile of tissues. When I bought this book it was because of two things: I had read somewhere (I no longer remember. It could have been the AAR boards.) that Susan Sizemore was a good bet for Kresley Cole Fan...more This review was first posted on http://www.rubysreads.com.

I was sick this weekend, which turned out to be a good thing because it meant I got to catch up on my reading. It also allowed me to burn through Primal Instincts in a day and half. It kept me reading while lying on the couch amidst a pile of tissues. When I bought this book it was because of two things: I had read somewhere (I no longer remember. It could have been the AAR boards.) that Susan Sizemore was a good bet for Kresley Cole Fans. The other reason was that, while shopping for new, current books to review the weekend before last, this title caught my eye. I can't say it's because of the cover. I'm one of those people who is embarrassed by Romance covers, with all their half naked men and women--and Primal Instincts is no exception. But it was clearly the newest Sizemore title. I flipped through all her other books, but I confess that I chose this one in the end because its description seemed to suit me. Yes, I love alpha heroes. I admit it. I should probably join a support group (though I don't think it would help).

I knew going in that there would be backstory that I wasn't privy to. I knew there would be characters and world-building that I'd have missed. But I also thought, based on experiences with other series, that maybe this would be the book that drew me in. Plus, I don't mind reading a series out of order when the stories are just linked--and the romances are all stand-alone. It's when the series contains the same characters that I get persnickety.

This turned out to be an occasion when I was sorry to realize that I wish I'd started with the first book in the series. I think it would have made Primal Instincts a better read for me. I thought at first that it would be--as I mentioned--like reading Hawke's book first. But I realized, as I read it, that all that would have done was detract from the delicious build-up of tension you get when you know that a character you love will be getting his/her own book. I didn't have that with Tobias and Flare and that's just too bad.

Long story short, I felt like I had missed the first half of this novel. Tobias and Flare begin their relationship almost immediately. They both have issues and baggage--Flare more than Tobias--but from the get go, there's an established connection between the two. Now, I'm just assuming that there was buildup in the earlier books. I could be wrong--please feel free to contradict me. But I was frustrated by the disproportion between the time that Tobias and Flare spent having sexual thoughts about each other and the time when they were supposedly getting to know each other. The description on the back cover tells us that Tobias learns that Flare isn't "the spoiled princess he'd assumed her to be" but the amount of time that Sizemore spent on expanding this side of the relationship was teeny-tiny compared to the "She's beautiful!"/"He's hot!" stuff. I think I also felt that Sizemore spent too much time developing the plot--there's a shocker--doesn't happen that often in a Romance novel--and too little time on Tobias and Flare's relationship. I liked them. I liked that Flare--sorry, Francesca--had depth. And Tobias did too. And I was rooting for them to be together. But they spend sooo much time fighting off the enemy, solving the mystery, saving the world, that there really wasn't much left over for the relationship. I mean, yes, they have time for sex. And they do talk and secrets are revealed, but it just wasn't enough for me.

I would also like to add that, though Tobias has a daughter, never once do they talk about the impact their bonding will have on her. Francesca never so much as reflects on the idea of becoming a stepmother, which I thought was odd. True, Saffron is in another part of the country for most of the novel, but Tobias talks to her and about her often. The subject of Francesca and Saffron even meeting never comes up, and then, when they do, it's brushed off in a matter of a few lines.

My final gripe with this novel was that I didn't know enough about Sizemore's vampires. Each author creates his or her own mythology and you learn about it as you go. I liked the idea of daylight drugs, but I was often confused--does that mean they live normal lives? I.e., sleep at the night and work during the day? And do they need to drink blood to survive or not? How much and how often? I was also confused by all the Clan/Tribe/Matri/Family stuff. Most of the time I wasn't sure what anyone was talking about and this made it kind of hard to follow the plot. But this--all of this--is stuff that I'm assuming I would have been better prepared to handle if I'd read the first eight books in the series first.

Now that I am done with my personal griping, I would like to add that this book engrossed me. I read it while I was brushing my teeth. I read it while waiting for the water to boil for my tea. I always wanted to pick it up again. This is saying something, given everything I've said above. I liked Sizemore's writing and I liked her characters (although I was vastly disappointed that Chiana's story was never completely resolved, but maybe in the next book). I was intrigued by the world that Sizemore had built and now I want to try it all over from the beginning. Oh, and I also want to say that I think Tobias and Flare deserve a sequel. Their relationship would still be worth reading about. But the joy of serieses (is that a word?) is that they allow you to check back in with beloved characters.

I decided, in the end, to give this book Four Points. Sizemore deserves as much from a reader whose criticisms mainly derive from ignorance. However, I reserve the right to alter my opinion, should it change after having read the rest of the series. Joking. (No I'm not.) (less)

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Jul 07, 2011 Book rated it 5 of 5 stars

Tobias and Flair are exciting and start with a bang in this book. I really liked this couple and this story had some funny parts, exciting parts and some intense parts. I do have to point out though, that I was disappointed how the book came to a close because the build up was so much throughout the book for this couple. They both fought the idea of a permenant future together each thinking throughout the book they would parent this child then just go back to their lives, but then it just seem t...more

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Oct 23, 2012 Natalie rated it 5 of 5 stars

OK, this is either book 8 or 9 in the Prime series. I think it's technically 9 but it takes place immediately after the end of 7 so... Great story line, great romance line, lots of non-graphic vampire sex, great side characters, lots of action and adventure. I thought I was getting tired of this genre but these 2 books (Primal Needs & Instincts) let me know that there are still great books out there for me to explore.

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Sep 25, 2010 Kathleen Burket rated it 5 of 5 stars

The story of uber prime Tobias Strahan and quick-tempered clan princess Francesca "Flare" Reynard is delightful. Along with Laurent Wolf, Tobias Strahan has become one of my favorite prime heroes. Francesca and Tobias are perfect for each other and readers will be cheering as their relationship develops. In this book we also meet Strahan's daughter Saffie and learn more about why he founded the Dark Angels supernatural militia. Many of our old favorites such as Sidonie Wolf, Joe Bleythin, Tony C...more

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Aug 14, 2011 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars

FINALLY...Flare's story...and it's a good one! I understand the animosity she has for her Matri and the sparks of rage that set her off. She needs a strong, dominant, LOVING, understanding male...something most Primes are NOT. Then there's Tobias! Can he, will he be what she needs? Can he understand why she is the TEMPER tantrum princess? Well you'll just have to read to find out if there is a winner ino this war of wills!

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Apr 25, 2011 Jennifer Stanley rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, vampires

I'm guessing that the reason I wasn't that thrilled with this book is that it's been a long time since I've read the proceeding books in the series. I could vaguely remember the back stories for several of the characters mentioned. The names were familiar and I could remember they had their own story, but that was about it. Looks like I'll need to go back and reread the beginning of the series to fully get into this one. Of course, that doesn't mean it cannot be read on it's own.

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Feb 16, 2011 Ann Lorz rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranomal, vampire

I've been a fan of Susan Sizemore for a long time and will continue to be one. I just love her stories. Her writing leads you on a wonderful chase though the story to the end. Each book brings you more and more into her vampire world. Because it's a series I think you should read them in order, to really fully enjoy each one.

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Jun 07, 2012 Dawn Sullivan rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. This series was the first paranormal romance books I ever read. I fell in love with Susan Sizemore's vampires right away. As the series grew so didnt my love for it. Each book brings something new to the series. I couldnt wait to read Flare's story. Flare is a very strong female vamp. I was so glad she ended up with a strong alpha prime that could handle her. Tobias was everything you could want in a alpha vamp. Strong, smart and oh so very sexy. His story and his lov...more

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May 20, 2011 Sheila rated it 4 of 5 stars

This one was much slower than all the previous books, but still enough to hold my interest to the point of finishing it in 2 days.

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Aug 24, 2011 Vivian rated it 4 of 5 stars

This one made me cry at the end. I really liked this one. But I think this is the end of the series. Happy Reading!

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Sep 12, 2010 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

It was nice o finally have Flare's story. Funny how both Tobias and Her's persona was all a show for everyone around them. I was a good story, I liked it a lot.

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Sep 07, 2010 Alisa rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Prime Series Followers

Shelves: prime

Primal Instincts was another wonderful enstallment of Susan Sizemore's Prime Series. I had been waiting so long for this book to come out that I bought it as soon as it was available. Flare and Tobias are two alpha characters and what happens when you have two alphas??? One always submits and I can honestly say that their relationship almost seemed like a dom/sub realtionship to me... mind you.. Flare is not submissive.. but sort of seemed that way to me next to Tobias's dominate character. He i...more

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Feb 13, 2011 Debbie rated it 2 of 5 stars

This book just didn't do it for me. This isn't the start of the this series going downhill for me.

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Dec 29, 2010 Karen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved it much like everything else Ms. Sizemore writes. She does not disappoint.

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Oct 27, 2012 Cherry added it

not a stand alone book, need to read in order or at least release prior.

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May 13, 2012 Karry rated it 5 of 5 stars

Great book! Tobias is awesome, and Flare is perfect for him!!! Couldn't have been better!

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Jan 04, 2013 Robin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: susan-sizemore, book-book, primes

Always enjoy this series. This one was no different. Good read.

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Jun 09, 2012 Michele bookloverforever rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-rom

interesting, absorbing. worth an afternoon if you like this genre.

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Aug 17, 2011 Ju rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a great read. It was romantic, sexy and filled with intrigue.

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Dec 21, 2010 Brandy *Ahviel* rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, library-shelf, need-to-buy, paranormal-romance, vampires

I had problems with the beginning of the book, usually it starts off good but for some reason there was a slowness to this beginning to where I had to actually force myself through the pages just to make it.
Overall I loved the chemistry that these two characters had. There was a fierceness to it that elevated the story and the love to more

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Oct 08, 2010 ~*~Princess Nhya~*~ rated it 1 of 5 stars

I just could not get into this one. I got towards the middle and completely lost interest. If you are curious about this book then read it. But do not buy it to do so..

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Jan 24, 2012 Mary rated it 3 of 5 stars

defs not a bad book!! if you like the genre give it a try

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Sep 07, 2010 T.J. Michaels rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: vampire, romance, paranormal, hot

I've been waiting for Flare Reynard's story FO-EVAH! I mean, literally years and years. I'm glad to say I was not disappointed. The introduction of new vamp/were/purist political intrigue while tying up some loose ends from the previous books was done quite nicely. Susan Sizemore's books aren't typically explicit, but this time she 'WENT THERE' and it was very well done. Totally LOVED it!

Well done, Mizz Sizemore ;D

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Oct 14, 2010 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Didn't know this was book 9 in a series. It was a stand alone kind of book in my opinion.

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Sep 05, 2010 Lynn Calvin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: amazon-preorder

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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About Susan Sizemore

Susan Sizemore's life and interests include such varied activities as medieval costuming and embroidery, being a chef, and working in the defense industry.She is owned by her spoiled rotten, beloved mutt dog, rather than the other way around, and this is just fine with her.Current hobbies include hiking and studying t'ai chi. She travels whenever she can, loves history, loud music, movies, good co...more

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Primal Instincts (Primes #9)

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