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Primal
The deep, dark woods are full of beasts—and she’s tempting the worst one of all.
Run, little gazelle. Run…
My father wanted my stepsister out of the way, so he banished her to the woods. Once upon a time, he did the same thing to my mother. She’s dead now.
I will not let the same thing happen to Kendall.
So, I’m going with her. It’ll take every primal instinct I have, but I’ll protect her from the wolves, from starvation, from the cold.
What I can’t protect her from is me.
Because I’m worse than anything we’ll encounter in the wild. I’m a monster who loves her, even though I’m her stepbrother. I know it’s forbidden. Taboo. But I can’t help it.
Especially since she wants me, too.
And as far as I’m concerned, what Kendall wants, Kendall gets…
Primal is a taboo, steamy, erotic dark retelling of Hansel and Gretel. It tells the story of two stepsiblings who wander the woods and explore the primal desires and love for each other with absolutely zero shame whatsoever. Please check for full content disclaimer at the beginning of the book or on my website.
Run, little gazelle. Run…
My father wanted my stepsister out of the way, so he banished her to the woods. Once upon a time, he did the same thing to my mother. She’s dead now.
I will not let the same thing happen to Kendall.
So, I’m going with her. It’ll take every primal instinct I have, but I’ll protect her from the wolves, from starvation, from the cold.
What I can’t protect her from is me.
Because I’m worse than anything we’ll encounter in the wild. I’m a monster who loves her, even though I’m her stepbrother. I know it’s forbidden. Taboo. But I can’t help it.
Especially since she wants me, too.
And as far as I’m concerned, what Kendall wants, Kendall gets…
Primal is a taboo, steamy, erotic dark retelling of Hansel and Gretel. It tells the story of two stepsiblings who wander the woods and explore the primal desires and love for each other with absolutely zero shame whatsoever. Please check for full content disclaimer at the beginning of the book or on my website.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2023
328 people are currently reading
2446 people want to read
About the author
Eva Marks
23 books992 followersWriting spicy books about dirty talkers and the women who love them.
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If you're looking for me, i'm here:
My books: https://amzn.to/3pnp5XE
Newsletter for new releases: https://bit.ly/3c3K2nt
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3QQ3Nh4
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eva.marks.writes
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@evamarkswrites
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EvaMarksWrites
Facebook Readers' Group: https://bit.ly/3LnFpln
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/3AhNcgv
Website: https://www.evamarkswrites.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
March 19, 2023
Retelling about Hansel and Grettle!! But make it spicy!!
This one was so delicious I ate it up!! Kendella is a innocent girl who's step father verbally abuses and a silent mother who doesn't even defend her. She tries to stay low and out of the way but it doesn't work she also has a huge crush on her step brother Axel he's not mean to her he just says one word to her and stays away from her. Ken thinks he hates her but she's wrong Axel does have strong feelings for her he just trying to make sure they are kept hidden. Now that Axel father is kicking Ken out to live on her own he goes with her to help her live in the wild and learn so she can come back home.
The sexual tension is high between the two now that there alone and it goes 0 to 100 between them. Axel is letting out his beast he's going to claim and take Ken as his prey. It's alot of tension in these woods.
But lord it's delicious to see this type of play.
Low low angst, Tiny om drama, No cheating, Drama, sexy times, virgin gal and no manwhore
Slowinsta
18h/25H
Pinning
Tiny push away
Mental abuse
Tiny Degradation
Praise kink
Mentioned murder
attempted rape
Hea
Epilogue
This one was so delicious I ate it up!! Kendella is a innocent girl who's step father verbally abuses and a silent mother who doesn't even defend her. She tries to stay low and out of the way but it doesn't work she also has a huge crush on her step brother Axel he's not mean to her he just says one word to her and stays away from her. Ken thinks he hates her but she's wrong Axel does have strong feelings for her he just trying to make sure they are kept hidden. Now that Axel father is kicking Ken out to live on her own he goes with her to help her live in the wild and learn so she can come back home.
The sexual tension is high between the two now that there alone and it goes 0 to 100 between them. Axel is letting out his beast he's going to claim and take Ken as his prey. It's alot of tension in these woods.
But lord it's delicious to see this type of play.
Low low angst, Tiny om drama, No cheating, Drama, sexy times, virgin gal and no manwhore
Slowinsta
18h/25H
Pinning
Tiny push away
Mental abuse
Tiny Degradation
Praise kink
Mentioned murder
attempted rape
Hea
Epilogue
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2025
2 to 2.5 stars
For a short story, this was SLOW. I felt it was quite boring. There were so many plot lackluster moments that could've been done differently to make it more exciting for the reader. 165 pages felt like going uphill both ways in the snow like old people said their hike was to school. It should've been an easy, quick, and enjoyable read being 165 pages.
For a short story, this was SLOW. I felt it was quite boring. There were so many plot lackluster moments that could've been done differently to make it more exciting for the reader. 165 pages felt like going uphill both ways in the snow like old people said their hike was to school. It should've been an easy, quick, and enjoyable read being 165 pages.
April 9, 2023
“Just because they’re gone doesn’t mean you’re not prey, not anymore. Because you are. Just not theirs. Mine.”
The book certainly lived up to its title. Saturated in a primal element and with delicate hints of something supernatural, it lured me in and I couldn’t get enough. It was generally a rounded story with a nice introduction of characters and a slow build-up of the mcs’ relationship… Well, at least as slow as a spicy short story could be. And the book was …very very spicy. It wasn’t solely the tabo* aspect but mostly the intensity of the smut and the tropes, that intensified the level of spice.
Alex (mmc) was borderline unhinged with a beastly attitude but although he seemed like he was going to be the wildest, he turned out to be so lovely and gentle towards Kendal (fmc). Kendal was deprived of love and affection, and she had developed an apathetic way of dealing with her distress, so a major part of the book focused on the recovery of her strength and identity. Along with the survival trope, it was a compelling story to read.
It was promoted as Hansel and Gretel retelling but I don’t fully see that. Sure there were some similar details to the story but nothing prominent. I also have Gretel in my mind as a strong character and Kendal was very soft, which is no issue but doesn’t suit the image of Gretel to me. My only other problem was that the reasons, the mcs found themselves in the wild, lacked foundation. I can’t comprehend why they complied with their parents' orders and the reason behind these orders was illogical. Still, I went with it because the mcs were invinting.
Did I like it? Mostly yes.
Would I reread it? Maybe.
3/5⭐
4.5/5🌶️
The book certainly lived up to its title. Saturated in a primal element and with delicate hints of something supernatural, it lured me in and I couldn’t get enough. It was generally a rounded story with a nice introduction of characters and a slow build-up of the mcs’ relationship… Well, at least as slow as a spicy short story could be. And the book was …very very spicy. It wasn’t solely the tabo* aspect but mostly the intensity of the smut and the tropes, that intensified the level of spice.
Alex (mmc) was borderline unhinged with a beastly attitude but although he seemed like he was going to be the wildest, he turned out to be so lovely and gentle towards Kendal (fmc). Kendal was deprived of love and affection, and she had developed an apathetic way of dealing with her distress, so a major part of the book focused on the recovery of her strength and identity. Along with the survival trope, it was a compelling story to read.
It was promoted as Hansel and Gretel retelling but I don’t fully see that. Sure there were some similar details to the story but nothing prominent. I also have Gretel in my mind as a strong character and Kendal was very soft, which is no issue but doesn’t suit the image of Gretel to me. My only other problem was that the reasons, the mcs found themselves in the wild, lacked foundation. I can’t comprehend why they complied with their parents' orders and the reason behind these orders was illogical. Still, I went with it because the mcs were invinting.
Did I like it? Mostly yes.
Would I reread it? Maybe.
3/5⭐
4.5/5🌶️
December 23, 2023
Makes me sad when a book that was supposed to make me horny makes me laugh.
“It means”—he slithers a hand behind my neck, winding my hair around his fist and tugging—“I outmatched the alpha male. Which means, Kendall,”—he sniffs the strands of my hair—“I’m the alpha male.”
NANSBSJSBDBSHSB
HE WAS IN THE FOREST AND SHOOED AWAY SOME WOLVES SO HE SAID HES AN ALPHA MALE.
I lust for him, for my savage man-wolf.
Gurl....
Im cackling here you're literally 18
roar laces into his voice, a glimmer of two nights ago. Of my predator.
Nah I swear I laughed
“It means”—he slithers a hand behind my neck, winding my hair around his fist and tugging—“I outmatched the alpha male. Which means, Kendall,”—he sniffs the strands of my hair—“I’m the alpha male.”
NANSBSJSBDBSHSB
HE WAS IN THE FOREST AND SHOOED AWAY SOME WOLVES SO HE SAID HES AN ALPHA MALE.
I lust for him, for my savage man-wolf.
Gurl....
Im cackling here you're literally 18
roar laces into his voice, a glimmer of two nights ago. Of my predator.
Nah I swear I laughed
November 9, 2023
3.5 ⭐
this book is like if someone read credence by penelope douglas and said "i could do that, but like just slightly a little bit better."
this book is like if someone read credence by penelope douglas and said "i could do that, but like just slightly a little bit better."
April 6, 2023
DNF
DNF’ed at 50%.
I just couldn’t get through it. I didn’t connect with the characters at all and I found the fmc so annoying. I also found most of it cringey, like Axel being some alpha male of the forest with heightened senses.
DNF’ed at 50%.
I just couldn’t get through it. I didn’t connect with the characters at all and I found the fmc so annoying. I also found most of it cringey, like Axel being some alpha male of the forest with heightened senses.
November 14, 2023
Title: Primal
Author: Eva Marks
Genre: Dark Romance
Type: Standalone Novella
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
3.25 Stars
Kendall McQueen’s life had not been easy since her mum re-married a year ago. When she was banished into the wild, her stepbrother Axel Walker offered her protection. But no one would protect her from him.
I was excited with the prospect of the story, considering I love fairytale retelling. However, this Hansel and Gretel reimagining was quite flat.
There’s a thrill to the hunt. The challenge in the chase, the high I get from it, it’s enough to have my cock hard no matter where I am.
The story was mostly smut, which is not an issue. But it was too long for a book with minimal plot. Even the sexy scene made me lose focus at times. Thankfully, the river scene was something different and exciting.
Primal is a tale of secret indulgence. It might appeal to readers who enjoy forbidden dark romance.
🌿✖️🌿. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . 🌿✖️🌿
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April 10, 2023
⭐️3/5 📚77/120
I don’t have much to say to be honest. I’ve read somewhere that this was a dark retelling of Hansel & Gretel and I was pretty excited about that, but then, besides the two characters leaving to live in the forest, it looked nothing like the old tale? So I was kinda disappointed.
Although I have to say that the taboo was taboo and the spice was spicy and the short novel was short, so 3 stars for that. But yeah, I somehow didn’t expect this to be 100% smut and 0% Hansel & Gretel.
Read it if you want something short and hot!
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*
⭐️3/5 📚77/120
Je n'ai pas grand-chose à dire pour être honnête. J'ai lu quelque part qu'il s'agissait d'une version sombre de Hansel et Gretel et j'étais assez enthousiaste à ce sujet, mais ensuite, à part les deux personnages qui partent vivre dans la forêt, l’histoire ne ressemblait pas du tout au conte ? J'ai donc été un peu déçue.
Mais je dois dire que le tabou était tabou et que le spice était épicé et que le roman court était court, donc 3 étoiles pour ces promesses parfaitement respectées. Mais oui, je ne m'attendais pas à ce que ce soit 100% smut et 0% Hansel & Gretel.
Lisez-le si vous voulez quelque chose de court et de chaud !
I don’t have much to say to be honest. I’ve read somewhere that this was a dark retelling of Hansel & Gretel and I was pretty excited about that, but then, besides the two characters leaving to live in the forest, it looked nothing like the old tale? So I was kinda disappointed.
Although I have to say that the taboo was taboo and the spice was spicy and the short novel was short, so 3 stars for that. But yeah, I somehow didn’t expect this to be 100% smut and 0% Hansel & Gretel.
Read it if you want something short and hot!
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*
⭐️3/5 📚77/120
Je n'ai pas grand-chose à dire pour être honnête. J'ai lu quelque part qu'il s'agissait d'une version sombre de Hansel et Gretel et j'étais assez enthousiaste à ce sujet, mais ensuite, à part les deux personnages qui partent vivre dans la forêt, l’histoire ne ressemblait pas du tout au conte ? J'ai donc été un peu déçue.
Mais je dois dire que le tabou était tabou et que le spice était épicé et que le roman court était court, donc 3 étoiles pour ces promesses parfaitement respectées. Mais oui, je ne m'attendais pas à ce que ce soit 100% smut et 0% Hansel & Gretel.
Lisez-le si vous voulez quelque chose de court et de chaud !
April 2, 2023
This was definitely a very dark, kinky and spicy retelling of Hansel and Gretel.
Kendall and her mother came to live with Axel and his father. He hated her at first, because he thought that she and her mother were to blame for his mother's death, including his father. When he found out she didn't he felt strong attraction towards her. He pinned for her for over a year, when his father decided to banish her to the woods so she can try to leave there on her own. Well, Axel decided that he will go with her and he finally saw the way to act out on his attraction.
From then on, their journey started. And it was quite a journey. Filled with so much passion, kink and smut. I think that it was possible there would be smoke coming from my ears 🥵🥵🥵.
The book wasn't very long and it was a quick read. I definitely recommend it if you want to use your time for a dark and kinky book.
Eva Marks went all in with this book. You won't be disappointed reading it ❤️🔥.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
Kendall and her mother came to live with Axel and his father. He hated her at first, because he thought that she and her mother were to blame for his mother's death, including his father. When he found out she didn't he felt strong attraction towards her. He pinned for her for over a year, when his father decided to banish her to the woods so she can try to leave there on her own. Well, Axel decided that he will go with her and he finally saw the way to act out on his attraction.
From then on, their journey started. And it was quite a journey. Filled with so much passion, kink and smut. I think that it was possible there would be smoke coming from my ears 🥵🥵🥵.
The book wasn't very long and it was a quick read. I definitely recommend it if you want to use your time for a dark and kinky book.
Eva Marks went all in with this book. You won't be disappointed reading it ❤️🔥.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
April 1, 2023
ARC REVIEW
“You’re mine, and I won’t play fair to get you. Every fucking time, Ken.”
Thank you, Eva for allowing me to be one of your arc readers.
This book made me sad, angry, hot and bothered and ready to fight. 😂 Kendall and Axel are two people who needed to end up with one another. This book touches on loss of a parent, unaliving, deception,verbal abuse and other sensitive topics.
The spice was spicy! Axel was a man who knew what he wanted, how he wanted it and Kendall who was innocent in the beginning soon realized she liked being dominated. Their attraction and protection over the other was heartwarming. Kendall deserved better than the life her mom gave her and Axel showed her that she wasn’t the negative things she thought she was because of things bad ppl said to her.
If you are into primal and breeding kinks, like men who leave bruises on purpose and make you want to go camping then this is the book for you.
“You’re mine, and I won’t play fair to get you. Every fucking time, Ken.”
Thank you, Eva for allowing me to be one of your arc readers.
This book made me sad, angry, hot and bothered and ready to fight. 😂 Kendall and Axel are two people who needed to end up with one another. This book touches on loss of a parent, unaliving, deception,verbal abuse and other sensitive topics.
The spice was spicy! Axel was a man who knew what he wanted, how he wanted it and Kendall who was innocent in the beginning soon realized she liked being dominated. Their attraction and protection over the other was heartwarming. Kendall deserved better than the life her mom gave her and Axel showed her that she wasn’t the negative things she thought she was because of things bad ppl said to her.
If you are into primal and breeding kinks, like men who leave bruises on purpose and make you want to go camping then this is the book for you.
March 24, 2023
“𝙼𝚢 𝙻𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝙶𝚊𝚣𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚎, 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝙸 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚖𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝚘𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚏𝚎𝚊𝚛 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚖𝚎.” 𝙸 𝚜𝚗𝚒𝚏𝚏 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚗𝚎𝚌𝚔, 𝚜𝚞𝚌𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚝. “𝚈𝚎𝚜, 𝚒𝚝’𝚕𝚕 𝚑𝚞𝚛𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚕. 𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝙸’𝚕𝚕 𝚏𝚞𝚌𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚘 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍, 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚋𝚎 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚋𝚎𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞’𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚐𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚒𝚝 𝚊𝚐𝚊𝚒𝚗.”
This was a short read that was oh so delicious and interesting. As soon as I heard Hansel and Gretel dark retelling with stepsiblings, primal kink and breeding kink I was running to read this and it did not disappoint. Axel is 25 years old and ready to take revenge on his father for the his role in the death of his mother. His revenge takes a pause as he realizes what he wants more is his 18 year old stepsister Kendall and to protect her. When his father tosses her to the woods Axel follows. Once they're in the woods Axel becomes more primitive and instinctual. They both find themselves laying their insecurities bare and opening up in ways they didn't think possible. He is the beast that takes what he wants and she is his prey waiting to be eaten. And boy does Axel make me feel like I want to be eaten too. Thank you to Eva for this lovely ARC.
This was a short read that was oh so delicious and interesting. As soon as I heard Hansel and Gretel dark retelling with stepsiblings, primal kink and breeding kink I was running to read this and it did not disappoint. Axel is 25 years old and ready to take revenge on his father for the his role in the death of his mother. His revenge takes a pause as he realizes what he wants more is his 18 year old stepsister Kendall and to protect her. When his father tosses her to the woods Axel follows. Once they're in the woods Axel becomes more primitive and instinctual. They both find themselves laying their insecurities bare and opening up in ways they didn't think possible. He is the beast that takes what he wants and she is his prey waiting to be eaten. And boy does Axel make me feel like I want to be eaten too. Thank you to Eva for this lovely ARC.
March 18, 2023
Primal was such a perfect title for this. Everything about Axel is animalistic. He is unapologetic, but passionately cruel. He takes what he wants but never more than Kendall is willing to give. Sometimes she needed a little nudge though. Driven by his wants, his needs and his emotions this was dark! Axel allows another part of himself to take over, to care for, love and protect Kendall. Past insecurities hold her back but Axels past helps. His knowledge and understanding of the woods help Kendall grow, accept their circumstances, and their new reality. She went from a timid little gazelle to the women perfect for him. They created a connection deeper than most can understand and were completely as one. The prey/chase part of this I loved. Especially when he caught her! Ive said it before - Eva can write spice!
December 9, 2023
2 stars ⭐️
MAN THIS WAS HORRIBLE 🤡
No plot, no chemistry between them. They were just doing it in the woods all the damn time
And please this was not dark at all 🙃
Axel’s character had all the potential to be grey and alpha but failed miserably
HORRIBLE
MAN THIS WAS HORRIBLE 🤡
No plot, no chemistry between them. They were just doing it in the woods all the damn time
And please this was not dark at all 🙃
Axel’s character had all the potential to be grey and alpha but failed miserably
HORRIBLE
March 27, 2023
Title: Primal
Author: Eva Marks
Stars: 3/5⭐️
Spice: 4/5 🌶
Spoilers: No
This Book Left Me Feeling: 🥵 but 🤨
Genre: Dark Romance
Tropes: Touch Her And 💀. Primal. Taboo. Stepsiblings.
About The Book:
Kendall and Axel are stepsibblings living with and avoiding each other until Kendall is put into danger and Axel can't let that slide. Risking not only everything he has, but his life too, Axel vows to protect her.
What Will Stay With Me:
Axel, he's gonna stick in my head for a while.
Review:
I like to start off with anything I didn't so much enjoy so that we can end on a positive note so here we go. My main problem was that the story made no sense. I don't want to give Spoilers but we all know it's Hansel and Gretal Themed and it did a great job at sticking to that but not such a great job of making sure that those elements actually fit into the story it was trying to tell and made sense. A lot of it felt very rushed and elements of the story that, in my opinion, should have had a lot more time spent on them just fell flat while there was a lot of time spent on things that weren't so integral to the story. I don't wanna keep picking holes so I'm just gonna finish this part by saying it really could have done with another round of editing, there were some words used in ways that they shouldn't have been and where those parts didn't make sense it pulled me out of the story.
Aside from those things I enjoyed it. I liked how the characters were initially portrayed to be as different as day and night but in the end it turned out they were actually very similar, two sides of the same coin. I also liked that you could feel Axel, his desperation for what he needed warring with other parts of himself was really well done. Also the spice was top notch for variety. The author got a little bit of everything you could want in there and then some. Not gonna lie, one part did give me the ick but that was 100% a me thing and nothing to do with how it was written. There was a lot of variety in the spice so I never got bored by repetition like I sometimes do in books.
In the end I'd say that the storyline isn't rhe strong point of this book, the spice is. So if that's your main focus and you really want some yummy spicy times then you should definitely give it a read.
Author: Eva Marks
Stars: 3/5⭐️
Spice: 4/5 🌶
Spoilers: No
This Book Left Me Feeling: 🥵 but 🤨
Genre: Dark Romance
Tropes: Touch Her And 💀. Primal. Taboo. Stepsiblings.
About The Book:
Kendall and Axel are stepsibblings living with and avoiding each other until Kendall is put into danger and Axel can't let that slide. Risking not only everything he has, but his life too, Axel vows to protect her.
What Will Stay With Me:
Axel, he's gonna stick in my head for a while.
Review:
I like to start off with anything I didn't so much enjoy so that we can end on a positive note so here we go. My main problem was that the story made no sense. I don't want to give Spoilers but we all know it's Hansel and Gretal Themed and it did a great job at sticking to that but not such a great job of making sure that those elements actually fit into the story it was trying to tell and made sense. A lot of it felt very rushed and elements of the story that, in my opinion, should have had a lot more time spent on them just fell flat while there was a lot of time spent on things that weren't so integral to the story. I don't wanna keep picking holes so I'm just gonna finish this part by saying it really could have done with another round of editing, there were some words used in ways that they shouldn't have been and where those parts didn't make sense it pulled me out of the story.
Aside from those things I enjoyed it. I liked how the characters were initially portrayed to be as different as day and night but in the end it turned out they were actually very similar, two sides of the same coin. I also liked that you could feel Axel, his desperation for what he needed warring with other parts of himself was really well done. Also the spice was top notch for variety. The author got a little bit of everything you could want in there and then some. Not gonna lie, one part did give me the ick but that was 100% a me thing and nothing to do with how it was written. There was a lot of variety in the spice so I never got bored by repetition like I sometimes do in books.
In the end I'd say that the storyline isn't rhe strong point of this book, the spice is. So if that's your main focus and you really want some yummy spicy times then you should definitely give it a read.
March 23, 2023
☆ 4/5 & 4.5/5 spice
A Hansel & Gretel dark retelling. Check trigger warnings before reading!
A short, dark, hot, & spicy novella. I finished this in one sitting and it was definitely something new to me and out of my comfort zone to read. Axel saves his stepsister, Kendall from their toxic family and eventually she gets kicked out and have to go out into the woods. Kendall has to try and survive being out in the wilderness and luckily Axel being the protective alpha stepbrother, decides to leave with Kendall, keeping her company, and protecting her. Kendall eventually accepts her new reality and overcomes her insecurities by finding comfort in Axel. From the forced proximity to the prey & chase leads to them both giving into their desires for one another. The spice in this book was on a whole new level. 🔥
A Hansel & Gretel dark retelling. Check trigger warnings before reading!
A short, dark, hot, & spicy novella. I finished this in one sitting and it was definitely something new to me and out of my comfort zone to read. Axel saves his stepsister, Kendall from their toxic family and eventually she gets kicked out and have to go out into the woods. Kendall has to try and survive being out in the wilderness and luckily Axel being the protective alpha stepbrother, decides to leave with Kendall, keeping her company, and protecting her. Kendall eventually accepts her new reality and overcomes her insecurities by finding comfort in Axel. From the forced proximity to the prey & chase leads to them both giving into their desires for one another. The spice in this book was on a whole new level. 🔥
April 24, 2023
“you were the other half I never thought I’d need. thank you for existing.”🖤
“she needs me, and I’ll tear down the world for her.”🖤
“not one of them was Kendall. the emotional connection, how she molds instantly into my lifestyle. she’s my whole world.”🖤
whn i tell u all i was literally swooning so hard over this boy🫠the way axel is protective over ken is everything & more. i loved the way tht he was so close w nature as well. the fact tht he knew how to be a leader & is reliable😌
axel & kendall are so well suited to each other. the chemistry between these 2 was so freaking electric. the tension is through the roof w them and the spice. there’s jus no words 4 how beautiful it was💥
this was an amazing fast paced dark spicy novella🖤
- a forbidden romance novella
- hansel & gretel retelling
- brëéding & knife k!nk
- bl00d & knife kink
- touch her & die
- a mf romance
- dual POV
rating: 4/5⭐️
spice: 3/5🌶
“she needs me, and I’ll tear down the world for her.”🖤
“not one of them was Kendall. the emotional connection, how she molds instantly into my lifestyle. she’s my whole world.”🖤
whn i tell u all i was literally swooning so hard over this boy🫠the way axel is protective over ken is everything & more. i loved the way tht he was so close w nature as well. the fact tht he knew how to be a leader & is reliable😌
axel & kendall are so well suited to each other. the chemistry between these 2 was so freaking electric. the tension is through the roof w them and the spice. there’s jus no words 4 how beautiful it was💥
this was an amazing fast paced dark spicy novella🖤
- a forbidden romance novella
- hansel & gretel retelling
- brëéding & knife k!nk
- bl00d & knife kink
- touch her & die
- a mf romance
- dual POV
rating: 4/5⭐️
spice: 3/5🌶
March 25, 2023
It was a bit strange for me, that she lives in Alaska and never been in the woods before, Alaska has more woods than cities. The second thing I found strange is, that she was verbally abused and still wanted to stay at home. She was more than naïve for her age at the beginning, her behavior was very contradictory, two days in the woods and she is a changed woman. He was kind of a bully himself, with his behavior, but I can tolerate a lot, but at cutting her, I was out, why did not he cut himself if he wants blood. But the most question I have was, why the references with wolves, I really thought he was a werewolf at the beginning. The story with his mom was wild too, she was a grown woman, who went into the woods in Alaska winter because her husband told her to? All in all it was a strange story and I probably would never read it again.
November 13, 2023
3★
Banished by her family to survive on her own in the woods, Kendall finds that her stepbrother, Axel, is the only one who cares enough about her to help.
In starting this book, I was expecting a dark taboo story, but it was mostly about Axel and Kendall in the woods. The fear of Axel’s father or the element that makes this book a Hansel and Gretel retelling was at the periphery and it left the entire story lacking for me.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Banished by her family to survive on her own in the woods, Kendall finds that her stepbrother, Axel, is the only one who cares enough about her to help.
“Thought I could protect you from a distance. But I’ve always been so fucking starved for a taste of you. To have all of you.”
In starting this book, I was expecting a dark taboo story, but it was mostly about Axel and Kendall in the woods. The fear of Axel’s father or the element that makes this book a Hansel and Gretel retelling was at the periphery and it left the entire story lacking for me.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
February 8, 2024
primal
Extremely loosely based on Hansel and Gretel. Slightly disappointed this didn’t have more of a Hansel and Gretel theme to it, but it is good for what it is. It wasn’t until the last few chapters that there was really any similarities between this and Hansel and Gretel except siblings and they were in the woods. There’s not much plot though. The plot is literally boy and girl become siblings and like each other for a year but neither act. When girl is 16 and boy is 24, the girls stepdad (boys dad) kicks her out but says she can stay if she can survive alone in the woods for a month. Boy refuses to let her go alone so goes with her. Boy takes girls v1rg1n1ty and tries to get her pregnant in the month they are in the woods. At the end of the book they come across a house of a guy who pretends to be nice but really is evil and wants to r@pe girl. Boy kills girl and they live happily ever after.
Extremely loosely based on Hansel and Gretel. Slightly disappointed this didn’t have more of a Hansel and Gretel theme to it, but it is good for what it is. It wasn’t until the last few chapters that there was really any similarities between this and Hansel and Gretel except siblings and they were in the woods. There’s not much plot though. The plot is literally boy and girl become siblings and like each other for a year but neither act. When girl is 16 and boy is 24, the girls stepdad (boys dad) kicks her out but says she can stay if she can survive alone in the woods for a month. Boy refuses to let her go alone so goes with her. Boy takes girls v1rg1n1ty and tries to get her pregnant in the month they are in the woods. At the end of the book they come across a house of a guy who pretends to be nice but really is evil and wants to r@pe girl. Boy kills girl and they live happily ever after.
April 6, 2023
DNF @ 45%
По-аматьорска простотия не бях чела никога в живота ми. Главната героиня е на 18. И си е повлякла плюшеното меченце в гората, за да я пази и да не я е страх. Стила на писане е кринджав, секс сцените са гнусни, нелепи, зле описани и конфу��ни. Ще кажеш, че авторката никога в живота си не е видяла дърво и не е правила секс. Ако това е така, не ходи в гората и не пиши смът, God damn it! На някои хора трябва да им се забрани да пишат... Това ще да е първата новела в живота ми, която не успявам да прочета докрай.
По-аматьорска простотия не бях чела никога в живота ми. Главната героиня е на 18. И си е повлякла плюшеното меченце в гората, за да я пази и да не я е страх. Стила на писане е кринджав, секс сцените са гнусни, нелепи, зле описани и конфу��ни. Ще кажеш, че авторката никога в живота си не е видяла дърво и не е правила секс. Ако това е така, не ходи в гората и не пиши смът, God damn it! На някои хора трябва да им се забрани да пишат... Това ще да е първата новела в живота ми, която не успявам да прочета докрай.
Read
April 1, 2023Didn’t feel the connection between the MCs. Too bad, I actually thought I would like this one.
February 24, 2024
dnf @ 44%
Read
April 1, 2023DNF @ 38%.
uhhhh idk i like a basically-plotless sex novella as much as the next person, but i do need it to make a little bit of sense. the heroine and hero go to the woods because the (step-) dad told them to?? why ? and the hero gives half his savings to him, with the promise of the other half as well. if he had savings why didn't he just help the heroine move elsewhere? and why did the heroine even want to stay in that house? and why didn't the hero intervene for like ten months while the heroine was being verbally abused? he wanted to protect her but it seems like he spent a lot of time "at friends' places" when he wasn't working, so why didn't he stay more at home so he could actually protect her? and the mom went into the woods because her husband told her to? idk, a lot of it just didn't make sense.
uhhhh idk i like a basically-plotless sex novella as much as the next person, but i do need it to make a little bit of sense. the heroine and hero go to the woods because the (step-) dad told them to?? why ? and the hero gives half his savings to him, with the promise of the other half as well. if he had savings why didn't he just help the heroine move elsewhere? and why did the heroine even want to stay in that house? and why didn't the hero intervene for like ten months while the heroine was being verbally abused? he wanted to protect her but it seems like he spent a lot of time "at friends' places" when he wasn't working, so why didn't he stay more at home so he could actually protect her? and the mom went into the woods because her husband told her to? idk, a lot of it just didn't make sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2023
Rating: ☆☆☆☆ Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Angst: 💔
Cliffhanger? ❌️
Do I recommend it? ✅️
Trigger Warnings: ☠️ ☠️ ☠️
Tropes: dark forbidden romance, stepsiblings, Hansel and Gretel retelling, touch her & die
The deep, dark woods are full of beasts, and she's tempting the worst one of all. Axel's father wanted his stepsister out of the way, so he banished Kendall to the woods. Once upon a time, he did the same thing to Axel's mother, and she's dead now. Axel refuses to let the same thing happen to Kendall, so he's going with her. It'll take every primal instinct he has to protect her from the wolves, starvation, and from the cold. But the one thing he can't save her from is himself. He's worse than anything they'll encounter in the wild. He's a monster who loves her, even though he's her stepbrother. He knows it's forbidden, but he can't help it, especially because she wants him to. As far as Axel's concerned, what Kendall wants, Kendall gets.
This was short but not entirely sweet. It was hot as hell. I would have loved a little more Hansel and Gretel as in a little more story. What I read was still entertaining and worth the time. If you love a dark and spicy story perfect for late a night, then this is the read. A book bestie kept recommending Eva's books, and I'm glad she did. I'm looking forward to more from this author. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Angst: 💔
Cliffhanger? ❌️
Do I recommend it? ✅️
Trigger Warnings: ☠️ ☠️ ☠️
Tropes: dark forbidden romance, stepsiblings, Hansel and Gretel retelling, touch her & die
The deep, dark woods are full of beasts, and she's tempting the worst one of all. Axel's father wanted his stepsister out of the way, so he banished Kendall to the woods. Once upon a time, he did the same thing to Axel's mother, and she's dead now. Axel refuses to let the same thing happen to Kendall, so he's going with her. It'll take every primal instinct he has to protect her from the wolves, starvation, and from the cold. But the one thing he can't save her from is himself. He's worse than anything they'll encounter in the wild. He's a monster who loves her, even though he's her stepbrother. He knows it's forbidden, but he can't help it, especially because she wants him to. As far as Axel's concerned, what Kendall wants, Kendall gets.
This was short but not entirely sweet. It was hot as hell. I would have loved a little more Hansel and Gretel as in a little more story. What I read was still entertaining and worth the time. If you love a dark and spicy story perfect for late a night, then this is the read. A book bestie kept recommending Eva's books, and I'm glad she did. I'm looking forward to more from this author. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
May 1, 2023
Primal by Eva Marks is a forbidden love story.
This is the first book of Eva's that I have read. If I am honest, I had a really hard time getting into the story and had to push myself to finish the book.
I see other reviewers have given it high ratings so maybe this book just wasn't for me.
This is the first book of Eva's that I have read. If I am honest, I had a really hard time getting into the story and had to push myself to finish the book.
I see other reviewers have given it high ratings so maybe this book just wasn't for me.
March 18, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
ARC Review - book provided in return for an honest review, these all my own thoughts and opinions.
I honestly can thank Eva Marks enough for including me on her ARC team, I am so honoured.
If I had to some this book up in one word it would be the damn title PRIMAL to the max! Never has a book been perfectly named.
This book is a Hansel and Gretel retelling and I was here for it all! Short and very steamy!! (Check triggers)
Some of what to expect;
-Primal Kïnk
-Stepsiblings
-Blood Kïnk
-Knif3 Play
-Breeding Kïnk
-Touch her and ☠️
Our two leads are Kendall and Axel, they are stepsiblings who have hardly said two words to each other. One awful night later and they are left to fed for themselves in the woods.. which is where our story takes a deliciously spicy turn.
Axel- He hated that he wanted her, he thought she was part of the worst night of his life so he was enraged that his body reacted to her in such a way. He didn't care that she was his stepsister, but he did care that she could have been a part of the plan. Only to find out she has no idea, to discover his father is treating her badly and desperately wanting to protect her. Axel is ALL alpha male literally the word was made for him, this man growls, snarls his teeth and just embodies the word alpha. Thanks to his late mother his senses are heightened, he can smell kendall before he sees her, he knows how to survive in the worst situations.. which is handy cause he is about to follow Kendall into the darkness of the woods around them.
Can he keep her safe?
Can he stop the line from bluring? (Yeah, not a chance)
Kendall - a young 18 year old woman, only wanting to be loved and appreciated. She doesn't want to be seen as a weak failure. She's had a crush on her stepbrother from the very first moment she saw him, but she not only thinks it's wrong but thinks that he hates her. She takes it day at a time not knowing what her stepfather is going to say or do next... she never expected him to throw her to the wolfs and I do mean literally!! She is surprised and thankful when Axel says he will go with her, but is she ready for the change that's about to take place?
Will she survive the darkness all around them?
Or will she give herself over to the beast within him? - with no regrets.
I could go on but it's a short, fast-paced steamy read that I don't want to spoile for anyone but I definitely recommend it!!
I could have read a damn novel about these two 🥵
ARC Review - book provided in return for an honest review, these all my own thoughts and opinions.
I honestly can thank Eva Marks enough for including me on her ARC team, I am so honoured.
If I had to some this book up in one word it would be the damn title PRIMAL to the max! Never has a book been perfectly named.
This book is a Hansel and Gretel retelling and I was here for it all! Short and very steamy!! (Check triggers)
Some of what to expect;
-Primal Kïnk
-Stepsiblings
-Blood Kïnk
-Knif3 Play
-Breeding Kïnk
-Touch her and ☠️
Our two leads are Kendall and Axel, they are stepsiblings who have hardly said two words to each other. One awful night later and they are left to fed for themselves in the woods.. which is where our story takes a deliciously spicy turn.
Axel- He hated that he wanted her, he thought she was part of the worst night of his life so he was enraged that his body reacted to her in such a way. He didn't care that she was his stepsister, but he did care that she could have been a part of the plan. Only to find out she has no idea, to discover his father is treating her badly and desperately wanting to protect her. Axel is ALL alpha male literally the word was made for him, this man growls, snarls his teeth and just embodies the word alpha. Thanks to his late mother his senses are heightened, he can smell kendall before he sees her, he knows how to survive in the worst situations.. which is handy cause he is about to follow Kendall into the darkness of the woods around them.
Can he keep her safe?
Can he stop the line from bluring? (Yeah, not a chance)
Kendall - a young 18 year old woman, only wanting to be loved and appreciated. She doesn't want to be seen as a weak failure. She's had a crush on her stepbrother from the very first moment she saw him, but she not only thinks it's wrong but thinks that he hates her. She takes it day at a time not knowing what her stepfather is going to say or do next... she never expected him to throw her to the wolfs and I do mean literally!! She is surprised and thankful when Axel says he will go with her, but is she ready for the change that's about to take place?
Will she survive the darkness all around them?
Or will she give herself over to the beast within him? - with no regrets.
I could go on but it's a short, fast-paced steamy read that I don't want to spoile for anyone but I definitely recommend it!!
I could have read a damn novel about these two 🥵
March 27, 2023
I have read a couple of books by Eva Marks up to now and I keep coming back for more because she never disappoints. This novella was entertaining, with just enough domineering darkness to keep it from slipping into traditional love story territory. A very loose retelling of Hansel & Gretel, that had me more than hooked. I got pulled right in and happily devoured it in a single sitting.
Kendall and Axel are a perfect match. They complete and understand each other perfectly, and their connection and chemistry is indeed primal. Two lost souls that discover a love so powerful that glues back all the pieces of their broken hearts and makes them stronger.
This book is definitely not hearts and flowers and could have triggers. But if you love dark and dangerous, with a heavy dose of kink, then this is the book for you.
Kendall and Axel are a perfect match. They complete and understand each other perfectly, and their connection and chemistry is indeed primal. Two lost souls that discover a love so powerful that glues back all the pieces of their broken hearts and makes them stronger.
This book is definitely not hearts and flowers and could have triggers. But if you love dark and dangerous, with a heavy dose of kink, then this is the book for you.
March 24, 2023
Check trigger warnings as there are a lot of taboo/triggering subjects.
Who thought you could fit so much spice and angst and all of that good stuff into such a short book?
Kendall and her mother moved into Axel and his father's house and he hated it, everything about Kendall made him angry he hated her. But did he? After a proposition forces Kendall to leave the house and survive on her own in the woods, Axel couldn't let her go alone so joining her on this expedition was the first step to breaking point, finally admitting that his hate was full blown lust.
Axel is relentless in his need and desire to protect Kendall from any danger, whether it's wild animals or his father. And his relentless nature following into how he showed his love, and his little gazelle was more than happy to receive it however it was given to her. They were polar opposites on the surface but underneath they were two lost souls destined to find each other
Who thought you could fit so much spice and angst and all of that good stuff into such a short book?
Kendall and her mother moved into Axel and his father's house and he hated it, everything about Kendall made him angry he hated her. But did he? After a proposition forces Kendall to leave the house and survive on her own in the woods, Axel couldn't let her go alone so joining her on this expedition was the first step to breaking point, finally admitting that his hate was full blown lust.
Axel is relentless in his need and desire to protect Kendall from any danger, whether it's wild animals or his father. And his relentless nature following into how he showed his love, and his little gazelle was more than happy to receive it however it was given to her. They were polar opposites on the surface but underneath they were two lost souls destined to find each other
March 30, 2023
Thank you to the author for providing me with an E-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Step Siblings, Touch Her and Die, Forced Proximity, Alpha Male, Virgin Heroine
Kinks: Primal Play, Biting/Blood, Knife Play, Breeding
TW: Verbal abuse, Blood/Death, Murder
This book is a DARK Hansel & Gretel Retelling. We follow stepsiblings, Axel and Kendall. Axel saves his stepsister, Kendall from their toxic family. Axel's father, Ryker, is constantly verbally abusing Kendall, calling her all these names and just making her feel like she is nothing. Kendall's mother just goes along with it and doesn't say much. Kendall eventually gets kicked out of the house and has to try and survive being out in the wilderness. Axel being the overly protective stepbrother, decides to join Kendall so he can protect her.
This was my 2nd book I read from Eva, and it was AMAZING! It was FAST, HOT, SEXY, JUST EVERYTHING. The spice in this book is on a whole other level, and I want more! The title of this book is EXACTLY what this whole book is. I don't want to spoil the book anymore, just go read this when it releases!
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Step Siblings, Touch Her and Die, Forced Proximity, Alpha Male, Virgin Heroine
Kinks: Primal Play, Biting/Blood, Knife Play, Breeding
TW: Verbal abuse, Blood/Death, Murder
This book is a DARK Hansel & Gretel Retelling. We follow stepsiblings, Axel and Kendall. Axel saves his stepsister, Kendall from their toxic family. Axel's father, Ryker, is constantly verbally abusing Kendall, calling her all these names and just making her feel like she is nothing. Kendall's mother just goes along with it and doesn't say much. Kendall eventually gets kicked out of the house and has to try and survive being out in the wilderness. Axel being the overly protective stepbrother, decides to join Kendall so he can protect her.
This was my 2nd book I read from Eva, and it was AMAZING! It was FAST, HOT, SEXY, JUST EVERYTHING. The spice in this book is on a whole other level, and I want more! The title of this book is EXACTLY what this whole book is. I don't want to spoil the book anymore, just go read this when it releases!
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