Primal Pursuit

by Bella J.

Davian Stark is beautiful, twisted, cruel.
And he’s going to die.
By my hand.


He’s one of the Elites of the Dark Sovereign.
A bloodthirsty Mafia Assassin.
And a hunter fueled by his need for the chase.

If I want to get close to him, I have to give him something to hunt.

Me.

He made a mistake by letting me survive my family’s massacre. I've trained, fed my hate, and now, I'm ready to strike.

But Davian isn’t just a killer.
He’s complex, compelling, a man who can spin desire and humiliation into an art form, and it opens something dark inside me.

While I play him, he’s playing me. It’s a twisted game of hunter versus prey.

Question is…
Which one am I?



Primal Pursuit is a complete standalone and enemies-to-lovers romance.

Genres: Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Dark, BDSM, Contemporary, Romance, Erotica

538 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2024

About the author

Bella J. is an International and Amazon top 100 bestselling author.

Writing DARK ROMANCE with twists, Bella has an affinity for the ruthless men of the MAFIA world and weaves tales that will leave you breathless and questioning your own moral compass.

When she's not busy creating worlds where danger and romance dance a tango, you can find Bella soaking up the sun in the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa. Her writing lair is occasionally invaded by her husband, two kids, and a basset hound who reigns supreme.

A firm believer that laughter is the best medicine, Bella infuses her fictional dark worlds with some wit and humor that peppers her novels.

So buckle up for a thrilling ride through the shadows of romance where happily ever afters have a dark side.

Reviews

[Kim Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow! I’m speechless! Raw, gritty and feral ! The most delicious, deviant, furious love! I was so engrossed in this cruel and crazy journey! A twisted vigilante smooth and calculating, and an angry chaotic spirited woman go head to head! An angry love with a dark twist! Incredible and brilliantly executed! Awesome read!

[Marley Ghostfern · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You and me, we’re creatures of violence. Blood. Gore. We both fucking need it. And you, you also fucking love it.”

As I mentioned before: Look at this cute book cover, I bet the inside is just as cute!
IT IS NOT. This book is so hot 🥵 This was a new author to me and she made it to my instantly interested list after reading this book. What a way to start the year.

This is a dark, depraved, twisted kind of dark romance and I'm so here for it. Both MC's are walking red flag's and I loved reading their effed up enemies to lovers story.

What to expect in this book:
🖤 Dark Romance
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Maffia assasin MC
🖤 Age gap
🖤 Who did this - Touch her and bye bye
🖤 Revenge
🖤 Primal play
🖤 Blood, 🔪 & 🔫 activities
🖤 Other kink content
⚠️ Tigger heavy, be sure to read the trigger list before you dive in.

This is probably one of the best smut books I've read. There was a plot, but the smut was plenty and top tier. I thnk it's save to ay this story has had what I like to call "the tripple D's" : Dark, depraved and delicious. I'll have to go and read more from this author.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[Donna reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTICALLY TWISTED!
What a decadently depraved, intensely provocative and highly tantalizing book!
Holy gods of DIRTINESS this story is freaking filthy, in the most delightful way.
Davian and Poppy are just the best kind of characters and downright HOT, and as Jackson said, “ you’re both f@@ked up!”. Their kinks, desires and need for one another is so SAVAGE yet darkly beautiful.
Believe me when I say once you start reading their story you will not be able to put it down…it’s ALL-CONSUMING.
Davian is one heck of a hunter, fierce, dominant and powerful and really knows how to play with his prey. This wolf is primal and Poppy is exactly the thrilling, tempting and delicious little rabbit he loves to eat. This couple loves to savour each other in the most NAUGHTY ways. Their possessiveness is so animalistic and raw.
Beyond the sinfully sensual aspects of this story, the storyline/plot is deeply engaging, tremendously intriguing and remarkably exhilarating.
The chase between these characters is captivating and addicting.
So if you’re looking for a very ENTHRALLING, FASCINATING and ENTERTAINING book you’ll get that and all your dark desires fulfilled with Davian and Poppy’s story.
Congratulations Bella🙌🏻 Primal Pursuit is ASTOUNDING and Davian and Poppy are simply ELECTRIFYING.

[caffe.and.books (Aimee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to give this 5,000 stars! The chokehold this book has me in, it’s dark and so delicious….


Finding a book that’s packed full of the most intoxicating characters, hottest spice and well written plot is nearly impossible- enter Davian and Poppy! This book literally consumed me, it’s so dark (be sure you’re checking the TW/CW) so incredibly spicy and just shot right to the top 10 for 2024 and we are just a few days in! I don’t want to go into much because honestly this book is best served with no background- if you are ready for a dark, dangerous and delicious read this book is absolutely for you!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Nothing catches my attention more than a walking red flag.”
🚩

The Wolf and the Rabbit.

Primal Pursuit 4.5/5 star
By @bellajauthor

Dark Romance
(set in the dark sovereign world)
Can be read as a standalone.

Holy smokes 💨 🔥
What a read. Bella has done it again. This woman is the queen of smut and the most intense storylines.

This one is on another level compared to her other books and that’s saying something. Because her other books are super hot as well but this one she went further with it. This book is full of the kinkiest spice ever. It’s intoxicating from beginning to end. The spice.!! Wow.
The plot is just 10 out of 10.!! Loved it.

It’s just so dark and delicious.

Davian is the assassin from Poppy’s childhood and she spent years trying to find him.

She has trained most of her life for this moment. Davian been a ghost for years and the place she finds him at is the one and only Club Myth (one of my favourite places ever, if you read the Dark Sovereign books you will know why).

Their story is full of twists and turns and I couldn’t put it down.

This is one of the best ENEMIES to lovers I’ve read.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.
I would recommend reading the list of triggers before.

I have to mention Tobias the naughty priest ⛪️ 📿
You meet him in this book and omg I died reading some of his part in this story. I’m so excited for his book.!! SACRED SINNER releasing in June.

Quote - "There's a war raging inside me. I want to kill this motherf**ker and coat my hands in his blood"

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Primal Pursuit by Bella J is the story of Davian and Penelope 'Poppy'. Poppy when she was 12 years old hid in the closet while her parents were murdered. Poppy saw the man and has been on a mission to find him. Poppy in her present day works at a Adult Club where she is getting close to Davian Stark who she believes to be the killer of her parents. Davian is an Elite and a assassins that doesn't do feelings but when he sees Poppy she draws to him. So much so that Davian becomes obsessed with her and why she brings out these feeling he has. Loved this dark romance and can't wait for more from this author.

[Katie Antkowiak · Rating 4 out of 5]

So fucked up and hot on so many levels. I couldn’t put this down. Gave me haunting Adeline mixed with butcher and blackbird vibes. 🌶️🌶️🌶️ not my typical smutty book but will def not be my last. Loved the chase and the mafia vibes. Was full of sex but had such an amazing plot

[Brittany (Brit.tea.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, and I want more!

𝒴ℴ𝓊 𝓇ℯ𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓇ℯ 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝒷𝒾ℊ, 𝒷𝒶𝒹 𝓌ℴ𝓁𝒻.

Primal Pursuit is a standalone, but if you haven't read Bared Betrayal, read that first.

Bella has always pushed the limits with her characters; they're broken, dark, gritty, and unhinged, and you can't help but fall in love and devour her stories. She is a phenomenal writer, and this series has proven that.

𝒴ℴ𝓊 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓂ℯ, 𝓌ℯ’𝓇ℯ 𝒸𝓇ℯ𝒶𝓉𝓊𝓇ℯ𝓈 ℴ𝒻 𝓋𝒾ℴ𝓁ℯ𝓃𝒸ℯ. ℬ𝓁ℴℴ𝒹. 𝒢ℴ𝓇ℯ. 𝒲ℯ 𝒷ℴ𝓉𝒽 𝒻--𝓀𝒾𝓃ℊ 𝓃ℯℯ𝒹 𝒾𝓉. 𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝓎ℴ𝓊, 𝓎ℴ𝓊 𝒶𝓁𝓈ℴ 𝒻--𝓀𝒾𝓃ℊ 𝓁ℴ𝓋ℯ 𝒾𝓉.

Wow, what an unhinged, twisted, wicked, HOT, STEAMY ride this book was. Poppy and Davian go toe to toe, and I just ate it up! Do yourself a favor and read this book!

We ask, and she delivers. I'm excited to read Tobias's story next.

[Katie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨

Ok I’m starting with I absolutely loved every single second of this twisted romance😩

This book follows Poppy who is basically hunting down the assassin who murdered her parents when she was 12. But little did Poppy know that a sinister romance would develop between Poppy and her parent’s killer (yes twisted as I have said above).

Davian is absolutely CRAZY and yes a complete utter red flag but yes when it comes to reading about fictional men, I am indeed colour blind👀. I mean what sane man plans to brand his woman with a tattoo without even her involvement, now he does give her an out in terms of her safe word but of course our girl Poppy doesn’t back down. If I could describe Davian it would be utterly heartless, as he gives absolutely no mercy.

And if you’re wondering yes both our MC’s threaten to unalive one another many, many, many times in this book. I mean If you’re a fan of knife to throat moments, like I am, then you will definitely be a fan of this book👏🏼 Of course even though the MCs want to unalive one another, no one else can harm each other but them. TERRITORIAL👏🏼 POPPY👏🏼 AND👏🏼 DAVIAN👏🏼. It is also worth mentioning we do get a “who did this to you” moment🤌🏻

The spice in this book starts from the very beginning (if I remember correctly I would say about chapter 3). This couples chemistry is absolutely explosive and I have way too many highlights, that honestly some I need holy water for😮‍💨 Poppy does battle with her inner conscience quite a bit in this book because I mean she is intimate with her parents killer, so of course that would take a toll🫣

Tropes:
- Enemies to Lovers
- Mafia Assassin Romance
- Touch her and die


Overall this book was an absolute crazy rollercoaster and I loved every second. I am grateful to the author for providing this e-arc and I look forward to reading more of this authors work in the near future ✨

[Stephanie Petras · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚜️ARC REVIEW⚜️

An exciting, illicit adventure within the walls of Club Myth as Poppy sets her sights on her prey Davian Stark. She’s looking to sow her revenge for the massacre of her family at Davian’s hands at just the right time and in the right environment. As one of the most dangerous assassins and an Elite, he’s looking to understand what makes her different and why he’s drawn to her. It’s a dark, debaucherous journey through their discovery of each other and the ultimate match between predator and prey. He wants to conquer and she wants to kill. Their game of kiss or kill is filled with edgy, dirty, hot sex that leaves you breathless and craving for more. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and suspense filled plot all the way through!! Another not to be missed addition to the Dark Sovereign series!

Tropes:

💋Enemies to lovers
💋Age gap
💋Revenge romance
💋Mafia / organized crime
💋Blood / knife play
💋 Dom/sub play
💋 whips / toys
💋Sexual assault

This is just hot, fucking nasty, dirty, I can’t breathe and I need to change my panties again kind of smut that Bella J delivers each and every time.

Release date is January 10, 2024. Don’t miss out!

[Savanna Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wowza!!! Holy smokes this book right here!!!! 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵 First off let me start with the fact that this is about a 4.5-4.75 ⭐️ for me! It was pretty awesome! The best Enemies to “Lovers” story I’ve read so far! Now add in BDSM, Primal Play, Age Gap, Danger, Mystery, Dom/Sub vibes and a good plot, and you have one sexy and dark romance book! Poppy is definitely one fierce woman! And Davian is making Zade seem gentle after reading this lol 😂 Touch Her or Touch Him and either way it may lead to your funeral! Nothing left to say 😍😍😍🐇🐇🐇🐺🐺🐺😍😍😍

[Mirella · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐️

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 3.75

Wowzers.... ok... I just finished and I have thoughts.

1. Be prepared for an extremely dark, psychotic, beyond messed up love/hate story. Enemies to lovers on crack.

2. I too was love/hate with what was happening with these characters. Sometimes I loved them and thought they were cute (ish). But most of the time I was like these 2 are so messed up and perfect for only each other.

3. My faves were when the other characters were brought in and interacting with the main characters. Toby and Alexius!

Overall, the spice was beyond spicing. The darkness was pitch black. If you can step outside of your own reality, leave your morals at the door and just go along for the ride... you'll be alright. I can do these things so I was entertained.

If you don't like or can't handle dark romance, this book is not for you.

**forgot to mention I got an ARC to review**

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

'For some reason, I just couldn’t kill him, yet all I’ve dreamed about for years is making him pay for what he took from me. And if I have to f*ck him to— Pure horror hits me. Oh, God. I like f*cking him. I do. He gets me hot and bothered like no one ever has.'

What happens when the man who took your parents' lives ends up being the other half of you?

Poppy was just 12 years old when she watched her parents be slain by a hitman.

Twelve years later, she's on a mission to make assassin Davian Stark pay for what he did.

Davian is a member of the Elite, an illusive group of men, whose identities are carefully hidden, and who have untold power, working with the Dark Sovereign mafia organisation, led by the Del Rossa family.

But when Poppy infiltrates their dark world, she gets more than what she bargained for.

Their world is dark, dangerous, depraved. But it's also delicious and enticing.

As Poppy becomes embroiled in Davian's world, playing his dark games, she transforms into his rabbit - 'Small R. To denote her place' - submitting to Davian, and no longer sure if it's his life she wants to take or his heart.

These two are sultry, sexy, dark, deviant, and utterly delicious.

They enjoy playing their game of cat and mouse - or rabbit and prey. Davian and his fiesty rabbit. Poppy and her big bad wolf.

I had a lot of fun reading them!

Prepare yourself for a very dark book. Heed every trigger warning on this one! But I thoroughly enjoyed their journey.

“Do as I say, Rabbit.”
“Why?”
“Because I want you open, wet, and ready. For me.”

This one was quite long, however, at over 500 pages, and my only slight issue was that as hot as it was, I would have liked a little more emotional depth. The push and pull chase did feel slightly repetitive. However, it's still a fantastic read, and I highly recommend it!

Don't miss your chance to go through this deliciously depraved looking glass. Primal Pursuit is out now.

'He tastes of heat and darkness, and he tastes like home.'

[Jennifer Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Bella J, so I really didn't know what to expect. And let me just say, I did not expect it to go like it did...

Poppy has a plan to kill the man responsible for killing her parents.

Davian is an assassin, an Elite of the Dark Sovereign. He's dark, mysterious, and has a taste for hunting... and not animals.

From the start, Poppy is strong-willed, resourceful, and stubborn. One of the things I really liked about her was that she stayed true to who she was. Even wrapped up in Davian's dark fantasy, she fought to keep her eye on the prize.

Davian isn't one to be fooled, though, and he plays the long game, enjoying things for what they are. But even he can't remain unaffected when it comes to their push and pull relationship. I loved the fact that although he became obsessed with their game, with Poppy, he didn't become overbearing, with the "touch her and die" move so many do in this situation.

As for the story and content overall, I just have a couple of things of note. First, there's A LOT of spice, and it's some dark,l chocolate, cayenne pepper sort of spice, so if you're not into that, you'll probably want to skip this one.

As far as the story overall, I really enjoyed it. It was entertaining, especially their interactions over the course of the book. The one thing I will add here is that the spice was a bit gratuitous. The length of the book could have been cut considerably if some of the heat was removed. It wasn't necessary for the story, but it didn't take anything away either.

Do I recommend this book? Yes and no, I guess that all depends on your taste and triggers. If you're good with the triggers, absolutely give this one a read. It's easily one of the best books I've read that has contained that much spice without losing the integrity of the story.

If any of those triggers stand out to you, or you prefer a little less heat, I'd recommend you pass.

[Melissa Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Primal Pursuit by Bella J

I was an arc reader for Bella J’s book Primal Pursuit. She is a new author to me. I enjoyed this book, it was 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and entertaining. This book is a mafia, dark romance. There was some action in it. As I was reading I felt as though I was in a movie.

A girl named Penelope, also known as Poppy, works in a sex club and her mission is to kill the man that murdered her parents when she was 12 years old. She had been tracking this man down for years and finally found him. The day her parents were murdered she hid in the closet and witnessed the whole thing and saw the man that did it.

Davian Stark is the man that killed Poppy’s parents. She gets close to him so she can kill him, but the more they play this little game and she gets close to him, they can’t deny their love for each other.

There’s a lot of little twists in this book. Poppy uncovers the truth about her uncle and aunt she was forced to live with when her parents were murdered. There are also various trigger warnings that should be checked before reading.

[Brittany Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Davian and Poppy.

Matches to gasoline.

This is beautifully written, like to the point I can imagine myself watching everything unfold before me. Davian is the epitome of a feral beast, a wolf, if you must. And Poppy the willing prey. The back and forth banter between the two of them had me laughing and clinging on to the angst and hatred Poppy had for Davian, but also, that bad boy persona sucking her in unwillingly.

Ad the story unfolded and pieces started coming together, I was literally on the edge of my seat. There were so many twists and turns and things I didn’t figure out right away that I was like, oookay - wait a second.

The ending was pure chaos and I loved every second of it. I’m so proud of Poppy, and more so Davian, for their growth and development. They might be f*cked up, but they’re perfectly f*cked up together.

[librarian.lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well that was f*cking unexpected! Sweet sassy! I'm not gonna lie, this author is f*cking creative that's for sure. I received an ARC from the author for an honest review and holy sh*t! I was not expecting the intensity of how my body reacted to this f*cker. So...background...the book starts with our MFC going to Club Myth for a private "party" where women, for a night sign away their bodies for these Elite men to do with as they please. She needed to get in there, because the man that killed her parents in front of her was an Elite. Once in, she would scout the guy out, make him fall for her and then turn around and kill him. Our MMC, who is f*cking delicious btw, is on to her, but he is too intrigued to let her go, so he becomes obsessed...and I'm going to leave it at that. Holy sh*t...this book was 100% pure smut. All of the f*cking, all of the dirty talk...the plot was legit just background to the smut and I loved every second of it! If you're into really dark romance, primal play, knife play, blood play, dirty talk, cnc, and a whole lot of f*cking then I would highly suggest this b*tch!

[Seana · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW*
Talk about sitting on the edge of your feet to turn the page. I could not put this book down. The characters are phenomenal. The storyline had me hooked from the very first page and the spice was next level. This book touched on some of my favorite tropes like enemies to lovers, forbidden love, age gap, dark and twisted. I cannot put this book down to save my life! I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone I know!

[Candace P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I'm going to start with a trigger warning! These two MCs are absolutely unhinged and will do anything to get what they want... it gets intense, but I LOVED EVERY SECOND!

This book is definitely darker, with Poppy seeking revenge for her family's murder and trying to catching the eye of Davian. Davian definitely has his own plans and he wants to hunt her down and take her.

I loved how spicy this was, and I can't wait for more in the series

[Brittany Elmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. The smut to plot ratio was awesome. The plot itself kept me hooked and the relationship build up felt naturally paced and not rushed. The smut didn't feel thrown in just to say there's a book full of smut, it was believable and well written.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing. I love that it was equal parts plot and spice, this book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I was hooked from the very first chapter. Like I told my friends, I am absolutely feral for this book. It's such an amazing dark Mafia romance, it's definitely my favorite dark romance book ever. I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone I know that loves a good dark romance. 10/10 would definitely recommend.

[Charlotte Thurman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this book was amazing highly recommended it. But definitely check your triggers

[Kolleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was absolutely blown away by this book. It is perfection. This book is so dark and so spicy. It's everything I didn't know I needed.

The FMC, Poppy, aka rabbit, is set on revenge against the person who killed her parents. She has waited years to take him down. But nothing could have prepared her for the likes or Davian.

Davian is the devil incarnate. There is nothing redeemable about him. He loves the chase, and no one has been able to sate his appetite until Poppy.

When these 2 come together, it's primal, dark, and depraved.

Be sure to check your triggers because this will push the limits.

[ann; · Rating 2 out of 5]

?????????????????????????????????????????????????

[Katherine M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I do love a dark, super spicy book and this tops the list. Poppy is out for revenge against the man who killed her parents when she was a kid. Blinded by rage, she knowingly enters the lions den. Davian is part of the Dark Sovereign as an assassin and their story begins at Club Myth, the sex club of all sex clubs for the elite. Davian is a little crazy, deranged and depraved. Poppy is a lost soul. Together their chemistry is off the charts sick and erotic. This story, and the scenes, were so filthy and so, so good! Loved this!

[Makayla Whiteaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! This is probably one of the best smut books I've read. It kept me interested from start to finish and had an amazing storyline with it. There were some unexpected chain of events that you were left trying to figure out at the story progressed before it turned into a full circle moment for Poppy and her revenge story. I loved the character development and truly loved Davian and Poppy, separately as well as together. As long as you're not queasy at the thought of blood play and other kinks, I HIGHLY recommend you give this book a try.

[Emily P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. God.
Officially Bella J can do no wrong. Solid gold, no competition.
I mean this was gritty and raw and dirty and so, so, so freaking hot. And this is coming from someone who can read smut with a straight face but I cracked for this one.
Solidly 11/10 and some Carolina reaper level spice
Beware this is trigger heavy, but as I have none, I enjoyed the hell out of this

[Jennifer Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review!

If you want a book with one giant walking red flag and a girl out for revenge then this is a book for you!

Spice from almost the very beginning. This story is angsty and raw with spice is all the right places. Poppy and Davian’s chemistry is off the charts.

Throughout the story, Poppy’s battles with her conscience as she begins to realise she is developing feelings for the man who murdered her parents. Will she be able to accept those feelings or will she claim her revenge?

Davian likes to hunt and by god, he’s good at it. Will he catch and play with his pray or will he kill her?

I thoroughly enjoyed this crazy and twisted journey and it’s definitely one to read!

[Cheryle A · Rating 2 out of 5]

A big no

Ah degrading of woman and showing of



what kind of man they say is alpha male ah not a book I would call a romance book .Haven't liked any of this authors books.