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Primal Hunger

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Something sinister lurks in these woods, and my curiosity might just get me killed.

When I moved out east last year, I’d heard rumors about what hides in the trees. Don’t go looking for it, and it won’t come looking for you.

Unfortunately for me, that’s not always the case.

One long stare into the darkness was enough to summon a creature from my worst a skull-faced monster with horns, claws, and a hunger for human flesh.

But that isn’t all he’s hungry for.

Bloodthirsty and determined to claim me as his own, he steals me away to be his prisoner. I’m his to control, to use, to devour.

He has me in his clutches, and I’m not sure I want him to let me go.

USA Today Bestselling Author Harper A. Brooks and monster romance extraordinaire R.K. Pierce are at it again with a new super steamy, monster-loving series!

Primal Hunger is book one in the Love & Lore series.

356 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2025

36 people are currently reading
159 people want to read

About the author

Harper A. Brooks

59 books502 followers
Harper A. Brooks may be a Jersey girl at heart, but now she likes to hideout in the mountains of Virginia with bigfoot and all his little woodland friends. Even though classic authors have always filled her bookshelves, she finds her writing muse drawn to the dark, magical, and romantic. When she isn’t creating entire worlds with sexy shifters or legendary love stories, you can find her either with a good cup of coffee in hand or at home snuggling with her furry, four-legged son, Sammy.


RONE Award Winner
USA Today Bestselling Author
Amazon International Bestselling Author

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
Profile Image for El.
125 reviews36 followers
June 1, 2025
I really enjoyed the pacing and the dialogue in this book, it was well written and didn't feel "clunky" at all. Sassy/brave FMC and if course a skull demon that you can't help but love!

Fave quote:
"Your pheromones deceive you, little human," his voice rumbles against my skin, the hard angle of his jaw bone brushing against my shoulder. "You should be terrified."

The chemistry was hot and heavy, and I really love what this co-writing pair has to offer.

If you're looking for a page turner that edges into darkness and desire this one is for you!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Angie .
367 reviews
May 29, 2025
I loved this!

Erin is so unintentionally funny. She is smart, brave, bold and completely reckless for heading out into the woods looking for the Grim.

Syros is intelligent, surly, set in his ways, hungry, bored and now he’s got this cute little human that he wants to keep….Most of the time.

I loved their dynamic where they teach each other. How devoted and possessive Syros becomes for her makes melt. Erin becomes protective of him nurses him back to health.

The authors did a fantastic job of combining a lore driven cryptid with a dash of campfire story horror elements and undertones of hot, spicy romance between Erin and Syros.

So good!
Profile Image for Mae Knight.
Author 32 books205 followers
May 23, 2025
I loved this cute story!
Erin is definitely a FMC you want to root for while simultaneously wishing for Syros to "catch" her. I adored how their relationship unfolded and the last few pages had me in a chokehold, wondering "what-if."
I can see this becoming its own series with other Grims getting their HEA and I'd happily read it.
If you like non-human MMCs, some dub-con, primal play and an FMC that's likeable, then you'd enjoy this like I did.
Now, I kind of want to go read Monstrous Bond.
Profile Image for Angela Plumeria.
425 reviews4 followers
September 6, 2025
I enjoyed this, though it does feel like it borrows a lot from Opal Reyne’s duskwalker series. The ending felt incomplete and I missed a big showdown which I was expecting. But it was enjoyable and satisfying, a couple of practical details were missing. They never showed her drinking water but eluded to her being thirsty. Also he was hungry but they had that big monster they kill that he could’ve eaten. Otherwise this is a relatively cozy monster romance with a bit of fated mates aspect.
Profile Image for Melissa Neirby.
56 reviews4 followers
May 20, 2025
I cannot get enough of Syros! Who would have thought he could be a total cinnamon roll monster!

The chemistry is off the charts, top notch writing and storytelling. Harper and RK knocked it out of the park! I hope there’s another book bc I need more ASAP!!
Profile Image for Rhae Asphy.
Author 2 books12 followers
May 30, 2025
ARC REVIEW 2.5/5 ⭐

Have you ever been interested in reading a novel between a creature and a human? Not just any monster romance, of course, but one where sex is the main thing along with the hunter-prey game. Also, it's a confusing relationship with a wendigo/grim, worth noting.

The synopsis already tells us everything. We know that our protagonist, Erin, She is a somewhat unbearable woman who is in search of the truth that frightens the new town where she is living. Fascinated by the paranormal world and everything believed to be false, she investigates and gathers evidence to prove to the world that mythical creatures exist. Including Bigfoot. Up until the moment where she finds Syros and understands that the Grim stories are real, Erin seemed like a normal protagonist with normal hobbies. It seemed.

When Syros enters the fray, we see the terrifying stories about him plummet. The only thing that was frightening was the chase. It almost seems like Erin got Stockholm syndrome right from the start because her fear started to turn into sexual desire, as the synopsis warned us, anyway. There's no enemies to lovers, no slow burn, no playthroughs that remind you that Syros is a monster. He actually has quite a human personality, considering the greatest hunter is the human, and he shares many similarities. Syros, while I liked him for most of the book, was a little disappointing. Thanks for saving Erin and pampering her, but... Is it just a monster romance because of her monster appearance? He reminded me more of a reserved boy who has a hard time socializing and being normal, nothing out of the ordinary.

I guess Erin and Syros are made for each other, considering you get what you give. There are moments of tension, interest, confusing emotions and sex, many sexual moments. Of course, this is not a problem if that's what you like to read. I don't think it's necessary to mention, but our Grim has a huge cock, in case that's more of a draw for you. 😂😂

I admit I had fun reading it. I love monster romance, and the cover caught my eye, along with the wendigo/grim creature, but it wasn't for me. I had a hard time connecting with the characters. Except for Tyler, who appeared only sparingly, but seemed the most normal and logical for his role. I do recommend this story for those who are a little more advanced in the monster world, as it has several risqué scenes. I'll warn you that it includes non-consensual sex for a few seconds (FMC while sleeping), but it doesn't end in rape. She's just asleep at first, and then she accepts it. However, as a reviewer and a reader, I'd like to warn anyone who has had a bad time sleeping. It's important to say this. I would have appreciated the warning.

Anyway, if you like men who gather plants of dubious quality to create ointments and food to keep you alive and healthy, this is for you. Syros, despite his nature, cares for his human. Not just out of jealousy or hunter-like possessiveness. He truly cares for her, and even with a heavy heart, he would agree to release her as long as she's okay. With or without him. It's no surprise that monsters in romance are much better than humans in the real world.

I'm grateful for the ARC copy from Booksprout! While it wasn't for me, I enjoyed discovering a new book. Like everyone else, I wish you much success with your target audience and continued growth. The review is solely my opinion. It doesn't necessarily change anyone else's, nor does it mean the book is bad.
Profile Image for Em Yardy.
309 reviews19 followers
May 29, 2025
Come for the monster smut, stay for the emotional damage and cinnamon roll horror creature with a skull face.

Look, I’ve read a lot of romantasy in my time. I’ve seen dragons. I’ve seen fae. I’ve seen growly werewolves with tragic backstories. But nothing could have prepared me for Primal Hunger, a book where the main romantic tension is:
“Is he going to eat her... or fall in love with her?”
Spoiler: The answer is yes. To both. Kind of.

Harper A. Brooks and R.K. Pierce looked at the monster romance genre and said, “Let’s really make it monstrous.” Then they birthed Syros, the bone-faced, human-hunting legend of the woods with the emotional vulnerability of a poet and the libido of a demon in heat. He's a creature with claws, a tragic past, and the kind of inner turmoil that makes you want to hand him a weighted blanket and whisper, “You’re not too much. You’re just right.”

And then there’s Erin our spicy little goblin of a heroine who’s ready to risk life, limb, and potentially her dignity for a blog post. She hears about a deadly monster appearing on the solstice and thinks, “I should definitely go find that.” (Girl, why?) But thank the spicy stars she does, because the moment these two lock eyes (well, Erin locks eyes, Syros just kinda soul-glares with his bone face), the tension is ON.

The romance? It's like Beauty and the Beast meets Alien vs. Predator... with some Fifty Shades of Solstice thrown in. You’ve got enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, emotional healing, and the kind of size difference that makes you question the laws of physics and yet somehow, it works. It really works.

Also: The steam? Not low. Not high. Let’s call it “enthusiastic medium.” Like a haunted sauna. There’s a little bit of CNC, a little bit of tenderness, a whole lot of “how is this anatomically possible?” and I was LIVING for it.

Syros may be an apex predator, but he's also just a lonely cryptid with abandonment issues and a deep desire to be hugged. And Erin? She’s the chaotic brave soul who looks at him and says, “You know what? That’s husband material.” Truly, love wins.

If you're looking for a story that blends horror, heart, humor, and hot monster-on-human action, Primal Hunger delivers like Syros at feeding time. Except this time, he’s the one getting devoured... emotionally. ❤️‍🔥
Profile Image for kymagirl.
6,171 reviews90 followers
June 1, 2025
Some monsters aren't meant to be escaped.

Erin (h) is a paranormal blogger chasing her biggest story yet: proof of the Grim, a mythical creature tied to a string of disappearances. What starts as a solo investigation quickly spirals into a fight for survival when she's dragged into another world by the very monster she set out to expose. But the Grim, Syros (H), isn't just a mindless beast. He's intelligent, dangerous, and drawn to Erin with a hunger that’s anything but human—one that stirs something just as fierce in her.

Stranded until the next solstice, Erin faces the brutal truths of Syros’s realm, battles deadly creatures, and pushes the limits of her own endurance. As fear turns to fascination, and power games shift into something more intimate, Erin must decide what freedom really means. Their connection grows with every clash and every touch, primal and undeniable, where fear collides with need and survival gives way to something darker and more consuming.

Erin evolves from a driven investigator focused on proving a myth into a woman who confronts her fears, adapts to an alien world, and makes peace with unexpected emotions. Syros shifts from a cold, dominant predator to a fiercely loyal protector who learns to care deeply and let go of control.

Their relationship begins with fear and resistance, charged by power imbalance and survival instincts. Over time, it transforms into something layered with trust, desire, and emotional connection, grounded in mutual growth and hard-won understanding.

Ultra-hot and steamy, enemies to lovers, primal, monster romance, exploring raw desire, power, control, survival, captivity, freedom, transformation, trust, betrayal, dominance, fear, identity, choice, connection across worlds, and the bond between predator and prey.
Profile Image for Rachel.
2,340 reviews131 followers
May 24, 2025
Harper Brooks and R.K. Pierce have teamed up to bring readers true monster smut in Primal Hunger.


When the story starts, it quickly gives me horror movie vibes with MFC Erin acting like the stupidest scream girl ever. Her ego leads to poor decisions and a VERY close encounter with her small town's local legend, the Grim. I didn't necessarily like Erin, but I loved that she was a full-time paranormal hunter. You know the type, the ones with cameras and all sorts of equipment, and people think they're crackpots. It was interesting, and I would have liked to have had more of her field background.


The MMC wasn't what I would call monster lite; no, Syros is a horror movie monster. I'm talking about a bone face, hunting humans in the woods, and having his own legend, monster. His evolution over the story was quite noticeable. He went from being monstrous with only his needs in mind to gaining more humanity. At the start, there was some reluctant attraction between the pair, a very thin line between emotions that eventually turned into more.


The story wasn't what I was expecting it to be. Something threw me off, and it wasn't the monster aspect; I read those. The story was good, but for some reason, it didn't resonate with me the way I thought it would. The beginning was something I was used to, and the ending was really good, but I felt the middle was sort of so-so. It was also more emotional than I expected, surprising but good. If you like your MMC monstrous and your MFC is willing to go the extra mile, try Primal Hunger.
Profile Image for Nova Black.
76 reviews9 followers
May 20, 2025
Primal Hunger: A Monster Romance by Harper A Brooks and R.K. Pierce

This storyyyyy! I was super lucky to have been part of the beta team for this book, and I loved every second of it.

Erin, is our FMC and she is a paranormal investigator who doesn’t really care about putting her life on the line for her blog, her stories. The story she’s chasing in this book? The Grim; they only appear on a solstice every 6 months, and on this solstice night, she’s determined to find one. And find one, she does.

After moving closer to what appears to be a portal, Erin is too entranced to realize she’s being watching by the very creature she’s hunting, our Grim, MMC, Syros.

Native to a barren land, eaten away by monstrous creatures called Echs, Syros comes to the human’s dimension every solstice to find food… humans are his food. The human he’s decided he wants to eat? Erin.

Primal Hunger follows this pair through their own personal feelings about one another (food and a blog story), through fighting off predators, their own character growths, and budding attraction towards one another. Dual POV, not high, but also not low, heat, a bit of CNC, and definitely size difference come into play in their intimate moments and it is DELICIOUS.

I really loved this story, especially Syros’s personality. I also loved that Erin was very creative and smart and not some whimpering FMC that sometimes get written in stories like this. I fully recommend the read if you’re looking for cross dimensional, monster MMC/human FMC pairing, with a lot of learning and growth.
Profile Image for the_bibliophagist.
744 reviews10 followers
May 30, 2025
Erin wants to get proof of a cryptid. There is talk of a Grim and she wants proof. When she goes to the area where others have gone missing she gets captured by a Grim and transports to another world. Now she must keep from getting eaten and get home.
I liked this story. It is an enjoyable and different plot. Erin is an enjoyable character especially when facing off with Syros. Syros starts off as a monster to be scared of but quickly turns into a cinnamon roll. The only thing I wished was this was a little longer or had an epilogue that told us what happens to the couple when the portal opens again. The grim's main food source is human, is Erin going to let him keep kidnapping people? Isn't Syros's world dying? Do they stay??
Profile Image for Jodi Kimball.
761 reviews
May 25, 2025
Erin is a real monster hunter, set on proving they exist. With help from a local college student, Erin stakes out a rumored location and finds what she’s looking for!
For all those monster lovers out there, this is the book for you! Erin gets her chance to be with a monster in the carnal sense. Drug through a portal into the monsters world, Erin is faced with creatures that frighten the monsters, starvation, and a monster that claims her as his own.
Great read, funny and steamy, a bit predictable though.
318 reviews8 followers
May 27, 2025
This was an interesting read! Erin is a cryptid hunter and has learned of The Grimm and has come to find them. She is out to prove herself, and when she sees a light flickering in the woods on the Solstice, she takes off to investigate. This book was filled with monsters and learning more of the Grimm and their world. Erin is brave and a bit stupid in her bravery at times, but still brave. Her Grimm is not just a monster. He wants to keep her safe, and it's very sweet. I enjoyed this book and its spicy scenes!

"I never stop delving for answers, even when things seem unlikely."
Profile Image for Libby Fowler .
601 reviews3 followers
May 27, 2025
“Love?” he repeats, his growly voice softer now. “Is that what I feel? Like you are the piece I have always been missing. Like my world is a little less dark when you’re near. Like I need you more than I need to breathe, more than I need to eat.”

Oh my god this was such a unique but good read! Erin is a paranormal investigator, who goes hunting in the hopes of finding a grim! When she does he takes her to a portal to his home, but he’s not like she imagined him! In fact she finds herself both scared and attracted to him. Syros the grim starts off wanting to eat Erin but becomes so fascinated by her and finds himself not wanting to eat her, he finds himself wanting to protect her. He feels things he’s never felt before!

Overall such a good read, I honestly wish there was more!
Profile Image for Sandra Sanches.
674 reviews22 followers
May 22, 2025
“You are stubborn and breakable and you infuriate me, but the more time we spend together, the less I care about my hunger and the more I want to keep you alive.”

Deliciously dark, primal and scorching hot!

Erin is a blogger ,fascinated by the paranormal wanting proof of the existence of Grims .
And she uncovers way more than she thought !
Syros only wants to feed but there's something about this human female ...
The authors did a incredibly good work toeing the line between horror and erotic,with a touch of romance.
Well written with a good world building and loveable characters that pulled all my strings and kept me engrossed in the story until the last word.
It has some dark themes so check the TW.
Profile Image for Cristal Juarez.
115 reviews3 followers
May 24, 2025
Primal hunger is about a paranormal adventure seeker named Erin who wants to find a grim. There have been many people that disappear every solstice and she wants to find out why. She gets more than she bargained for when she finds a grim and all he wants to do is eat her for dinner. Literally!!! They end up getting transported to another universe via a portal that is desolate with death and things constantly wanting to eat them. What happens when the grim Syros and Erin fall in love? So many complications. I am hoping to see a continuation of this story.
258 reviews3 followers
May 24, 2025
Not your average Romatasy at all with a gigantic monster ready to literally eat the heroine.
However what a fun, exciting, fast paced and spicy dive into Monster romance.
Syros is something else, literally, but a Grim with a massive gooey cinnamon roll heart where it matters.
Erin is a fierce monster hunting gal who pushes herself a little too far trying to become the stuff of legend with her discoveries.
The authors take you on a wild journey into new dimensions following an epic tale for a happily ever after.
Recommended for anyone wanting to see if Monster romance is for them!
Profile Image for thekatz_meoww.
353 reviews
May 25, 2025
I absolutely adored this story… it was a mix somehow between cute and hot and it even pulled at my heartstrings. I just loved reading how their relationship progressed and how they were two different beings from two different worlds yet at their core, they were exactly alike. The story almost had a beauty and the beast type vibe to it, and I was here for it. Usually monster smut is my go to for a palate cleanser, but I would recommend this all by itself. It’s such a good story 💜💜
Profile Image for Suzanne McNeill Taviner.
2,028 reviews10 followers
May 25, 2025
Ohh, this was a good one! I don't know if it is the start of a series, but after that ending I think it would make for a fab series, just to find out if Erin really can help Syros and his planet!
I loved the way that Syros's feelings grew for Erin, from wanting to eat her to wanting to 'eat' her! And the way that Erin looked after him, when he needed it, they were there for each other when needed.
Profile Image for Scarlett Chase.
Author 4 books162 followers
May 28, 2025
Heat level: 4/5. I've read R. K. Pierce books before but this was my first time reading the other author. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the spice was fire. That size difference still has me wondering how in tf he fit in there other than magic 😂 He's such a great example of why we would take our chance with monsters. Getting taken care of in & out of the bedroom by Syros? Sign me up! I want more humans getting taken to this new realm to help get rid of the big scaries. Besides those, it seems like a nice way to live out monster romance reader dreams.
Profile Image for Sabrina Chandler.
19 reviews
May 25, 2025
Where can I find a Syros of my own ?
The chemistry between Syros and Erin is off the charts. I devoured this book.
Harper & RK did a phenomenal job with building the characters and making you feel like you were right there with them.
I’d love to see a future book showing how things progressed for Syros and Erin.
163 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2025
Erin and Syros are an unusual pair, but their story just works on so many levels.
I don't normally read Monster romance, but I really enjoyed this book.
I think that the characters are so well written that you can absolutely just see how perfectly they fit together.
Thanks for the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this brilliant book.
Profile Image for Jessica.
876 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2025
This book was so cute. I thought I was hilarious how Syros went back and forth between eating her and not. Granted I was a little annoyed that she held back how she felt for so long. Maybe that’s the crazy in me lol Erin was brave and sassy with that obvious love of the abnormal. Syros was the monster we expected but also a big softie for Erin. Loved it! Definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Brenda Davis.
257 reviews
May 29, 2025
Erin trying to make a name for herself while trying to record a Grim kidnapping to provide answers for a town that continues to lose people every 6 months. This time she is taken by a Grim named Syros .. with misplaced attraction and the want to return to her world she finds she is actually in love with her Grimm. A weird but HEA story
Profile Image for Savanna Vandusen.
144 reviews8 followers
May 30, 2025
I need book 2 in this series IMMEDIATLEY! I am a sucker for monster romance, and the authors killed it with this one! It is very fast-paced and was easily read in one sitting. If you loved A Soul to Keep by Opal Reyne, then you NEED to read this. It is similar but with its own dark twist and turns.

Thank you to the authors for this e-ARC. I can't wait for what you have in store next!
Profile Image for Melanie.
717 reviews2 followers
May 29, 2025
Primal hunger is a monster romance. I've normt read many monster romances and this was a little different from my usually reads, I must say I really enjoyed this read and and storyline between the characters and how thier romanced played out. I would read more of these story.
Profile Image for Kirsten Knight.
42 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2025
I am in love with this book!

Syros big softie cinnamon roll, Erin smart sassy brave who wouldn’t love those MC’s!

I love the duel pov getting to see it from both aspects, the story has so much more to go and I cannot wait to read it I need to learn more about the past of the Grims and more on the future and hopefully a HEA not just. HFN.
Profile Image for Barbara Emlet.
86 reviews2 followers
May 28, 2025
I thought this book was a page turner. I loved it.The story was different than most other monster stories and it’s not your typical monster story. You have to read it to find out what’s happening. I recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Boo.
3,672 reviews14 followers
June 3, 2025
This story was hot and interesting, readers who enjoy monster romance will devour this one! This is the story of Erin and Syros. I enjoyed the magical world building. Such a pretty good read. Def left with some questions.
130 reviews2 followers
May 21, 2025
A monster romance that is scorching hot. I wasn't sure how I felt about Syros in the beginning, but I loved his character development and ended up liking him better than our FMC Erin. I wanted to scream at Erin so many times when she kept pushing Syros away, but I was very satisfied with their HEA.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews

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