Primal

Overwatch #3

by Sasha White

BDSM club owner Adam Kessler is no one’s hero. He joined the army to get away from the gang-life that had taken his brother, only to come home to heartache. He doesn’t hide his dominant side, and he doesn’t hesitate in his need to protect or enforce his particular brand of retribution on those who’ve earned it. There’s no way in hell he could walk past a man hassling a woman in an empty parking lot and do nothing. Only when the confrontation is over and the voluptuous blonde turns eyes filled with desire to him, does Adam realize he’s in trouble.

Psychologist Olivia Lang grew up with the proverbial silver spoon, and has never regretted spending more time on her career than on romance, until she meets Adam Kessler. He’s dark, he’s dangerous, and he’s deliciously dominant… and she wants him.

Passion burns quick and hot between them and soon they’re caught up in an intensely carnal relationship that neither can deny. But when Olivia’s life is threatened and Adam shows her just how dangerous he can be, will it be too much for the civilized psychologist to handle, or will she truly accept the man and win her hero’s heart?


Genres: BDSM, Erotica, Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Military Fiction

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 2014

About the author

Gifted with a salacious imagination, NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author Sasha White’s brand of White Hot romance is all about Alpha men and the strong, sassy women it takes to hold them. With a voice that is called “distinctive and delicious” by The Romance Studio, this Canadian author has become a reader favorite.

Since 2004 Sasha has followed her fancy and built a backlist full of sexy contemporary, and paranormal romances with a few stand alone twists thrown in to keep everyone entertained.

Sasha lives in Northern Alberta with her two cats and believes family, and living life to it's fullest are the most important things, so do what you love, especially if that means reading!

Reviews

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

She was built to heal. He was built to harm.

She was a doctor in designer clothes with a classy car and manners that spoke of high society. He was a gym rat and a sex club owner who did odd mercenary jobs for financial and emotional reasons.

Adam is a natural protector, driven by his past and his own demons, he protects anyone who needs it...so when he hears Olivia, a.k.a Beauty, scream he doesn't hesitate to fight off the bad guys and stick around long after until she is safe. Adrenaline and emotions are high, what he sees in Olivia eye's can't be mistaken but just to be sure he turns her away, willing her to seek him out if she really serious about "slumming" with him. Adam and Olivia are complete opposites on the outside, but on the inside they share the same hunger and need. While she sees nothing of the man he seems himself as, she fits too perfectly in his world and his darkest desires. Olivia knew she was a little different in her sexuality, what she needs and here is Adam offering it to her on a silver platter.

Your body becomes my personal playground, to use when and how I want. In return, I'm yours. I'll use you, torture you erotically, pleasure you, and more than likely piss you off. I'll also hold you, cherish you, and protect you."

Driven by lust that quickly turned into more, they fear that this little perfect bond of theirs is too good to be true. Will she be scared of the truth about his past, or is she able to accept him similar to everything else she has accepted of him ???

"Time is like age, babe. It doesn't matter. What matters is we fit, and you fit with me so fucking perfect it's scary."

Primal is a another steamy tale in the Overwatch series, focusing on the owner of Overwatch, Adam; an anti-hero who lives and loves passionately. Olivia is a smart woman, intelligent, strong and is not scared to give into her desires. They fit perfectly together, complementing each other in a way that they didn't even know they could. While I enjoyed the read there was something missing for me, I didn't fall head over heals for their story. It was still a good stand alone read, but didn't have the depth I wanted from it. So if you're in the mood for some insta-lust/love, very light BDSM and a whole lotta steam, then I would recommend this book to you.

ARC kindly provided by Victory Editing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review .

***Quotes above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.

[Ilze · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok.



I read the words 'BDSM club owner Adam Kessler' and I couldn't wait to start it. I was hoping it will be something similar toClub Shadowlands, but unfortunately it was not. It did include hot sex scenes and mild bdsm, and if you are looking for introduction to bdsm genre this book is perfect for that, because it explains dominant and submissive relationships.



After an evening drinks with her friend Olivia Lang is attacked in a parking lot, before anything really bad happens, she is saved by Adam Kessler, who is ex-military. They both feel the instant connection between them and soon they are caught up in an intense relationship.

My problem with the book was that I couldn't really connect with the characters, and the POV jumping was confusing. One moment I am in Olivia's head, then I am in Adams and after three paragraphs I am in Olivia's head again. Like I said confusing. There were times I didn't know which POV I am reading. Also, everything seemed to change really quickly, I don't mind insta love as much as I mind bearing my soul and dark secrets after knowing the person for such a short time. I couldn't get over it. However, if you enjoy hot bdsm sex scenes and story without unnecessary drama, then you should give this a try!

*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

[SamJ ★Needs a HEA★ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Copy received via netgalley in exchange for an honest review

★Book Basics★

Genre : - Contemporary Erotic Romance
Series : - 1st in the series (there is a previous story marked as 0.5)
Love triangle? - No
Cheating? - No
HEA? - Seems more of a HFN as it ends very abruptly
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - No
Rating - 2


★Review★

I have to admit, this started off quite strongly, the prologue offering a hint at a possibly darker character in Adam and an intriguing hint at what to expect in the story.

Unfortunately this was not realised in the actual story itself.

While I did like Adam, it did not seem true to his character for him to fall so quickly and be all about the future. Given the history that was hinted at (and yet never actually really made an impact on the story) When it is mentioned in the story, it is told in a very mechanical way that offered nothing or had moved the story on in any way, or offered any real insight into him as a man.

Olivia I found rather difficult to like. She was just a very bland character, no highs or lows, or particularly strong feelings. Just a very calm passive presence almost, that was hard to connect to. And again, her history was hinted at, or mentioned very briefly, to not really amount too much.

The insta lust/love here was too too much. Constantly being told, that the "woman" in her had fallen in lust and was powerless to resist him, was quite frankly, not enough. Or him going on about "time is like age, it doesn't matter" does not make it seem more real. And given they had spent maybe 3 nights and a total of about 35 hours in each others company at one point, for her to witness him massively overreact (and seriously injure someone) and then find out something a bit shocking about his past, and have almost no reaction to it AT ALL, and then just forget about it seemed a bit daft in all honesty.

I was not a fan of the one scene in the POV of another couple. I got this , thinking it was book 1 and unaware there was a 0.5, before this, and tbh, that scene (in a very short book that lacked depth and development with the 2 main characters) was an annoyance and felt almost like I as being forced to like this other character and be intrigued enough to go back and read about them. It had the opposite effect in all honesty.

And I apparently have the edited version that offers an "epilogue" of 6 weeks later, yet it still felt like it ended very abruptly, and I was missing a bit of the story, and indeed, I was expecting more, since that ending came at 89% in the kindle. It was very jarring.

I like Adam, but, I finished the book feeling very detached from both main characters, with no real feeling of who they were as characters, and like there was a chapter that should have been added on the end but had been chopped off.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided by Sasha White & NetGalley for an honest review.

I just now finished and I have to tell you ... review to come ... because I have to let the goodness that is Adam and Olivia sink in before I can properly review this book :) So stay tuned ...

Review that I hope will do this semi-short book justice ... :)

Meet Olivia: "I'm going to think about you," she spoke quickly, before he could hang up. "When I'm in bed tonight. And just so you know, it won't be tomorrow, but I'm going to come see you soon, and it won't be slumming when I do. It will be amazing."

Meet Adam: "Are you here just to get laid, or are you interested in me as a man and a person?" He stepped closer ..... "I'm asking because I want to know if you're staying for dinner after I fuck you so hard you're gonna have trouble walking tomorrow?"

Who would NOT love Olivia at that point and who would not just want to lick Adam from top to bottom after THAT?! NO ONE! lol

Adam is the boss/owner of a very exclusive BDSM club called Overwatch. Olivia is a well renown Psychologist. They come from two polar worlds! But they fit and they are oh so good for and with each other.

I don't do plot details in my reviews so don't expect one. For THAT you have to buy the book. But I do review about writing ....

Let ma say that Sasha White did not disappoint once again. She gave us sensual kink without hardcore BDSM (my fave), she gave us characters that developed enough that you don't feel like you need more to be engaged in their journey. Is there more detail we could have experienced about Adam and Olivia's pasts? Sure, but it wasn't necessary. And she proved in this story by incorporating Ian and Ronnie from the first in this series, Unfettered, that Adam and Olivia's story will continue in future novels of this series.
I was completely satisfied that Adam was developed as much as he should be. We were up close and personal about his 'other life' in the beginning of the book and it all came full circle (explained) by the end of the story. I don't need a play by play of his last 36 years to read a story about him finding happiness. I have no unanswered questions about him and that's something authors sometimes don't do well. Sasha did. As for Olivia ... I have a few unanswered questions but I am completely sure that they will be answered in her future cameos of this series.

As for sexual scorch level ... 5+ of course. Everything about Adam screams sexy alpha yummyness. When they are together the atmosphere is ON FIRE! I absolutely loved this book. And I read it in just an afternoon because it grabbed me and would not let go!

I cannot wait to read more and more about the Overwatch men and the awesome woman that are lucky enough to 'ride off into the sunset' with them :)

[Crazy for Books (Stephanie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided through NetGalley by author for an honest review.

3.5 SOULMATE STARS

Adam Kessler meets Psychologist Olivia Lang when he's saves her from an attack. They have an immediate connection. But Adam thinks she's too good for him. Olivia works to make sure Adam knows they are both more than their backgrounds. Adam introduces her to his world and BDSM club, which Olivia takes to and finds who she really is because she feels safe with Adam.

I liked the story, but felt that there could have been more to it. There is a mysterious element to it that could have been built upon, but was sort of dangled and resolved too easily. I would have liked for Adam to have more reasons to use his training, which was well written and I could see it in my minds eye as I was reading. I would have liked to have read about Adam and Olivia doing a scene in Overwatch. Though there was a dream that Olivia had that was a little excited, their sex was mostly very vanilla. Not bad, just not what you expect from a Dominant man who owns a BDSM club.

I think the author, with more practice, could be a really good writer.

[💫MakeU1dor 🌺 · Rating 5 out of 5]

*~* I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review *~*

Loved, Loved, Loved it!!!!!!

Olivia is a Psychologist that finders herself in a situation that has a super hot, good samaritan to her rescue. She is instantly overcome with a sexual desire she never known. She is smart and knows what she wants and with a little encouragement from her friend Jazz she finally acts on darker desires.

Adam is there when she needed him and didn't know him. He is a man with a past and a BDSM club owner. He is very ALPHA, but also caring and kind and very protective by nature. He is there for Olivia is all the ways that she needs.

I love the different aspects of the of this story and the way they come together. This is a first read for me from this author and I can't wait to read the next in this series and to see what else this author has to offer.

[Mariℓina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh! Although the beginning was good the rest of it, can be described as mostly tedious, meaningless and weak. And i'm not even counting the abrupt end, that held no real closure for the story.


Olivia and Adam had a nice start, yes, but after their first encounter it went downhill. Blurry storyline, bland characters, insta-love and secrets that were worthy of an eyerolling award..


I found the lack of sentimentality, disturbing, and the writing absolutely disjointed. The spasmodic movements to create and make believe, something that clearly wasn't there, gave me only a headache and nothing more.


Even the story that Adam's secret past was revolving around, felt more like a soulless retelling, simply stating facts, than the powerful and meaningful revelation that it should have been..


Finaly i'm not sure of how i feel about the time, the author wasted, on other couples or on introducing characters and setting stories for the next books. She clearly should have used that space, for the relationship growth of her current main couple.




THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK

- Dual POV. Or was it?
- Because sadly there is a big chunk dedicated to the couple of the first book in the series, told from their Pov.
- It wasn't their story to do so.
- I liked the premise.
- Olivia doesn't act like, an intellectual woman. At some times she is as dumb as a rock.
- And also she found hot and handsome every men she met.
- I also want to point out, that there were many situations thrown into the mix with no reason. As an example, what happened with her patient.
- Lastly though, i really loved how romantic and at the same time tragic, Jazz's story with her hasband was. I really felt connected to that couple. And that's weird, beacause it was only mentioned once. But there was a true love story there, so..



ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. Thank you!

[Annie Slasher (Booked & Loaded) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an original review from http://bookedandloaded.com All opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Primal is packed full of raw Alpha male and Sasha White delivers a full out erotic romance with a great story line in this first Overwatch series title.

As you probably have noticed, I don't read a ton of books outside the realm of paranormal, but have been venturing out a little more in the last year or so. Primal is a book I would not have previously read based on the sole fact that it didn't fit into my comfort zone, but I did and I am very pleased about it!

Reading about a women in her early 40's with a career and a normal life was such a refreshing change of pace. The fact that she meets Adam Kessler and although things do change in Olivia's life, there is no sacrificial lamb. You know what I mean right? That one thing that the protagonist must give up in order to be happy with the other person? Yeah...I hate that. This story was above that and beyond the trope that so many books containing alpha males have. Don't get me wrong, Adam is 100% pure alpha but not the alphahole that so many books are now containing. Being able to read a romance where each of the characters are strong, self aware, and then end up together in the end was completely worth the walk on the wild side. Speaking of the wild side, have I mentioned how hot this books was?

Primal is melt your kindle hot. The intensity in this book was red zone, baby. I am not a BDSM reviewer extraordinaire, but I noticed and liked a few differences from the other BDSM titles I have read and reviewed. One major difference was the feel of the BDSM club. Overwatch (the club) felt more relaxed and not so tense or serious. I appreciated that there was some giggling and fun. I will certainly be keeping an eye out for the next book in this series and cannot wait to see who's story is next!

The one star missing comes from just a few things. I really felt the story was cut a little short and rushed at the end and some grammar or editing errors contained distracted from the story.

I rate Primal 4 out of 5 Bullets!

[Rachael Orman · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads Review Team

I was so excited to get Adam's story after seeing a bit of him in Unfettered. Sadly though, I felt like it shouldn't have been classified at all as BDSM. He owns a BDSM club, but that's about as deep into we get. There was so much potential that I felt was missed there with her potential drama that had the build up sort of there only to end after two lines. Since that was the only drama in the story minus Adam's background, which again was quickly glossed over.

That being said, I liked that they both saw what they liked and went for it. It was a bit of an instalove situation, but I liked how it was played and not instantly jumped on.

There was a HUGE scene between characters from Unfettered, which I felt would've time and pages better spent on the main characters. Not to mention that we normally follow third person but from Adam or Olivia's side a bit then this one scene we are totally someone else. I didn't care for the way the third person POV was written, but this is also a very hard POV for me to get into.

I thought the ending was fine without the 'six weeks later' bit to be honest. It was a quick sexy read, but I'd like to have seen more development with the characters and their stories and since the BDSM club and gym were mentioned so many times, I'd like to have had them play a bigger part in the story besides in passing.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads Review Team~

Holy hotness! I love this series and each book makes me want more and can’t wait for the next installment. Even though I thought this story could have been longer and ended abruptly I still enjoyed it. I love Adam and how fiercely he protects those he cares about. I was so happy that Olivia went for what she wanted instead of playing the woman who waits around for the man. It was a refreshing change to have the woman to basically say “yeah, I want you and I am going come and get you”. The chemistry between Adam and Olivia is off the charts and I hope in one of the next books we will be able to see them scene together in the club.

Characters: The characters were well written and believable.

Sex: oh yeah

Religious: no

Would I recommend to others: yes

More than one book in the series: yes

Genre: BDSM/Romance

Would I read more by this author: yes

~Wicked Reads Review Team~

[Talk Books To Me · Rating 3 out of 5]

Karia’s thoughts…

Whether it is book one or book two (after reading it, I realized that book 1 was Ian’s book), I still enjoyed this introduction to the “Overwatch” club. To overwatch means to have someone’s back, to be their eyes usually from a higher vantage point to see what they themselves don’t. Adam is such a protector. He thrives on watching and caring for others. While growing up in the hard parts of LA, he escaped gang life by joining the military. Fast forward a less than cute meet-cute and you have Adam stepping in to protect.

I personally love the “intsa love”. I fell in love at first sight and I knew I would marry my husband on our first date…but I was a bit unsure about these two. There was a lot of “promise” for a dominant love, but in the end Adam and Olivia were more sugar than anything else. Adam certainly doesn’t live the lifestyle full time, he prefers to watch over those who want it. This actually made if more believable that he and Olivia connected so intimately so quickly. I give this one a solid 3 ½ stars…for the four or five stars I believe I wanted more fleshed out…maybe deeper characters and more exchange about their needs would have tipped it for me. Enjoy!

[Ruby's Book reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

***I was given an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review**

I usually don't read books about BDSM, but I thought I'd give this book a chance. I was pleasantly surprised. This wasn't your usual hard core BDSM book, but rather a milder one. Yes, there are some pretty hot sex scenes but I must say I really did like the story.

The story is about a ex-army, now BDSM club owner Adam who comes to the aid of a older woman, Olivia. After saving her from nearly getting raped, they find themselves very much attracted to each other. Finally acting on their desires Adam asks Olivia to be in dominant-submissive relationship with him. Olivia, being curious, agrees and Adam beings showing her what that world is like.

They begin to fall in love with each other quickly. However there are somethings that Adam is hiding. And Adam feels that he should be completely honest with Olivia. He reluctantly tells her, hoping that what he reveals will not turn her away from him.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend reading it.

[Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam Kessler doesn’t want to be anyone’s hero, yet he finds himself as a part-time vigilante for hire, and one evening when out for a run, he rescues Olivia Hamilton from being mugged and raped. Afraid her desires for him are caused by the adrenaline of the moment, Adam rejects Olivia’s welcome arms the night of her attack, waiting to see if she’d call him after she comes to her senses.

Dr. Olivia Hamilton is a well-established psychologist and a very independent woman. She realizes her feelings for Adam are textbook knight-in-shining armor reactions, but somehow, she knows Adam means more to her than any man she’s meet before. Taking a chance, Olivia calls Adam and discovers a whole new side to herself in the process.

Primal is the second story in Ms. White’s Overwatch series featuring the owner and members of a private BDSM club. As the owner of Overwatch, Adam feels the need to protect each one of its members. His protective streak doesn’t end there, as witnessed by his drive to keep Olivia safe from harm after meeting her just once. Adam doesn’t view himself as the good guy, yet his every thought and action exudes his innate honor and high ethical code.

The book opens with a serious, albeit short, attack on Olivia, which honestly ends before it begins. While the scene is not difficult or graphic, the nature of the assault created some discomfort on my end when Olivia started coming on to Adam. Thankfully, Adam recognizes what is going on and backs away, leaving my concerns behind. I appreciate the author’s thoughtful handling of what could have been a major issue for me.

Adam and Olivia have an immediate, intense connection, full of steamy chemistry and smokin’ smex. The pair’s amazing rapport was carried throughout the book, both in and out of the bedroom, and I appreciated that both are smart, well-adjusted characters. Adam introduces Olivia to his Dominant side and the possibility of a D/s (Dominant/submissive) relationship. While this, and a couple of scenes at the club, classifies the title as “BDSM,” the nature of the play is BDSM-lite and suitable for anyone who may have an interest in the genre.

While Primal is not a long story and is relatively drama-free, there are a couple of small conflicts which cause some commotion for the pair. I like that the couple has a relatively straight-forward path to HFN, but when there is some difficulty, that they talk through the issues.

There are a couple of scenes that I felt detracted some from the flow of the story, the first being a play scene featuring Ronnie and Ian, the h/h from Unfettered. While the scene was actually pretty good, it’s the fact that it is told from Ronnie’s POV that bothered me. I believe it is the only time in the story that is NOT shared from either Olivia or Adam’s POV, which makes it stand out to me. In addition, there is an odd scene in the middle of the book that caused me great confusion for a bit. While it was later revealed to be a dream, there was no warning or indication of this fact heading into the scene. In addition, it is written in present tense narrative, which was extremely off-putting to me.

Overall, I enjoyed Primal and found Adam and Olivia to be a solid, sexy match. The story is extremely fast-paced with relatively little conflict. Both Olivia and Adam know what they want and go after it. The book is a happy, bdsm-lite love story that makes for a quick, enjoyable read.

My Rating: B, I liked it
Review copy provided by author
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About

[RoloPoloBookBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Primal by Sasha White
Series: Book #2: Overwatch Series
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 4½/5 stars
My Review:

Adam Kessler is not what the world thinks he is. As far as anyone knows, Adam is an ex-soldier who owns Overwatch and stays mostly to himself. What the world doesn’t see is Adam’s fiercely loyal streak that began when he was young and has only increased in intensity as he has grown older. To those Adam calls his own, there is never any questioning his loyalty and to what lengths he will go to in order to protect those he cares for. Adam calls very, very few his own and he is always up front and honest with the women he takes to his bed.

Adam is a decided Dominant, he is not relationship material and yet should he so desire, he would never, ever sleep alone. Adam is very conscientious about his rules and his standards not only in his personal life but also in his club. He looks out for the members of Overwatch, ensures their safety and, ensures each member is properly trained. Adam’s protective nature doesn’t end when he leaves the confines of his club and it is those instincts that kick in and have him stepping in the night he sees a woman being attacked by her car.

Olivia Lang is an attractive, intelligent, psychologist who has built a nice practice and quiet life for herself. She cares for her patients, is very good at her job and though she is lonely from time to time, she just hasn’t met the right man. The night Olivia is attacked, she is justifiably afraid but not willing to go down without a fight. In the midst of her struggle, Olivia is relieved to see a tall, dark, extremely well-built and, phenomenally capable man come to her rescue. After the “Are you OKs?” and “Thank yous” are out of the way, Olivia has a moment to really assess her savior and discovers he is a man she absolutely wants to know more about.

The time in between meeting Adam and going to his place just a few days later are filled with moments of trepidation, nervous energy, excitement and, a tiny bit of anxiety. Adam is wholly different from the man she pictured herself ending up with and the difference is absolutely intoxicating. Olivia feels certain she will end up in Adam’s bed but she has no idea how profound the experience will be. Though he intends to keep the experience as all his experiences are, brief, superficial and completely satisfying, Adam finds himself doing something he never thought he would do, offering Olivia a place in his world as his sub.

The Bottom Line: Adam is just delightful in a large caged animal sort of way. Adam is protective, aggressive, self-assured, successful and, totally devoted to his life. When Olivia comes into Adam’s world, she changes things for Adam on so many levels. For the first time in many, many years Adam has found someone he can open up to, divulge his secrets (and he has secrets!) yet still be the Dominant that is so much a part of his life. Olivia is really one of the few personalities that would ever be able to satisfy Adam for the long term. Though Olivia is willing to explore a submissive role with Adam she is also a strong and independent woman who has a life outside of the bedroom. The dynamic between the two is strong, intensely sexual, cerebral and, perfect. In all, Primal is an excellent second step in the Overwatch world and I am thrilled White dealt with the club’s owner in the first full-length read of this series. Adam and Olivia are a solid foundation for what is sure to be a very strong, very sexy series!!

[Paris (kerbytejas) · Rating 2 out of 5]

The “BDSM club genre” of books is a market flooded by authors all wanting to be part of this acceptable, trendy erotica movement. The problem is unless you have an exceptional story to go along with the over used clichés, leather cuffs, implements, pieces of equipment, alpha Doms, and submissive females (almost all new to the lifestyle) the book becomes just another re-hash of the same old stuff.

There are several authors who have been in this genre for quite some time now and have some fantastic books, authors that I would call my go to favorites. The main reason is their books have substance, good story lines, character development, connection & chemistry between the H/h, and well written situations that do not develop instantly.

Because this arena of BDSM books is so vast I have developed some ideas for what I expect out of a book, as well as prejudices for books that seem like quick, thin plot/no plot, nonexistent character development books held together with sex scenes. I really want a good story line to go along with my sex scenes. I think that connection between the characters should feel real and believable (for the most part), I don’t want instant soup – add water, microwave for 30 seconds and a love connection comes out when the door is opened. If I have to have a naive female following the lead of the alpha male into the club scene, then I want her to know why she’s there, what’s in it for her, and how her life will be improved by participation in this lifestyle.

For me reading Primal (Overwatch #1) by Sasha White fell into the category of: short book (novella length), with little or no character development, some chemistry between the H/h which could have been developed further, and a book with little more than a cliché plot.

We had a cameo appearance of Ian and his new submissive Ronnie, who we meet in Unfettered (Overwatch #.5) having their first club scene together. I can see that the author is trying to build the club family and comfortable atmosphere for both books character’s and the reader. As the story progressed, I never felt a real connection between Adam and Olivia. I think that both characters had the potential to be better. I felt like the whole book was rushed. I really didn't get a BDSM feel from the book, it felt like vanilla sex with alpha male who liked to give commands (at times an animal trainer came to mind).

Overall the book didn't hold my attention, I felt like I’d been down this road before, and there just wasn't enough substance in the story line.

If you’re looking for a quick read, with an alpha male, and a “go along with the program female”, that takes place in a BDSM club then this might be the book for you.

For me it fell short and was a 2 star read

This copy of Primal was provided by NetGalley on behalf of Victory Editing; White Hot Books with an expected publication of Oct 24 2014

[bookaholic ge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I just start by saying this book was HOT!!!

Adam is ex military and owns an BDSM night club that is very discreet and is all about protecting his clients. Although Adam does not consider himself a hero he does not hesitate to help Olivia Hamilton when she is fighting not only for her life but her virtue when some hoodlums try and rob and rape her.

Although I first thought this book would be the classic bad boy from the hood meets uptown girl with a silver spoon in her mouth, it was so much more. Adam has that dark allure of a man who has done things and crossed lines that no person should ever have to in the name of justice. He has a soft heart with a lot of ruff edges. You would figure being an owner of a BDSM club he would be over the top but when it came down to it he just wanted to right the wrongs of the past and step into the future with the very sexy Olivia.

Olivia is a Psychologist who has showed the world and her family that she can stand on her own without daddy's money. She has focused more of her life on her job than on men, so when Adam comes to the rescue she cant help but fall for this tattooed hunk of a man whose body promises all kinds of adventure.

Primal shows us about having the best of both worlds. Nothing better than being a strong woman at work and having a strong man at home to take you places between the sheets that you have never imagined. Great Job Sasha White, this book made me very interested in what being Primal is all about. Cant wait for the next book in the series!

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I want to say that I really wish I had searched for Primal on Goodreads before requesting it for review purposes on NetGalley. Why? Because it is the second novella in Sasha White's Overlook series. While it wasn't necessary to read the first book in the series to follow Primal, I certainly felt like I missed out on things. That said, I'm very interested in reading about Ian and Veronica and plan to pick up book one.

Primal was exactly what I was looking for in a hot, short BDSM read. Adam and Olivia were great together and I thoroughly enjoyed the world. Adam is former military and current owner of Overlook, a sex club in LA. He's never found a submissive to call his own and honestly has never been interested in it. That is until he comes across Olivia.

Olivia is a psychiatrist who just got out of a three month relationship with someone she didn't love and never really connected with. She wasn't looking to get involved with someone else so soon but the connection she felt when she met Adam was instantaneous.

Adam and Olivia had major chemistry and I loved them together. They were very well matched and though the BDSM aspects in Primal were mostly of the power exchange variety, it was still hot.

Primal was the first book I've read by Sasha White but it certainly won't be my last.

*eARC PROVIDED BY WHITE HOT BOOKS VIA NETGALLEY*

[S.M. Harshell · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**


Primal is hot and sexy. I couldn't get enough of Adam. I really am loving his character. Nothing beats a cocksure alpha male and Adam definitely has that dominant thing down. He's ex military, I would have loved to see a little more into his background with the side jobs, more than just the little mention at the beginning and end when he is explaining who he is. Being an owner in Overwatch, a BDSM club, he has always been the one unaffected, never falling for a woman. Until he meets Olivia that is.

Olivia is a psychologist. Her dating has been boring to say the least. She gets attacked by two men trying to steal her car, she screams, Adam runs to her rescue. Olivia is intrigued by Adam. He's dark, he's sexy. Something about him calls to her. Will she be able to handle his lifestyle? Will she be able to accept his past, the things that make him the man he is?

I am really enjoying this series. I think Overwatch has some great potential. There are so many directions Ms. White could take this series. I can't wait to see who gets the next book.

[Paige Helling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to read Primal as soon as I read the synopsis and let's not forget to mention that cover! Woo-ee, it is HOT!! I was expecting a great read with that synopsis and cover and Ms. White did not disappoint me at all! I loved reading this book!!

Dr. Olivia Hamilton, despite growing up in Beverly Hills, is not a stuck up snob. There's no doubt that she's a lady, but she's a warm, good, and kind person. Olivia is strong, smart, and she doesn't hold back from Adam. She was a great heroine and I loved her!

Of course while I loved Olivia, I absolutely loved, Loved, LOVED Adam! He is everything I love in my heroes: strong, dominant, possessive, and protective. Adam stole my heart from the very beginning with all of those qualities plus his sexy dirty talking! I never stood a chance against him and you won't either!

Primal is a fast, relatively easy read with only a little darkness. It's filled with a ton of heat and a touch of danger. It's not a heavy BDSM read, but Adam most definitely takes control and dominates Olivia--it is HOT! It's just an awesome book, I completely loved it, and I can't wait to read more of this series!!

Primal is a standalone, it's mostly told from Adam and Olivia's POV, but we do hear from one other person, and it does have a HEA.

******** I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ********

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved Olivia and Adam, especially because they were both mature characters. This is a rare find in books these days and it seems this series is going to be full of them. Yes!

The only drawback is these are really short fast reads but at the same time you get a full story. There are some things I would like to see fleshed out at the end but you are left satisfied. Although you are left wanting to get more at the same time, or at least I am.

There were only two things in this book that I did not care for the first being Ronnie getting all protective and pissy with Olivia. I was like bitch back off and worry about your own man, being protective is one thing but she was a little on the possessive side with Adam towards Olivia to me. I thought she was out of line a few times but luckily she shut up.

The only other thing was Olivia's reaction to that crazy stalker lady and Adam taking her down before he got shot. I am sure I was disappointed because my reaction to some lady holding my man at gun point would be to flog her ass, not get annoyed at him for knocking her ass out. He wouldn't have had the chance.

But she redeemed herself when he told her about his life outside of the club and gym, so it was all good for me at the end. I can't wait to get the next book in this series, I am really interested in what is going on with Simon.

[Tali · Rating 3 out of 5]

A free copy of this book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Primal is the story of Adam, an ex-military man, who rescues Olivia, a psychologist, when she is attacked after a night out with a friend.
This is a fairly decent story, although not quite as BDSM-y as the blurb would have you believe. Adam and Olivia were both interesting characters, although Olivia seemed to be a bit hot and cold with how she reacted to Adam's continuing life of violence. One minute she's telling him it doesn't matter, and the next minute, when they're attacked again, she's screeching at him in a car park. The danger also seemed a little out of nowhere, although after the parking-lot twist, I was somewhat concerned about why no-one questioned Olivia's patient stalking her with a gun. It's a bit random and there's quite a few threads in this story that don't seem to add up very easily. Still, the two main characters had good chemistry and I pretty much sped through this story in one go.
Good characters and chemistry is a story that promises lots, but only half-delivers. 3 stars.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a man has to know things and Adam he doesn't beat around the bush, "are you here just to get laid, or are you interested in me as a man and a person?" He stepped closer, reached out to grasp her hand and her wildly careening thoughts calmed. "I'm asking because I want to know if you're staying for dinner after I eff you so hard you're gonna have trouble walking tomorrow." He's really not afraid to voice anything with Olivia, "don't silence yourself or hide from me. I want to hear you. Those noises you're trying not to make tell me how you feel. What you like and don't like. And they make my d*** hard enough to hammer nails." He's sometimes not exactly sure what he and Olivia are going to do but he always knows they're gonna be doing the naughty, "it's safe to say I'm going to eff you at some point in the night, but I can't say for sure if it'll be in the club or not." This book was short, sweet and to the point which I loved.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads."

Hot, hot, hot. The title describes this story perfectly, and yet there are some very refined moments too. Adam is a perfect man, with, at times, not such a unsullied job. Olivia, it transpires, is his perfect woman. Neither of them ever thought such a person existed, and yet they embrace each other, and bring us along for the ride. The book moves seamlessly from one point of view to the other, which enriches the journey and definitely keeps the temperature at its upper limits.

The story is short, but very punchy. We get to see friends from 'Unfettered' and learn more about Overwatch and its members. This will be high on my reread list. Can't wait for the next one to be released.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Adam is a man with strict code of honor and nothing and no one gets in his way when it comes to protecting those they cannot protect themselves.

Olivia is a from the right side of the tracks, being sheltered most of her life until she willingly left the cloying arms of her family for a more realistic life as a psychiatrist who counseled victims of trauma.

When Adam comes to Olivia's rescue, she is immediately stunned by her reaction to his both his physcial looks and his code of honor.

I really enjoyed this book, but thought there could have been a more in depth resolution to the conflicts between Adam and Olivia. Will I read the next book in the series? Yes.

[Niccisbookblog · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY REVIEW

MMMHMM Adam is mighty fine! and this book rocks, with each book it makes me want more and can’t wait for the next installment.
This wasn't your usual hard core BDSM book, its a milder one, but it still has some hot sex scenes.
The plot was great and Adam and Olivia were both interesting characters and pulled you into there world.
I love Adam and how fiercely he protects his friends those he cares about.
The relationship that develops between Adam and Olivia is smoking hot, there chemistry works so well, they have such a intense connection.
I liked the fact that Olivia is smart, she is a independent woman but need what Adam can give her in the bedroom.
It was a refreshing change to read a book that is relatively drama-free, there are a couple of small conflicts which do cause some commotion for Adam and Olivia, but there are not any huge drama that bring there world crashing down, making it a nice easy read where the story flows really well.

[Fran · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high expectations for this book... A BDSM club owner with a dark past, things certainly can't go wrong, can they? Unfortunately all I felt was a huge disappointment.
Where the general story was intriguing enough, the chemistry between the characters seemed forced and I wasn't able to connect with any of them. Things happened a little too easily and, to be honest, Olivia's reaction to one particular situation appeared too unrealistic.
Now, I know what I'm about to say is subject to personal taste, but to me there are certain terms used to describe body parts that put me off rather than the opposite. The "c" word for the female part is one of them, and the frequent use was too much for me. This, the several typos I encountered throughout the story and the abrupt ending unfortunately ruined the whole thing for me.
I don't know if things will change, but for now I'm not sure I will give this series another chance.

[Amanda Lee Disheveled Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars......

This book was steamy in many ways but it was also a little short. Being that it was short makes it hard to connect with the characters. Im interested to see more of this series but, I hope that the books get a little longer.

I was excited about reading Adam's book because I liked him in the first novella. In this book you get to see a bit into his past as well as see how hot he can be in the bedroom. The only thing that i really thought was missing was the BDSM aspect of the story. He owns a kink club but you never see him using anything in it. Plus I'm just sort of a fan of Adam something about his tortured past and upbringing speaks to me and I just want to see more of him.

The characters are a great fit together and I hope to see more of them in the next book.

~~I was given an ARC from the author via net galley for an honest review.~~

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam and Olivia meet when he saves her from danger. Yep, another awesome alpha. It's really not a cliché story, rather an original plot and nice change. Sort of like Kallypso Masters, if you've read that series. The characters are interesting and just enough of their back story is provided. The passion is hot and the drama is high when these two admit their attraction to each other.
This can be read as a standalone, but I enjoyed book #1 in this series and enjoyed seeing everyone return in this book, Primal. You meet alpha Ian and Ronnie (a female mechanic!) in book #1, Unfettered.

I love that this author writes mature and strong heroines! It is refreshing to read the POV of a woman who knows what she wants or knows what she likes when she sees it!

My only wish is that this would have been a longer book!!

**An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review. **

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC received via NetGalley

This was a fairly short read but an enjoyable one at that. Full of sex that was hot and steamy (the title fit it well) with a small bit of action thrown in.

The story begins with a past event and from then on is told from the present. I liked that you weren't told the significance of that event until the end of the book so it kept you wondering what it was about.

I found that, although the majority of the time it was okay, sometimes it was a little unclear as to who's perspective you were reading from.

The ending of the book was a little disappointing as, to me, it seemed to end at an odd point in the story -> it wasn't the end of Olivia/Adams' story but part way through. I think it could have finished at a better point.

[Khulood · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was an enjoyable read. I liked that Adam is into BDSM but is not a complete jerk! And Olivia being older (mid-forties) was a nice change from most of the stories were the female lead is either barely legal or completely naive.

The multiple POVs was hard to keep up with, I found myself having to re-read the page to figure out if it is the same characters or there was a jump to the side characters - Also, the side characters took a large portion of the book which happens to be only 110 pages. The story was rushed enough as it is, so the side characters really took away from the ability to give us more on the main characters.


*Copy received from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.