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Animal Instincts
Danika is too young and innocent, but also the daughter of Damien’s best friend. He should stay away, but he’s imprinted on her, and that means he has to have her.
Danika Harrison has loved Damien Locke since she knew what the emotion was. He might be older than her, but she doesn’t care because she wants him. When they share one night together and he tells her he has imprinted on her, she knows she is lost for the older man.
Damien, a lion shifter, and friend of Danika’s father, forced himself to leave his mate behind for four years. He’s imprinted on her, and that means he can’t walk away again. Now that his animal has awakened for her, he is obsessed, possessive for Danika, and can’t let her go. She is his and she’ll wear his mark to prove it.
Danika Harrison has loved Damien Locke since she knew what the emotion was. He might be older than her, but she doesn’t care because she wants him. When they share one night together and he tells her he has imprinted on her, she knows she is lost for the older man.
Damien, a lion shifter, and friend of Danika’s father, forced himself to leave his mate behind for four years. He’s imprinted on her, and that means he can’t walk away again. Now that his animal has awakened for her, he is obsessed, possessive for Danika, and can’t let her go. She is his and she’ll wear his mark to prove it.
78 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2015
54 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Jenika Snow
437 books8,811 followersJenika Snow is a USA Today Bestselling Author, and has been a published writer since 2009.
She can be found at:
www.jenikasnow.com
FB: www.facebook.com/jenikasnow
Twitter: twitter.com/jenikasnow
Email: Jenika_Snow@yahoo.com
She can be found at:
www.jenikasnow.com
FB: www.facebook.com/jenikasnow
Twitter: twitter.com/jenikasnow
Email: Jenika_Snow@yahoo.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 4, 2016
Ok so here is my take on this lion shifter book, it was short and hot but not a good enough to make it amazing.
Firstly, I must say I did not love the hero, he was way too beta-tame for me. He has his OTT moments but who ever heard of a shifter finding his mate and saying "Omg I can't stay here I may touch that."
He just leaves her. Despite the fact that he is her mate he leaves her for 2 years and then come back for like a minute and then leaves again. She will have to take care of herself or for her guy friend to take care of her.
Then, he comes back after 4 years cause now they can have sex so he claims her! But oh no what's this? He forgot to ask her dad!? WTH!
Yes he is a big bad shifter lion king of the jungle, who does the "right" thing! So bad! Fail!
I did not think he was possessive at all or alpha. It was all so sad as a book.
She just accepted his terms for their relationship but no I love you moments here at all just we are mates. Nope that's not enough here!
I felt ripped off!
What that's it? No epilogue no kids no wedding.
Not worth the time unless you like to be left hanging.
Firstly, I must say I did not love the hero, he was way too beta-tame for me. He has his OTT moments but who ever heard of a shifter finding his mate and saying "Omg I can't stay here I may touch that."
He just leaves her. Despite the fact that he is her mate he leaves her for 2 years and then come back for like a minute and then leaves again. She will have to take care of herself or for her guy friend to take care of her.
Then, he comes back after 4 years cause now they can have sex so he claims her! But oh no what's this? He forgot to ask her dad!? WTH!
Yes he is a big bad shifter lion king of the jungle, who does the "right" thing! So bad! Fail!
I did not think he was possessive at all or alpha. It was all so sad as a book.
She just accepted his terms for their relationship but no I love you moments here at all just we are mates. Nope that's not enough here!
I felt ripped off!
What that's it? No epilogue no kids no wedding.
Not worth the time unless you like to be left hanging.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2015
Just what you would expect from Jenika Snow's books. OTT, sexy and super possessive alpha, who knows how to cherish his mate. And a great female character that loves and knows how to handle her shifter.
A great, short and sexy read!
Safety-gang: Safe with .
A great, short and sexy read!
Safety-gang: Safe with .
August 3, 2016
I am a huge fan of Jenika Snow, but this was just ok for me. I love a shifter story because of the whole "mate for life" aspect.
Damien is a lion shifter who is just ending his enlistment in the military. He is tired of war and decides to move to the hometown of his best friend and fellow Navy Seal. He buys a remote cabin and is set to begin his new life. After meeting his best friends daughter, he realizes she is his mate. Unfortunately, she is way too young to claim and he has to stay away until she is older.
Danika is 16 when she first meets Damien. Although she feels some sort of connection, she doesn't understand it. After their initial meeting, it's 4 years until she sees him again. Now she is back in town and Damien is determined to finally claim her.
-alpha lion shifter
virgin heroine
-no cheating or ow/om drama
-H is celibate once he meets the h. Even waiting 4 years to claim her
-HFN- even though it had an epilogue, it wasn't any kind of look into what their future held. (No info on marriage, babies etc)
Damien is a lion shifter who is just ending his enlistment in the military. He is tired of war and decides to move to the hometown of his best friend and fellow Navy Seal. He buys a remote cabin and is set to begin his new life. After meeting his best friends daughter, he realizes she is his mate. Unfortunately, she is way too young to claim and he has to stay away until she is older.
Danika is 16 when she first meets Damien. Although she feels some sort of connection, she doesn't understand it. After their initial meeting, it's 4 years until she sees him again. Now she is back in town and Damien is determined to finally claim her.
-alpha lion shifter
virgin heroine
-no cheating or ow/om drama
-H is celibate once he meets the h. Even waiting 4 years to claim her
-HFN- even though it had an epilogue, it wasn't any kind of look into what their future held. (No info on marriage, babies etc)
December 28, 2015
Other than being entirely too pricey for the length I really enjoyed this one. There was some repetitiveness in their thoughts and dialogue that got a little annoying but the overall book was good. Damien was a perfect hero... Protective, possessive, and OTT for his mate! And the sex scenes?! Holy hell were they hott!!
February 7, 2015
Quick hot read.
At her sixteenth birthday party Danika meets her fathers best friend Damien for the first time, Damien is a lion shifter and although he'd given up all hope of meeting his mate he instantly imprints on Danika. Since Danika is only sixteen and Damien is thirty-five he disappears for two years giving her a chance to grow up but when he returns two years later he discovers she's away at college and when she returns two years later aged twenty he can't wait any longer.
This is what you'd expect from Jenika, an older alpha male and a younger curvy girl and it's a hot entertaining read.
September 7, 2015
This was a short story about Danika Harrison who has been in love with her dads army friend, Damien Locke is a lion shift when he first laid eyes on Danika at her 16th party he imprinted on her but knew she was you so he stayed away for four years until she was matured. Danika hasn't seen Damien is 4 years so when her dad asked her to have dinner with him and his friend she said yes. Finally when Damien tells her she is is mate, she knew she there was something strong between them. The only hard thing was telling her father in all hopes he would be okay with them together. Overall this was a fun read, quick and got to the point.
January 23, 2015
Jenika never disappoints. Nuff said :-)
Love her shifters.
Love her shifters.
January 7, 2020
Animal Instincts
I'm not sure what I thought about this one. I was super excited to find a Jenika Snow book that I hadn't read. I was even more excited to find out that it was a shifter book (and let's be honest Ms. Snow writes some AMAZING shifter book!) I guess maybe I was a bit disappointed with this one. I just didn't feel like Damion and Danika had a real connection or chemistry or whatever you want to call it. It's a short story that kinda drags at the same time. There are also some editing issues, misspelled and missing words and punctuation. Please understand that I am not saying that this story is horrible and not worth reading because I'm not. I'm just saying that I just expected more from a Jenika Snow book. I did LOVE that Damion was super possessive and protective of Danika. I also didn't love how the epilogue ended. Ugh I know I'm all over the place with this one so I'm going to just stop rambling.
Sorry is 99% safe there is a scene in the very beginning that is a touch questionable for the safety factor. The Heroine is at a party and some drunk jerk tries to assult HOWEVER the heroine fights him off with her Tae Kwon Do skills and other than a split lip she's good to go. Oh and the hero takes care of him later in the story. Anyway other than that it is safe no cheating, no others after meeting. A happy for now.
I'm not sure what I thought about this one. I was super excited to find a Jenika Snow book that I hadn't read. I was even more excited to find out that it was a shifter book (and let's be honest Ms. Snow writes some AMAZING shifter book!) I guess maybe I was a bit disappointed with this one. I just didn't feel like Damion and Danika had a real connection or chemistry or whatever you want to call it. It's a short story that kinda drags at the same time. There are also some editing issues, misspelled and missing words and punctuation. Please understand that I am not saying that this story is horrible and not worth reading because I'm not. I'm just saying that I just expected more from a Jenika Snow book. I did LOVE that Damion was super possessive and protective of Danika. I also didn't love how the epilogue ended. Ugh I know I'm all over the place with this one so I'm going to just stop rambling.
Sorry is 99% safe there is a scene in the very beginning that is a touch questionable for the safety factor. The Heroine is at a party and some drunk jerk tries to assult HOWEVER the heroine fights him off with her Tae Kwon Do skills and other than a split lip she's good to go. Oh and the hero takes care of him later in the story. Anyway other than that it is safe no cheating, no others after meeting. A happy for now.
February 23, 2025
This has to be the tamest Jenika Snow book I've read so far, not too naughty... didn't care for that. 😒 I expect filth when it comes to Snow's books so I was disappointed, to say the least.
Damien is bffs with Tyler but imprints (he's a lion shifter) on Tyler's 16-year-old daughter. He waits until she's of age, which thank goodness, and doesn't pressure her when he tells her his feelings.
Pretty tame and typical, nothing too crazy but I found it very repetitive.
Damien is bffs with Tyler but imprints (he's a lion shifter) on Tyler's 16-year-old daughter. He waits until she's of age, which thank goodness, and doesn't pressure her when he tells her his feelings.
Pretty tame and typical, nothing too crazy but I found it very repetitive.
January 2, 2025
Damien has been away for a long time. When his buddy invites him to his daughter’s sweet sixteen, it is a chance for him to start anew. But he didn’t expect to find his mate. Danika didn’t know her dad’s war buddy. She knew he was a lion shifter. When she accidently bumps into him, she didn’t expect the electric current. Fast forward four years. Damien stayed away. And I give him credit. He did let Danika grow and find herself before claiming her. There was just having to tell his buddy. You knew what was going to happen there. Danika certainly was drawn to Damien. The connection was instant. This was hot.
February 18, 2025
Damien must wait for his mate!
Damien knew the instant he met Danika that she was his mate. Only problem was she was just sixteen and his best friend's daughter. Damien leaves for four years and when he comes back he must explain to his friend and his friend's daughter that she is his mate. How will that go?
Damien knew the instant he met Danika that she was his mate. Only problem was she was just sixteen and his best friend's daughter. Damien leaves for four years and when he comes back he must explain to his friend and his friend's daughter that she is his mate. How will that go?
January 2, 2025
3.5⭐️s maybe a little more 🤷🏼♀️
This is a relatively quick read with age gap, fathers best friend, fated mates, shifters.
It’s more spice/smut than plot but still an enjoyable read
This is a relatively quick read with age gap, fathers best friend, fated mates, shifters.
It’s more spice/smut than plot but still an enjoyable read
January 14, 2025
It was ok , way to much sex , not a huge fan of the age gap , gave me the yuckies
February 16, 2015
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
When I needed a shifter fix, I ran straight to my e-reader and grabbed Animal Instants by Jenika Snow. Ms. Snow has become my go-to author when I’m in the mood for a shifter romance. Her stories about shifters come across so authentic and believable despite being part of the paranormal genre. I don’t know how she does it, but I’m so glad that she does.
I love the shifter universe that she creates. In Animal Instincts, Damien finally finds his mate. Unfortunately, Danika also happens to be the young daughter of Damien’s best friend and she’s only 16 and Damien is 35. In this universe, when a shifter imprints on a minor, it’s not in a sexual manner but instead he wants to protect his mate. Damien is concerned that neither Danika nor her father will understand so he decides to disappear until Danika is physically mature.
It turns into four years before Damien can stake his claim on Danika. Damien’s determination to allow Danika time to grow up, be her own person and make her own decisions earned my respect and admiration. Ms. Snow has written a strong male character that can be thoughtful and caring while still maintaining his alpha personality. His protective nature is typical of a shifter and just added to his appeal.
Another reason that I love Ms. Snow’s shifter books is because even though she writes about alpha men, her female characters are just as strong-willed as the men. Danika is no exception as she stands up for herself against a potential attacker and makes her own determination about how her relationship with Damien will go.
I finished Animal Instincts in one sitting because Ms. Snow’s writing is always a pleasure to read. It’s fast paced, flows naturally and it’s easy to get lost in the story. The sexual scenes are stimulating and guaranteed to raise your temperature. The chemistry between Damien and Danika is undisputable and just adds to the realism of the concept of mating and imprinting.
With Animal Instincts, Ms. Snow has proven yet again that she is a master at shifter romance. It’s comforting to know that I can count on Ms. Snow for a fun and entertaining read. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
When I needed a shifter fix, I ran straight to my e-reader and grabbed Animal Instants by Jenika Snow. Ms. Snow has become my go-to author when I’m in the mood for a shifter romance. Her stories about shifters come across so authentic and believable despite being part of the paranormal genre. I don’t know how she does it, but I’m so glad that she does.
I love the shifter universe that she creates. In Animal Instincts, Damien finally finds his mate. Unfortunately, Danika also happens to be the young daughter of Damien’s best friend and she’s only 16 and Damien is 35. In this universe, when a shifter imprints on a minor, it’s not in a sexual manner but instead he wants to protect his mate. Damien is concerned that neither Danika nor her father will understand so he decides to disappear until Danika is physically mature.
It turns into four years before Damien can stake his claim on Danika. Damien’s determination to allow Danika time to grow up, be her own person and make her own decisions earned my respect and admiration. Ms. Snow has written a strong male character that can be thoughtful and caring while still maintaining his alpha personality. His protective nature is typical of a shifter and just added to his appeal.
Another reason that I love Ms. Snow’s shifter books is because even though she writes about alpha men, her female characters are just as strong-willed as the men. Danika is no exception as she stands up for herself against a potential attacker and makes her own determination about how her relationship with Damien will go.
I finished Animal Instincts in one sitting because Ms. Snow’s writing is always a pleasure to read. It’s fast paced, flows naturally and it’s easy to get lost in the story. The sexual scenes are stimulating and guaranteed to raise your temperature. The chemistry between Damien and Danika is undisputable and just adds to the realism of the concept of mating and imprinting.
With Animal Instincts, Ms. Snow has proven yet again that she is a master at shifter romance. It’s comforting to know that I can count on Ms. Snow for a fun and entertaining read. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
February 24, 2016
I didn't like it. I get super annoyed reading PNR that's erotica if they meet before 18 because it's always mentioned that they were not sexually attracted to them before that age and they won't be until they're 18 and come of age. Animals aren't like humans, and to put them into the same thing because someone's stupid enough to go oh that's gross they're under age is stupid. Centuries ago people were having sex before 18, mainly because they only made it to like 40, but shit! They're animals not people, it doesn't even compute! Hell, my dog was 'of age' at 6 human months, going into heat! So to push the two worlds together leaves things muddled for me. I mean, there's people who would complain about a 35 year old thinking a 16 year old was sexually appealing so there's that too.
Anyway, nothing happened. It was all about mating, dominance and there's two sex scenes. Lots of, I'll get you round with my child, I'm coming, talks about taking cherries and being her only lover, but I didn't feel like anything stood out or anything. I think my main issue is that the dirty talk was repetitive. And the mention of no sexual attraction before she was 18 was mentioned literally 3 or 4 times which is why I think I got so annoyed with it. I get it, you weren't sexually attractive, stop trying to prove yourself! Also, overly descriptive of silly things in the beginning, like her hair and weight and stuff.
Anyway, nothing happened. It was all about mating, dominance and there's two sex scenes. Lots of, I'll get you round with my child, I'm coming, talks about taking cherries and being her only lover, but I didn't feel like anything stood out or anything. I think my main issue is that the dirty talk was repetitive. And the mention of no sexual attraction before she was 18 was mentioned literally 3 or 4 times which is why I think I got so annoyed with it. I get it, you weren't sexually attractive, stop trying to prove yourself! Also, overly descriptive of silly things in the beginning, like her hair and weight and stuff.
April 9, 2016
Danika is 16 when she meets her father's best friend, Damien, a lion shifter and ex-SEAL. As soon as he meets her, Damien knows that Danika is his destined mate and he has to get away from her so she has time to experience life before he mates with her. When he returns, and they're finally together, Damien worries about how to tell her father that he just had sex with his little girl.
Another, fairly average story. This was more my cup of tea with a nice alpha male with protective instincts who will try to do anything to keep his girl happy. I liked that he didn't force her into anything and tried his best to wait until she was ready.
Another, fairly average story. This was more my cup of tea with a nice alpha male with protective instincts who will try to do anything to keep his girl happy. I liked that he didn't force her into anything and tried his best to wait until she was ready.
January 24, 2015
I enjoyed this book. The story flowed well and the characters were well formed and went well together.
The only part that seems out of place to me is when Damien takes care of someone that hurt Danika. With his age and training, I thought control would be easier for him.
Danika is young and still has some growing up to do when Damien first meets her. He gives her the time she needs to grow up before he claims her as his mate.
The only part that seems out of place to me is when Damien takes care of someone that hurt Danika. With his age and training, I thought control would be easier for him.
Danika is young and still has some growing up to do when Damien first meets her. He gives her the time she needs to grow up before he claims her as his mate.
August 26, 2015
In love with
This story. Finally a shifter story where the shifter and shifter fall for each other and act like real life....no deep down mating and the mate acts like the have one brain cell. Finally a paranormal book that seems like it could be real life.
I would give the 5 stars but found a couple of editing mistakes which is not a norm for this author.....
Buy this book...... you will love it!!!!
This story. Finally a shifter story where the shifter and shifter fall for each other and act like real life....no deep down mating and the mate acts like the have one brain cell. Finally a paranormal book that seems like it could be real life.
I would give the 5 stars but found a couple of editing mistakes which is not a norm for this author.....
Buy this book...... you will love it!!!!
January 25, 2015
Awesome read! I was drawn in from the start and could not put down. Shifter storyline was quick, entertaining and so dang hot like panty dropping hot!! Possessive alpha male meets sweet young girl. Damien's a much older lion shifter who waits patiently for four years for Danika to mature and live life a little before he claims her for his mate. Loved the chemistry and passion between them. Would recommend.
January 22, 2015
A must read!
Everything that this author writes is so much fun to read and so freaking hot!!! Her style writing makes it seem like you are part of the story. The only thing I didn't like about the story is the fact that the main character was so young and the guy was so much older and friends with the father. But other than that you will love everything about this book!
Everything that this author writes is so much fun to read and so freaking hot!!! Her style writing makes it seem like you are part of the story. The only thing I didn't like about the story is the fact that the main character was so young and the guy was so much older and friends with the father. But other than that you will love everything about this book!
July 6, 2015
3 Stars because it was just okay. The sex was hot but the characters came off a little flat. I wasn't fully invested in the characters enough to feel a deep emotional connection. The set-up was promising, but the ending was forced and lacking. There wasn't enough detail and the best friend story line could have went on further. It wasn't the best read by Ms. Snow, but it wasn't the worst either.
June 29, 2015
Finished two books today both of it are hot there's always differences of every book the other book is too emotional while this one well I could say it's too quick everything of it is quick it actually explains well with little problem it's just that it's quick ahahah I don't know I admit the hotness of it I enjoyed it ahaha
February 6, 2015
I was impressed with Damien's control when he realized that Danika was his mate and let her grow up before claiming her. Damien was protective of Danika. Danika could feel the pull to Damien and couldn't resist it. This was a really good short story!
May 8, 2015
I want a lion shifter as my mate! Great story. Loved the hot as hell sex scenes. Love the immediate imprint on her. That instant famous lighting hit that happens in some books and movies. Loved how fierce and protective he is. No complaints.
January 24, 2015
I love Jenika and Animal Instincts was hot
January 24, 2015
This book is everything I love about shifter stories, and love it I did. Loved the storyline and the characters. A favourite indeed!
January 24, 2015
Ok
Good but very short, the story needed more substance...more drama? More conflict? More emotion? I just felt that it was missing something.
Good but very short, the story needed more substance...more drama? More conflict? More emotion? I just felt that it was missing something.
January 24, 2015
2.5 stars
January 24, 2015
good book but too short for the price.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews