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Instincts #6
Protective Instincts
Daniel Valente and Ryunosuke Kimura knew each other for centuries, and when Daniel saw the love Ryu had for him and how it had endured for lifetimes, their lives became forever entwined. In recognizing that love, the two vampires became eternal partners, those with a bond deep and unbreakable.
They’re living in peace and happiness, until a call comes inviting Ryunosuke to interview for the Tribunal, the ruling body of vampire society. Both Daniel and Ryu know everything is about to change. Danger will come with the position and the greatest threat may be from one of the Tribunal members. Daniel and Ryunosuke’s protective instincts are strong, their love even stronger, but when old grudges demand retribution, will those instincts be enough to keep each other safe?
They’re living in peace and happiness, until a call comes inviting Ryunosuke to interview for the Tribunal, the ruling body of vampire society. Both Daniel and Ryu know everything is about to change. Danger will come with the position and the greatest threat may be from one of the Tribunal members. Daniel and Ryunosuke’s protective instincts are strong, their love even stronger, but when old grudges demand retribution, will those instincts be enough to keep each other safe?
115 pages, ebook
First published August 28, 2015
8 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Frost
44 books572 followersS.J. Frost resides in Ohio with her family, pets, and horses. Her short stories have been featured in several erotic and romance anthologies, and her novels are published through MLR Press. Rock stars, vampires, fantasy heroes, and more, she enjoys dabbling in many different sub-genres in gay romance, but no matter what she writes, love and passion are the driving forces in every story.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 12, 2020
I have to admit, I'm kinda bummed to get to the end of this series, especially since there's plenty of hints of more to come in this book. Hopefully some day the author will get back to writing this series as I'd love to see what's to come.
I did like returning to Ryu and Daniel. They're a fun couple and seeing more of Ryu's past was great. I appreciated getting more details of the antagonism between Ryu and his arch enemy Li. There was a lot of mistrust between these two and Daniel does his best to try to help smooth things over. He really wants to see Ryu get to take the step forward to be on the Tribunal. Of course Daniel's snarkiness is on full display here and I liked seeing him willing to fight for his man. He's not going to back down or be pushed to the side.
I liked that this story worked really well at it's shorter length. There was a little bit of a twist and Cal and Andreas got to show up and help things out too. The way Li and Ryu's relationship changed over the course of the story didn't feel forced, the elements of the plot really did facilitate a new understanding and opened up a lot of possibilities if the story was to continue. Fingers crossed.
I did like returning to Ryu and Daniel. They're a fun couple and seeing more of Ryu's past was great. I appreciated getting more details of the antagonism between Ryu and his arch enemy Li. There was a lot of mistrust between these two and Daniel does his best to try to help smooth things over. He really wants to see Ryu get to take the step forward to be on the Tribunal. Of course Daniel's snarkiness is on full display here and I liked seeing him willing to fight for his man. He's not going to back down or be pushed to the side.
I liked that this story worked really well at it's shorter length. There was a little bit of a twist and Cal and Andreas got to show up and help things out too. The way Li and Ryu's relationship changed over the course of the story didn't feel forced, the elements of the plot really did facilitate a new understanding and opened up a lot of possibilities if the story was to continue. Fingers crossed.
September 17, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
4.25 Stars
The very first thing this book made me want to do was go back to the start and read the series again. The vampires in the Instincts Series love with an intensity that screams at you from the page. Ryu is an ancient Samurai Warrior who has lived through a lot of changes during his many lifetimes. Daniel, turned my Cal, is sassy and probably the most dangerous of their little group as people constantly underestimate him.
As eternal partners their lives have been peaceful lately. Ryu has been asked to interview for a position on the Tribunal. Even knowing his old enemy Li is also a member and that it will probably open old wounds and bring danger into his life Ryu believes the job important enough to ignore the risks. The vampire world needs to be led and governed by strong leaders who are not all out for their own benefit.
As danger comes to visit their door once again Ryu is blind in his love for Daniel and instead of treating him like an equal partner as he deserves he stops at nothing to protect him and suddenly there is an imbalance in their relationship that their enemy spots and takes advantage of. Daniel may look like model and behave like a spoiled brat but underneath he is a fierce warrior intent on protecting what is his.
The enemy seems obvious but perhaps it is not. I liked that we saw a different side to Li and I have everything crossed that he will get his story next. Ryu seems to have learned his lesson when it comes to Daniel but will it all come too late as a mysterious enemy comes forward. I think as a couple they were even better in this book than the first time round…I loved every minute!
4.25 Stars
The very first thing this book made me want to do was go back to the start and read the series again. The vampires in the Instincts Series love with an intensity that screams at you from the page. Ryu is an ancient Samurai Warrior who has lived through a lot of changes during his many lifetimes. Daniel, turned my Cal, is sassy and probably the most dangerous of their little group as people constantly underestimate him.
As eternal partners their lives have been peaceful lately. Ryu has been asked to interview for a position on the Tribunal. Even knowing his old enemy Li is also a member and that it will probably open old wounds and bring danger into his life Ryu believes the job important enough to ignore the risks. The vampire world needs to be led and governed by strong leaders who are not all out for their own benefit.
As danger comes to visit their door once again Ryu is blind in his love for Daniel and instead of treating him like an equal partner as he deserves he stops at nothing to protect him and suddenly there is an imbalance in their relationship that their enemy spots and takes advantage of. Daniel may look like model and behave like a spoiled brat but underneath he is a fierce warrior intent on protecting what is his.
The enemy seems obvious but perhaps it is not. I liked that we saw a different side to Li and I have everything crossed that he will get his story next. Ryu seems to have learned his lesson when it comes to Daniel but will it all come too late as a mysterious enemy comes forward. I think as a couple they were even better in this book than the first time round…I loved every minute!
September 4, 2015
OMG this book was just perfection! Perfect from start to finish, and left me craving more of these characters!
I admit, I wasn't a huge fan of the last book in this series, but this one totally put things back on track for me as a reader and a fan of this author and this series. I've loved Andreas and Titus from day 1, but I kinda sorta think that my favorite couple might be Daniel and Ryu. I have truly loved reading about them (and gave their first book 5 stars too)...Daniel's sass and wit, paired with Ryu's serious attitude and presence work so well together. I love their interaction with Titus and Andreas, Daniel is always on point when dealing with them haha, and I loved how protective of and in love they are with each other. And that scene with the two of them and the sword fight was funny, hot, and kinda sums up Daniel and Ryu to a tee I think.
The way the book ends, leads me to believe that the next book might be about Li and Shen? It's always a good sign when a writer can take a character I was fully prepared to hate to wanting him to have his own book! I would totally read that, with hopefully a bit of the other couples included!
I love this author and can't wait to see what's next!
I admit, I wasn't a huge fan of the last book in this series, but this one totally put things back on track for me as a reader and a fan of this author and this series. I've loved Andreas and Titus from day 1, but I kinda sorta think that my favorite couple might be Daniel and Ryu. I have truly loved reading about them (and gave their first book 5 stars too)...Daniel's sass and wit, paired with Ryu's serious attitude and presence work so well together. I love their interaction with Titus and Andreas, Daniel is always on point when dealing with them haha, and I loved how protective of and in love they are with each other. And that scene with the two of them and the sword fight was funny, hot, and kinda sums up Daniel and Ryu to a tee I think.
The way the book ends, leads me to believe that the next book might be about Li and Shen? It's always a good sign when a writer can take a character I was fully prepared to hate to wanting him to have his own book! I would totally read that, with hopefully a bit of the other couples included!
I love this author and can't wait to see what's next!
September 12, 2015
4.5 stars
It was so great to catch up with Daniel & Ryu and Andreas & Titus. We even got to see Carl & Egill again too. How sad for these boys though that they can't seem to drag themselves out of bed. I guess some things never change ;) I knew Ryu (and by extension Daniel) joining the Tribunal would shake things up with some of the other members, but the real surprise for me was that whole thing with Li and Shen. I say bring it. Soon please. And let's not forget that Rajnish needs a story too :)
It was so great to catch up with Daniel & Ryu and Andreas & Titus. We even got to see Carl & Egill again too. How sad for these boys though that they can't seem to drag themselves out of bed. I guess some things never change ;) I knew Ryu (and by extension Daniel) joining the Tribunal would shake things up with some of the other members, but the real surprise for me was that whole thing with Li and Shen. I say bring it. Soon please. And let's not forget that Rajnish needs a story too :)
September 3, 2015
LOVED IT! Daniel and Ryu are back and this story was just what they needed. In Enduring Instincts, the two of them began their relationship. But here in this book, we get to see them as a strong and loving couple. And hot! When these two get together, it is intense! And my favs, Andreas and Titus, get lots of time in this story too. I think it was one of the best in the series! And there seemed to be some hints at the end that it won't be the last! I hope those hints come true ^_^
January 21, 2016
I really enjoyed this story, it was a great continuation to the series.
September 23, 2015
The Blogger Girls
4.5 Stars
I’ve been a fan of the Instincts series since the beginning and always get a happy little flutter in my heart whenever I learn there is another installment in the works. This story was no different (even though a big part of me wanted another Titus and Andreas update) because Daniel is just simply amazing. Ryu is great too, but Daniel, to me, is what makes them incredible.
Ryu has a history that most ridiculed, and without the backing of Titus, would have probably died many times over or became a recluse. Daniel was the recluse, but now he is bigger, better, faster, stronger…and finally the rest of the guys see that too. It was an amazing transformation considering how Daniel was portrayed at the beginning. I completely understand why SJ Frost gave these guys another book, they definitely had more to their story that needed to be told. Ryu grew on me, mainly because he is equally scary and sexy…and that’s a great combination.
It’s always nice to reconnect with the men from the previous books, and we get a healthy dose of Andreas and Titus. Troy was one of my favorites so I would have liked to see how he’s coming along, but I was very happy with what I got.
What I really wanted though was some of the naysayers on the tribunal to get their comeuppance. It seems that they got away with too much, even though Titus always gives them tit for tat in a no nonsense and crude way…which I loved. So I finished this story with a smile on my face, knowing that for now all the guys are in a happy place…but if someone else has more to their story, I am all ears and ready to keep on reading.
Overall Impression: I loved it
4.5 Stars
I’ve been a fan of the Instincts series since the beginning and always get a happy little flutter in my heart whenever I learn there is another installment in the works. This story was no different (even though a big part of me wanted another Titus and Andreas update) because Daniel is just simply amazing. Ryu is great too, but Daniel, to me, is what makes them incredible.
Ryu has a history that most ridiculed, and without the backing of Titus, would have probably died many times over or became a recluse. Daniel was the recluse, but now he is bigger, better, faster, stronger…and finally the rest of the guys see that too. It was an amazing transformation considering how Daniel was portrayed at the beginning. I completely understand why SJ Frost gave these guys another book, they definitely had more to their story that needed to be told. Ryu grew on me, mainly because he is equally scary and sexy…and that’s a great combination.
It’s always nice to reconnect with the men from the previous books, and we get a healthy dose of Andreas and Titus. Troy was one of my favorites so I would have liked to see how he’s coming along, but I was very happy with what I got.
What I really wanted though was some of the naysayers on the tribunal to get their comeuppance. It seems that they got away with too much, even though Titus always gives them tit for tat in a no nonsense and crude way…which I loved. So I finished this story with a smile on my face, knowing that for now all the guys are in a happy place…but if someone else has more to their story, I am all ears and ready to keep on reading.
Overall Impression: I loved it
October 25, 2015
I was given this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book but that is no surprise to me as S.J. Frost is one of my most favorite MM author. This book was a great way to catch up with all the characters of the Instincts series, but especially Daniel and Ryu. This author just has a way of making the whole story believable even vampires. This story was primarily about Ryu need to protect Daniel but Daniel shows Ryu he can be a fierce fighter.
This book has love, intensity and good old fun all rolled into one amazing story and can’t wait for the next installment.
I loved this book but that is no surprise to me as S.J. Frost is one of my most favorite MM author. This book was a great way to catch up with all the characters of the Instincts series, but especially Daniel and Ryu. This author just has a way of making the whole story believable even vampires. This story was primarily about Ryu need to protect Daniel but Daniel shows Ryu he can be a fierce fighter.
This book has love, intensity and good old fun all rolled into one amazing story and can’t wait for the next installment.
September 2, 2015
Waited so long for another book, and I'm glad this one finally came out. I absolutely love Ryu and Daniel. I'm gonna read their book again. Their love is just so real and intense. I'm hoping Li gets his book with Shen, I definitely want to read that!!
November 9, 2015
3.1 stars. Although this book felt like a transition rather than a fully articulated instalment, it was nice to revisit Daniel and Ryu. I particularly liked learning more about Li's background and look forward to his story with Shen.
February 17, 2017
4.5 'Another frigging awesome book in this series. Love all the charcters, cant get enough of them' stars.
December 8, 2017
I love this series. I'm hoping for more books to come, I want to read Li Kang and Shen get their own story, storyDomingo get his own story, and Rajnish get his own story as well.
December 11, 2015
4.5 Heart Review by Roberta
I love this series and I was so excited when I saw that this book had come up for review! I’ve read each of these books and have truly fallen in love with these characters. I love the fact that we go back and are able to see how the lives of these wonderful characters are going and it’s always a good time as there is ALWAYS something going on!!
Daniel and Ryu have been together as eternal partners for awhile now and things are going pretty damn well. Daniel and Ryu are still as sweet and sensual as they have always been and it’s good to see their relationship becoming even stronger. I love the fact that these guys make an effort to keep communication open and honest between them.
Ryu has the chance to become a Tribunal member and even though he and Daniel have some reservations regarding this, they both decide that the can at least go and see what they have to say to him. Ryu has such a high moral code that he lives by and that is one of the reasons that I love him so. Ryu was a samurai who lost his way into darkness and yet, the love of a good man helped bring him back to who he was. I liked that Ryu’s history isn’t shiny and happy. This vampire has lived through so much and it’s made him into the vampire he is today. Ryu knows that by going to his interview, he’s going to have to deal with an old foe, Li.
Daniel…well, if you’ve read the prior books, you know that Daniel is beautiful and very deadly. Everyone gets caught up in his looks and his charm which includes lots of sarcasm. I love that about him. I love that Daniel is so fiercely loyal to those whom he considers family and friends and Daniel doesn’t have a lot of those, so you know that this group is small. Daniel loves Ryu and only wants for them to be happy together as well as for Ryu to help bring the vampire race back from the brink that it’s been on for some time. Daniel is headstrong and very determined, which is another wonderful thing about him and once he gets his head into something….it’s game on!!!
We get to see some of our friends from previous books, Titus, Andreas, Carl, Egill. I miss Renart Bellerose. He’s mentioned along with Troy, but I just really miss his flair and charisma. I liked that we get to see the guys or at least the mention of them. I love seeing how these characters that I’ve fallen for are faring and it seems to be going well for them.
Now, as we all know, SJ Frost can write some sexy times and again…SJ brought it!! There is never a lack in Daniel and Ryu’s life of their powerful love and lust for each other. I liked that even though there were some sexy times being had…it didn’t detract from everything else going on in the book.
There was some mystery/suspense going on and I really liked how it played out. I liked knowing that there is another book coming out regarding these characters. I liked slowly finding out what was happening and just how far our characters would go to protect the ones that they loved the most!! Reading along and trying to figure out who or what was behind all of this was really fun and I didn’t want to put the book down until I figured out who did it.
I have to say that this book was a wonderful addition to the storylines that we’ve read in this series and it looks like it’s about to get even more intriguing. I will say that even though there was some violence, it wasn’t graphic and it really fit the story.
I would also caution, if you’ve not read the other Instinct books, start from the beginning so that you truly get a feel for who these characters are and where they’ve been to who they are now. It’s a great progression and it’s really wonderful to see.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
I love this series and I was so excited when I saw that this book had come up for review! I’ve read each of these books and have truly fallen in love with these characters. I love the fact that we go back and are able to see how the lives of these wonderful characters are going and it’s always a good time as there is ALWAYS something going on!!
Daniel and Ryu have been together as eternal partners for awhile now and things are going pretty damn well. Daniel and Ryu are still as sweet and sensual as they have always been and it’s good to see their relationship becoming even stronger. I love the fact that these guys make an effort to keep communication open and honest between them.
Ryu has the chance to become a Tribunal member and even though he and Daniel have some reservations regarding this, they both decide that the can at least go and see what they have to say to him. Ryu has such a high moral code that he lives by and that is one of the reasons that I love him so. Ryu was a samurai who lost his way into darkness and yet, the love of a good man helped bring him back to who he was. I liked that Ryu’s history isn’t shiny and happy. This vampire has lived through so much and it’s made him into the vampire he is today. Ryu knows that by going to his interview, he’s going to have to deal with an old foe, Li.
Daniel…well, if you’ve read the prior books, you know that Daniel is beautiful and very deadly. Everyone gets caught up in his looks and his charm which includes lots of sarcasm. I love that about him. I love that Daniel is so fiercely loyal to those whom he considers family and friends and Daniel doesn’t have a lot of those, so you know that this group is small. Daniel loves Ryu and only wants for them to be happy together as well as for Ryu to help bring the vampire race back from the brink that it’s been on for some time. Daniel is headstrong and very determined, which is another wonderful thing about him and once he gets his head into something….it’s game on!!!
We get to see some of our friends from previous books, Titus, Andreas, Carl, Egill. I miss Renart Bellerose. He’s mentioned along with Troy, but I just really miss his flair and charisma. I liked that we get to see the guys or at least the mention of them. I love seeing how these characters that I’ve fallen for are faring and it seems to be going well for them.
Now, as we all know, SJ Frost can write some sexy times and again…SJ brought it!! There is never a lack in Daniel and Ryu’s life of their powerful love and lust for each other. I liked that even though there were some sexy times being had…it didn’t detract from everything else going on in the book.
There was some mystery/suspense going on and I really liked how it played out. I liked knowing that there is another book coming out regarding these characters. I liked slowly finding out what was happening and just how far our characters would go to protect the ones that they loved the most!! Reading along and trying to figure out who or what was behind all of this was really fun and I didn’t want to put the book down until I figured out who did it.
I have to say that this book was a wonderful addition to the storylines that we’ve read in this series and it looks like it’s about to get even more intriguing. I will say that even though there was some violence, it wasn’t graphic and it really fit the story.
I would also caution, if you’ve not read the other Instinct books, start from the beginning so that you truly get a feel for who these characters are and where they’ve been to who they are now. It’s a great progression and it’s really wonderful to see.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
October 24, 2015
Daniel Valente and Ryunosuke Kimura have been enjoying the tranquility of their English countryside home. However, the peace is about to be interrupted when they must resolve events of the past, as well as deal with helping to build a better Tribunal future.
Protective Instincts is the sixth book in the Instincts series. In this episode, Ryu is nominated to be a judge, but as in every government there are those who will oppose adding anyone to their privileged ranks. Ryu expects opposition from a past adversary. The surprise in the story is Ryu’s antagonist is not the only enemy.
I have read this series from the beginning book, Natural Instincts, and I suggest any fan of vampires do the same; you will not regret it. The vampire characters are charismatic and just a bit impertinent. The vampires also have amazing pets as protectors.
Ryu and Daniel are eternal partners, which is a vampire version of a monogamous marriage. Ryu and Daniel are completely different in personalities, but the yin and yang traits work well for the couple. Ryu lives by the samurai warrior’s code, loyalty, self discipline, respectful and honorable.
Daniel, on the other hand, does not have a humble bone in his body. Daniel is outrageously frank in his assessments of others, as well as a deceptively deadly warrior who has no qualms about intimidating anyone perceived to be an enemy.
S.J. Frost has again created another incredible addition to this series. The characters are amusing, in addition to being compelling. The reader is agreeably drawn into the narrative and held until the conclusion.
Protective Instincts is the sixth book in the Instincts series. In this episode, Ryu is nominated to be a judge, but as in every government there are those who will oppose adding anyone to their privileged ranks. Ryu expects opposition from a past adversary. The surprise in the story is Ryu’s antagonist is not the only enemy.
I have read this series from the beginning book, Natural Instincts, and I suggest any fan of vampires do the same; you will not regret it. The vampire characters are charismatic and just a bit impertinent. The vampires also have amazing pets as protectors.
Ryu and Daniel are eternal partners, which is a vampire version of a monogamous marriage. Ryu and Daniel are completely different in personalities, but the yin and yang traits work well for the couple. Ryu lives by the samurai warrior’s code, loyalty, self discipline, respectful and honorable.
Daniel, on the other hand, does not have a humble bone in his body. Daniel is outrageously frank in his assessments of others, as well as a deceptively deadly warrior who has no qualms about intimidating anyone perceived to be an enemy.
S.J. Frost has again created another incredible addition to this series. The characters are amusing, in addition to being compelling. The reader is agreeably drawn into the narrative and held until the conclusion.
November 19, 2015
I have to admit, the more I know about Daniel the more I like him. In this book his and Ryu's loyalty to each other is tested. An old enemy of Ryu's is set on getting revenge. Ryu struggles to keep Daniel out of it, but of course Daniel won't be swayed. I really liked how this story all came together, it really was a good read. And I hope it means there is more to come.
May 1, 2016
Way too expensive for the page count and most of it was sex scenes that seemed to last forever - really tedious trying to find the few pages of story tucked in here and there. I love S.J. Frost's writing but sex gets boring after just so much.
October 18, 2015
It's been a couple years since I've read this series so to read a couple that is established is hard to get into.
October 1, 2015
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews