Primal Temptation

Pendragon Gargoyles #5

by Sydney Somers

Condemned to darkness. Tempted by passion. Enslaved by a vengeful goddess, forced to live on blood, Lucan can barely remember life as a knight of the Round Table. Yet when one woman’s touch awakens millennium-old feelings that tame the savage darkness within him, he has no choice but to deny their all-consuming passion—for her own protection. Shifter Briana Callaghan has watched all three of her brothers find their mates, but love isn’t in her future. Especially when her mate turns out to be a lethal mercenary…and the only man ever to break her heart. When she’s chosen to compete in the Gauntlet, an immortal death match, Briana realizes the prize—the sword Excalibur—is her only hope of severing the fierce bond that has the power to destroy her. Stunned to find themselves pitted against each other, Briana and Lucan quickly find that the only thing they’re fighting harder than their enemies is their sizzling, heartbreaking chemistry. But even if they survive the Gauntlet, claiming the woman he loves will be as impossible as letting her go. Primal Temptation is the fifth book in the Pendragon Gargoyles series featuring sexy alpha males hell-bent on claiming their mates, sassy kick-ass heroines going to toe-to-toe with lethal shapeshifters and bone-melting sexual tension. If you’re a fan of Kresley Cole or Sherrilyn Kenyon, or if you just enjoy paranormal romances with lots of heat, action and suspense, you’ll love Primal Temptation. Praise for the Pendragon Gargoyles Series “…the entire series a must-read.” – Rabid Reads on Primal Pleasure “The world that Sydney Somers created is just fantastic. The twists and turns will keep you coming back for more.” – Fictional Candy on Primal Instinct “…the action is fast paced and the romance is scorching making The Pendragon Gargoyles an utterly addictive series – Black Lagoon Reviews on Primal Hunger “Sydney Somers writes love stories with a sexy edge that keeps me coming back for more.” – Fiction Vixen on Primal Pleasure “Sydney Somers has a great voice. I always enjoy reading her and I definitely recommend this series.” – Smexy Books on Primal Pleasure “Sydney has created such an interesting world, it’s difficult not to be in awe as you read these books.” – Yummy Men Kickas Chicks on Primal Temptation “Somers’ Pendragon Gargoyles inhabit an increasingly complex, creative world.” – Romantic Times Book Reviews on Primal Temptation The Pendragon Gargoyles Series Primal Instinct Primal Hunger Primal Attraction Primal Pleasure Primal Temptation Primal Bounty

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Romance, Ebooks

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 22, 2013

About the author

A born and raised Maritimer, Sydney Somers fell in love with writing when she finished her first story, Jenny and the Glowing Green Mittens. After attempting her first book in high school, she set writing aside to focus on school. While getting her degrees in psychology and education, Sydney tried her hand at journalism between part time jobs before finally returning to her love of writing.

Twenty-five novels and novellas later, Sydney is thrilled to spend her days slaying demons, running with shape-shifter packs and making the people in her head fall wildly in love. When she’s not writing or curled up with a good book, Sydney can be found chasing after her herd of kids, talking her way into a gourmet meal, exterminating rogue dust bunnies or joking about the pending zombie apocalypse. She loves hearing from readers and invites them to contact her anytime.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doesn’t it figure that the only girl in the Callaghan family of gargoyles would find her soulmate and he would be an ancient, cursed blood-sucking wraith? A mercenary crazed by the need to kill? Briana and Lucan were once friends as humans, then they were cursed by Rhiannon, Arthur’s mother in a fit of rage. Both have longed for their soulmate, but could Lucan control his inner demon and not kill Briana?
Primal Tempation by Sydney Somers proves beyond any doubt that this author can write, with depth, feeling and consistency! Creating a series is easy, continuing a series with a fresh face on each addition is not, but she has done it! Her characters have heart, their feelings are intense and their pain actually hurt me! From the ancient curses to the history of King Arthur and his battle with his half sister, this is amazing read! And the off the charts, hotter than hades in July sexual tension? Whoa, makes a habanero pepper seem tame!
Great reading, great series!

I received a review copy as part of the Sydney Somers Pendragon Gargoyles Book Tour and Giveaway, currently at Tome Tender through November 17th!

Series: Pendragon Gargoyles, Book 4
Publication Date: October 22, 2013
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Page Count: 298
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

[Carmel (Rabid Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by: Rabid Reads

I haven’t picked-up a Pendagron Gargoyles book since 2011 but managed to fall back into Sydney Somers’ world with ease. Her spin on King Arthur & The Knights of the Round Table is both sexy and fascinating. Briana and Lucan’s thousand-years-in-the-making love story also helped ensure that this novel did not suffer from the insta-love syndrome that so often plagues paranormal romance. Primal Temptation is a well-rounded read packed with fun mythology and lovable characters; a definite must for fans of the genre!

I enjoyed watching the romance between the two main characters develop and I especially liked the flashbacks; Somers creatively weaves them into the plot which adds a lot of fluidity to the story. One of the aspects of mate bonds that I enjoy the most is how oftentimes “the one” isn’t necessarily the person you’d expect. In this case, it’s a matter of a cat shifter falling in love with a wraith. Adding to the list of reasons why they shouldn’t be together is the fact that Briana’s brothers dislike Lucian. Oh, and there’s also the small matter of him having broken her heart all of those years ago. But, as much as the odds are stacked against them, love always finds a way.

The main plot line of this installment is exciting; I liked the gauntlet set-up and enjoyed watching the characters overcome each trial. There are a few hints along the way that the gods may be playing with the immortals and that they might have ulterior motives. A lot of the characters get put through the wringer in this book while new ones are also introduced as possible future love interests. The story ends with a couple of major revelations which guarantee that there are turbulent times ahead for this series (i.e. more installments!).

I’m a sucker for the tall, dark and tormented type so I took an instant liking to Lucan. He can be a real ass at times but it’s mostly a front for his insecurities and protective nature. We learn his true identify in this novel and it’s hell-a shocking! Briana is strong, independent and courageous which just so happen to be some of my favourite traits in a heroine. I loved watching her give it her all in the gauntlet competitions and her refusal to take any crap from Lucan was admirable. A lot of this series’ previous characters also make cameo appearances throughout the book which helps make the story extra special for long-time fans of Sydney Somers.

Primal Temptation is the perfect read for a chilly night with its amped-up sexual tension and heated battles; I just hope that I don’t have to wait another 2 years for the next installment!

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was good but there was apart that was a bit confusing or rather was not defined.
I do not remember what chapter it but it was the scene where Lucan and Briana both touch the golden chalice.
They both have a vision or a flash back, but the scene abruptly goes to Briana waking up in a tent with her best friend without any warning. It felt as though my book was missing a few pages.

Other than that, I enjoyed the story.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Primal Temptation.
This book BLEW MY MIND! It has so many twists and turns, and every so often I had to take a break to lift my jaw of the floor. I love how Sydney Somers is able to take stories we have heard for centuries and create fresh new takes on them!

[Joetta Spurling · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Damsel in Distress

Primal Temptation: Pendragon Gargoyles book 5
By Sydney Somers
Kindle unlimited purchase
Cat-shifter Briana Callaghan finally gets her book. Her brothers have found their mates, now it's her turn. But the problem is she found him a long time ago and has been hiding it from everyone even her mate.
Lucan promised Briana's brothers he would look out for her and that is what he is doing, nothing more.
This was a great addition to the series. Briana's character was wonderful I loved how strong she was, how she could handle herself in anything SS through her way. She was no Damsel in Distress.

[Harlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

This was probably one of my favorite books in this series so far! A nice blend of romance and drama! However I don’t like that in the last few books you find out the connection for the next book or so I’d much rather be surprised

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Primal Temptation

These gods and goddesses are so evil at times. I don't know how Lucan didn't realize Briana was his mate. They been dancing around each other for so long. Tristan needs to let the hatred for Lucan go already.

[Holley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like this one as much as the previous 3 books. It was poorly edited and the plot was confusing with no cohesiveness or wrap up at the end. I'll probably read the next in the series, but if it leaves me feeling like this one did that will probably be the end for me.

[Arlene Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

This is a fun loving series, the caraters are easy to follow and very interesting. I can't wait for the next book

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to series. Gargoyles,shifter,Fae and other paranormals brought together. Enjoy modern day scenes as well scenes with King Arthur & The Knights .

[Sandra Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Series

This series was one of my favorites. It kept me wanting some more. The way they went from one to the next was something that's hard to find. You nailed it.

[cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read book !!!!

I loved the hole book I have read the hole book twice . this book was wrote in a that you could not put it down and pick up the next one!!!!!

[Joy Ki`Ili · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenges

A group of immortals are magically transported to a hidden location to compete for a prize that will give them their hearts desire. Along the way Lucan discovers Briana is his mate and he does everything to protect her.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks

Primal Temptation is the fourth book in Sydney Somers Pendragon Gargoyles series. This is a solid series with good story telling mixed in with very interesting twists on mythology. It also has a very interesting mix of paranormal creatures – some you don’t tend to see in paranormal romance books.

This installment focuses on Briana and Lucan (Luke). Briana is a cat/gargoyle shifter and Luke is a wraith. Both have been cursed by Rhiannon after Arthur died. Yes, Arthur and the Knights of the round table…that Arthur. Like I said, the twist on mythology in this series is incredible. All the Knights have been cursed because they failed to protect Arthur. Others were also cursed pretty much for the same reason. And some characters who were cursed led some pretty interesting lives ‘before’…such as Merlin and Lancelot! But you don’t know who they were before until all is revealed! So cool! Sydney does a fantastic job with the world in these books.

To break the curse that has been set upon them, Pendragon’s must find their mate. Briana actually found her mate ages ago but didn’t want to share that information with her overly protective brothers (the heroes from the previous books) because of who her mate is. He is not well liked by pretty much everyone in this paranormal community and not because he isn’t a decent guy but because he can’t help the hunter he is cursed to be and he pretty much scared the bejeebus out of everyone. Except for Briana. Even Luke does not know he is her mate, and let me tell you, that scene is good. :)

Briana and Luke have a more complex history than I imagined and the way Sydney wrote their time together and blended it with flashback was great. It really shows you just how long Briana’s journey to ‘happiness’ has been and how right these two are for each other. Of course, Luke has been fighting his attraction to Briana for centuries and sometimes watching him struggle with his feelings was a bit frustrating (meaning you may find yourself yelling : “just take her already!”) but seeing what he is, it is all mostly understandable.

Briana has spunk and I like that and Luke is quite yummy and I like that too. *grin*

There is much more to the story than just Briana and Luke. War is coming and a tradition of sorts before war begins is that there is some version of immortal Games. These are called the Gauntlet. Well, Briana and Luke have been chosen to compete. The Games themselves were very interesting and I enjoyed reading the different tasks the players had to overcome. Sydney’s imagination really works here. The Games were fast paced and really fun to read. You will definitely sit a little bit on the edge of your seat while reading the Game scenes.

There are some side characters that were interesting and who have chemistry that rivaled Briana’s and Lucan’s. Nessa, Mac, Vaughn and Elena are all characters to watch in this book.

Overall, I was very happy with Primal Temptation. It was nice to finally get Briana and Luke’s story as well as catch up with heroes and heroines from the past installments. Sydney had created such an interesting world, it’s difficult not to be in awe as you read these books. I know that the ‘original’ siblings have all found their HEA but I’m hoping that the new and interesting characters will provide enough inspiration for Sydney to continue the series.

[Jennifer Zorko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucan has kept his distance from Briana, tried to avoid her for as long as he can. But one night at the Pendragon Pub and a spell by a mischievous enchantress throws them into each others arms once more. Lucan is tempted to take what he has denied himself for so long, but knows that if Rhianna finds out she will use Briana against him. Trying to do the honorable thing, he tells Briana over and over that she means nothing to him, that it was just the magic of the night that she is felling, knowing that every time he denies his true feelings, he dies a little more each time.

Briana is the youngest of the Callaghan Clan. She, like her three brothers, has finally found her mate. But there is a problem. He is a wraith, the same wraith that marked her brother's mate for death. So for now she will keep her silence, not telling anyone, not even Lucan that he is her mate. After being denied by Lucan time and time again, Brianna begins to believe that the cat within her will turn against her, leaving her as one of "The Forgotten". Can she convince Lucan that together they can fight the darkness inside him and have a future as long as they fight for each other?

When both of them are pulled into the Gauntlet, forced to compete against each other, forced to hurt each other, all for the prize of Excalibur, will they make the choice to use the sword to break the mated bond, or will they chose each other always?

Ok, hold on to you hats, cause the forth book in the Pendragon Gargoyles Series is going to take you on a wild ride. This book is full of action and adventure (not that the other 3 books were lacking in any way). You will visit the past through flashbacks and scenes so real that you would swear that you were actually present. You will feel the heartbreak of both Briana and Lucan as they struggle to fight the feelings that they so desperately want nothing more than to act on. What I loved most about Lucan is that through everything that he has been forced to do since being punished and forced to kill and live as a blood sucking mercenary, he remains the noble knight, wishing to prevent others from suffering. What I loved about Briana is even though she had her doubts that she and Lucan would every truly be together, at the heart of it, she never really gave up. She kept fighting for him, fighting for her, fighting for them until she could make him see that they were just meant to be. Yes they sizzled the pages of this book, but their story is so much more than that. There are so many things that I would LOVE to reveal about this book, but that would just spoil the story. I will not reveal any spoilers, but I will say this, by the end of the book, you will be craving more, more, more.

[Danielle Gypsy Soul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the Pendragon Gargoyles series and although it could be read as a stand alone I recommend at least reading book 3 before you start in on this one since the characters backstory is introduced in this book. I love the spin on King Arthur & the Knights of the Round Table in a PNR series. It's entertaining, different and fun to read. This book centers around Briana and Lucan who have a long history of previous encounters that keeps this book from falling into the insta-lust/love that books with "true mates" seem to have. This book is packed with mythology and fascinating characters.

Honestly, I'm not sure which character I liked more Lucan or Briana. Lucan is tormented by a curse that has turned him into a wraith who can't always control that side of him, is forced to follow through with the "missions" his goddess assigns to him and drinks blood to survive. He was once a knight of the round table and he no longer feels like a good man with honor. He has always felt something for Briana but doesn't feel like he should be with her since he doesn't control his own destiny and a goddess likes to hurt him. Briana is a cat shifter and although she has strong feelings for Lucan she's tiered of him pushing her away. She's also tiered of her 3 brothers treating her as if she isn't a warrior in her own right. When Lucan and Briana are picked for the Gauntlet (a series of tasks they must achieve by beating other supernaturals) Briana decides to take the opportunity to prove herself and maybe get over Lucan. Lucan meanwhile wants to keep Briana safe and his wraith side tends to take over in order to make sure that happens. Briana was really able to come into her own during the competition and show how truly strong and courageous she is.

The romance between Lucan and Briana was well developed and the flashbacks really connected the reader to the past and all the two had to overcome. They were weaved into the plot extremely well and added a lot of context to the relationship. The gauntlet plot allowed for lots of action and suspense and it wasn't long before the reader was left wondering exactly what the gods were up to. A few new characters were introduced and although there were some surprising revelations the book didn't wrap the overall series plot line up.

I enjoyed this book and hope that at some point the author continues with this series.

[✨✨ Claire✨✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this book covers the last Pendragon we've been introduced to - the sister Briana.

Briana already is mated, but shes kept it a secret because of WHO she is mated to - even Lucan, her mate, doesn't know she is mated to him.

The strong attraction between these two, and seeing that both care and love each other but refuse to give into it thinking they're protecting the other....

Then they end up somehow playing the ancient game "The Gauntlet" -competing against each other, and other races of immortals. The gift? Excalibur. Apparently. Which will give them one wish. Briana's choice of wish keeps tipping from dissolving the mate bond and saving Lucan from his wraith side. Lucan wants to win so he can make them both forget about each other - to protect them from the hurt.

Lucan was the wraith first introduced in Book 1 as the assassin sent to kill Tristan's mate, Kennedy - even though he has no choice but to listen to the wraith side. So Brianna's brothers are less than pleased to find Lucan hanging around their sister....

another excellent instalment, and I'm a little worried that this is the end, but the background story of Avalon and King Arthur has only been scratched, so I'm hoping more instalments to come, and i will SO be getting them!

Haven't enjoyed a series like this in a long while!
So much so, i slowed my reading down on the book as i didn't want it to finish!

Totally recommended, and am keeping an eye out for the next one!!
Read on behalf of Book Monster Promos for an honest review

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Briana has known for quite a while that Lucan is her mate but Lucan, though aware of Briana, is unwilling to see that they are meant to be together. Instead, he does his best to avoid her. Due to a series of events that occur near the beginning of the book both Briana and Lucan suddenly find themselves transported to another realm and amidst a group selected by some gods to participate in “The Gauntlet”. The Gauntlet is a no holds barred event with five tasks to be accomplished. In the pursuit of meeting the goals there is plenty of danger, fighting, bloodshed, and there are some rather interesting revelations made that give a great deal of information related to the backstory of this series. The author’s take on the Arthurian legend and its players is not the usual and is rather intriguing. It was nice to read a few scenes in the story let me know how Briana’s brothers and their spouses were doing. A number of new characters in this book could easily find themselves in future book should Ms. Somers decide to continue this series.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been intrigued by Brianna and Lucan in this series. She has always seemed so serious, so badass, strong and fierce. And he seemed to enjoy pushing her buttons. They appeared to me to have a love/hate relationship. So I desperately wanted their story. And I was not disappointed. Brianna was committed in her pursuit of Lucan. She wanted to give up on him, but knew he was worth it. And she was in his face about her feelings. I freaking loved her. And Lucan was overly protective of her despite not feeling worthy of her. But he was so awesome in that protection. I enjoyed all the twists and surprises this storyline had to offer along with Brianna's siblings and their mates. The chemistry between all the characters was utter perfection, hilarious, and loving. This series has such a strong family base that I truly love. I will now patiently wait for more.

[Jeanne Walz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad to see the story unfolding of the Arthur mythology. She has a different spin on the legend. Even though I am a die hard fan of the classic King Arthur, Morgana, and Mordred lore, I find her story rather interesting. An awesome twist in the story is Lucan's backstory. I am definitely looking forward to the next book and the progression of the story.
***SPOILERS***
Only thing I have a problem with is not understanding why Briana needed to die. It was stated why a few different times but I couldn't make the connection.

[Shanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of my favorites not only in this series, but all time. I love this series! I am so confused, I wish I had brothers like that to fuse over me but then on the other hand they sound so yummy that it's really hard to pick just one to drool over. This book won my heart, it has the past love, the current fight with heart to stay away it will never work, and the future I'll love you always. It really pulls at the heart strings. This is really a must read!!!

[Nancy Huddleston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sydney Somers did an amazing job with Primal Temptation. This is a wonderful story full of interfering gods, sexy immortals and the magic of love. The characters of Briana and Lucan will steel your heart from the very beginning. I feel in love with their intensity. You feel their attraction and their pain. The relationship is inspiring and heartfelt. You want them to make that leap of faith into forever love. I enjoyed every part of this book. I highly recommend this entire series.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complicated and intriguing. There feels like there should be a lot more to come.

[Michiru · Rating 3 out of 5]

good one
probably best of the four

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars

[Deelyn Krichbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Temptingly Great!!!

Sydney Somers has done it again with her latest book, Primal Temptation, in the Pendragon Gargoyles series. In their journey to finally being together you gain even more knowledge surrounding Avalon, Arthur, and those that were once the closest of friends and family. I can not wait for the next book in the series Primal Bounty!